Top Tips: How to Save Money on Your Heating Bills this Winter

Winter is on its way, so now is a good time to identify how you can lower your heating bill and stay warm during the colder months.

Every winter, we expect our monthly heating costs to be high due to increased energy use in the colder months of the year. This year, however, our bills could be higher than ever before because more of us are working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic and the need for daytime heating will no doubt increase even more. And while we all want to remain comfortable throughout winter, we could really live without being lumbered with sky-high energy bills.

So, how on earth can we be cosy this winter and save money at the same time? Here are our top tips to help you stay warm and keep those heating bills down.

1.Seal Your Doors and Windows

Cracks in doors and windows are bad news because your precious heat can escape through them. Even tiny cracks are trouble, so take a good look at all of your doors and windows to see if you have any cracks that need covering. You can use draught-proofing strips around the window frames and door edges or even use Polyfilla to cover any cracks you find. If you haven’t already got some, you can also purchase an internal letterbox draught excluder and draught excluders for the bottom of your doors to keep the cold out.

2.Turn off Radiators in Rooms You Rarely Use

If you’ve got one or more rooms in your home that you rarely ever go in, turn off the radiators and keep the doors closed to save energy and money. Still, rather keep those radiators on? Well, you can keep radiators on in rooms you don’t spend much time in but be sure to set the valves to the lowest level.

3.Install a New Boiler

Although getting a new boiler isn’t the cheapest way to reduce your heating bills, it will help to save you a lot of money in the future. If you have an old boiler, it’s well worth replacing it with a new A-rated energy efficient boiler because it will not only slash your bills but it will heat your home more efficiently as well. Take a look at some the leading brand, such as Worcester Bosch, Ideal and Vaillant, as they are renowned for manufacturing reliable boilers
with excellent warranties. Also, make sure you compare new boiler prices by getting a range of quotes from local Gas Safe registered engineers to ensure you get the best deal.

4.Use Timers and Smart Heating Controls

Make use of your central heating system timers by programming the boiler to switch on the heating around half an hour before you get up each morning and before you’re due home from work. When doing this, choose a lower temperature as it will be much cheaper than putting the heating on the moment you need it at a higher temperature. You can also invest in smart heating controls, like a smart thermostat, which lets you control the heating via an app on your mobile phone. In addition to enabling you to adjust your heating, a smart thermostat lets you track your energy usage and some can even control the heating for you by constantly keeping your home at the right temperature without any instruction from you.

5.Get a Smart Meter

A smart meter helps you understand how much energy you’re using, so it makes sense to get one from your energy supplier. By being able to regularly monitor your usage, you can easily identify when you’re spending too much on heating and where you can cut down. You can start by shortening the times when the heating is on without telling the other members of your household to help you cut back. If no one notices that the heating is on less, it proves that you’re using too much.

6.Switch Energy Suppliers

If you’ve been with the same energy supplier for a while, chances are you’re spending more than you need to for your heating. You can actually save hundreds of pounds on your bill by switching to a cheaper supplier, so it does pay to shop around. When searching, try and find a competitive fixed-rate energy deal to protect yourself from energy price rises.

Even little things, like not blocking your radiators with furniture and keeping your curtains closed at night will help you achieve a warmer home for less money. So, if you want to avoid shocking heating bills this winter, consider giving some of our tips our try.