No one wants to come home to a cold house. But, with the price of fuel going up month by month, many of us are dreading the arrival of the colder months. So, we've put together our top tips for staying warm while keeping the bills at a manageable level.
Insulation is key
The first and most crucial step to saving money on your heating bills is ensuring your home is properly insulated. Without the correct insulation, all that heat you're paying for is just going to disappear right out of your home.
Check the attic, windows, doors, walls, floors, and other areas where heat might escape. You can usually find insulation at your local hardware store.
If you're unsure how to properly insulate your home, there are plenty of online guides, or you can even hire a professional.
Upgrade your Heating System
If your home is insulated correctly, but you're still paying high heating bills, it might be time to upgrade your heating system. Newer, more efficient models can save you a lot of money in the long run. And, the more recent styles of radiators can make a massive difference to the efficiency of your heating system.
You might also want to consider alternative heating options such as a pellet stove or a wood-burning fireplace. These can be cheaper to operate than traditional gas or electric heaters.
Lower the Temperature
One of the easiest ways to save money on your heating bills is to simply lower the temperature in your home. Just one degree lower can save you money. However, do ensure that the elderly and young children keep warm enough.
If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to lower the temperature automatically when you're away from home or asleep.
Get a programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat is a great way to save money on your heating bills because it allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can lower the temperature when you're not home or when everyone is asleep.
There are a variety of programmable thermostats on the market, so find one that best suits your needs. Many newer models can even be controlled via an app on your smartphone, which is handy if you're forgetful or always on the go.
Dress for the weather
One simple way to save money on your heating bills is to simply dress for the weather. Instead of cranking up the heat, put on a cozy sweater or blanket. You might even want to invest in some slippers or comfortable socks.
If you have young children or babies, make sure they're dressed appropriately as well. It's essential to keep them warm, but you don't want to overdo it and make them too hot.
Use your fireplace wisely.
If you have a fireplace, you can use it to help heat your home and save money on your heating bills. Just make sure you're using it correctly.
Start by opening the flue to let the smoke escape. Then, build a small fire and close the glass doors once the flames are going. You should also open any nearby doors to help circulate the heat.
Close off unused rooms
If you have any rooms in your home that are unused, close them off to save money on your heating bills. By closing the doors and vents, you can prevent heat from entering these rooms and wasting energy.
Install Thermostatic Valves
Installing thermostatic valves on your radiators is a great way to save money on your heating bills. These valves allow you to control the temperature of each individual radiator, so you're not wasting heat in rooms that don't need it.
Most of us, for example, prefer our living room to be warmer and our bedrooms to be cooler; thermostatic valves allow you to achieve this.
Use Curtains or Blinds
Another simple way to save money on your heating bills is to use curtains or blinds. By closing them, you can help keep the heat in and prevent it from escaping through the windows.
In the winter, it's also a good idea to open blinds and curtains during the day to let in some natural sunlight. Just make sure you close them again at night to keep the heat in.
Monitor Your Heating Bills
Keep an eye on your heating bills to see how much you spend each month. If you notice a sudden increase, it could indicate that your heater is not operating efficiently.
There are a variety of online tools that can help you monitor your energy usage and costs. By doing this, you can make changes to save money on your heating bills.
As you can see, there are a number of ways to save money on your heating bills. Following these tips can keep your home warm and comfortable without breaking the bank.
