Discover simple and effective ways to keep your home warm while saving on energy costs this winter
London: The New Year has kicked off with a serious chill, and it’s getting pretty cold out there. Staying in and cranking up the heat sounds nice, but those energy bills can be a real worry.
With energy prices on the rise, the average household bill is now around £1,717, and it’s set to climb even higher. But don’t fret! You can keep your home warm without breaking the bank.
There are loads of easy hacks to help you stay cozy without cranking up the thermostat. If you’re into tech, there are also some smart upgrades that can make your home super energy-efficient.
For instance, Bradley Van Der Straeten managed to cut energy use by two-thirds in his Tottenham home. He did this by adding cork insulation, upgrading the heating system, and installing a heat pump.
One simple tip is to make sure your radiators aren’t blocked by furniture. You don’t want to pay to heat the back of your couch! A little trick is to put kitchen foil behind the radiators to reflect heat back into the room.
Also, don’t forget to bleed your radiators regularly. This helps release trapped air and ensures they heat up properly. You can find guides online to help with this.
During the day, keep your curtains open to let in sunlight, and close them at night to keep the warmth in. Thicker curtains can really help retain heat.
Wearing an extra layer and turning your thermostat down by just one degree can save you about 10% on your heating bill. Plus, lowering the temperature for hot water can save you even more.
If you love that bare floor look, be aware that a lot of heat escapes through the floor. Soulla Christodoulou from Finchley filled gaps in her floorboards with a mix of glue and sawdust, and added felt underlay to her rugs. Now her home is much warmer!
The government suggests that basic draught-proofing is one of the cheapest ways to keep your home warm. You can use foam strips or metal strips to block gaps around windows and doors.
Using a draft excluder at your front door can also help keep the cold air out. You can find these at DIY stores for under ten pounds.
If double glazing isn’t an option, there are window insulation kits available that create an air barrier, which can be quite effective.
For drying clothes, a heated airer is a great investment. It’s way better than draping laundry over radiators, which can make your home feel damp.
For those looking to make bigger changes, consider getting your radiator system flushed. Kamilah Hale from Bromley did this and noticed a huge difference in how quickly her home heats up.
Annual boiler servicing is also key to keeping everything running smoothly. And don’t forget about loft insulation! It can prevent a lot of heat loss.
Insulating your loft can cost around £930, but it’s worth it. Make sure the insulation is at least 270mm thick for the best results.
If your home has cavity walls, filling them with insulation can save you a lot on heating costs. It’s a quick job that can pay off in just a few years.
Double glazing is a big help too, though it can be pricey. Expect to pay around £15,000 for a semi-detached house, but it can save you about £140 a year.
Replacing an old boiler with an A-rated one can save you around £200 a year, but it’ll cost about £2,000 upfront.
If you’re considering an air source heat pump, be prepared for a bigger investment of around £12,000, but there are government grants available to help.
