One way Brits are trying to save money this autumn is by keeping heating bills to a minimum – that’s where these inexpensive expert tips could be your new holy grail for keeping warm
With temperatures already decreasing as we head deeper into autumn, and Ofgem increasing its price cap earlier this month, Brits across the UK are eagerly looking for ways to keep warm in the autumn and winter months without racking up their energy bills.
There are simple solutions, such as wearing more layers at home or investing in some hefty blankets that you can get cosy under on chilly evenings, but heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has also outlined some easy-to-make changes to your home that could help you save on heating bills through the colder months.
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1. Make Good Use of Your Curtains
Matthew suggests making the most of the free heat from sunlight. By opening your curtains and letting sunlight into your home during the day, you can delay the need to switch on your heating. As night falls, close your curtains. They act as an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep the warmth in the room.
Make sure there are no gaps or leaks to stop warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping in. This can also help to minimise condensation.
During the winter months, it’s advisable to opt for thicker and longer curtains, such as velvet or even blackout options. These ensure less air can seep through the material or sneak around them, into your room.
2. Use Rugs
Your room might be losing a significant amount of heat right under your feet. Floorboards, vinyl, stone, and laminate floors can get extremely cold in the winter, and if your flooring is old or has numerous cracks or gaps, you could be losing a substantial amount of heat through the floor.
Adding a rug to any room can provide a cosy feel while helping to keep your feet warm. It will also help to reduce the amount of cold air creeping in and the amount of warm air escaping.
Depending on the size of the space, a thick rug is a fairly affordable addition to any home.
3. Hot Water Bottles
Hot water bottles are a cost-effective solution for staying warm in the winter. By simply refilling your hot water bottle with warm water throughout the day, you can stay cosy and comfortable.
Pairing a hot water bottle with a blanket creates an incredibly warming combination that keeps you toasty all day long. A fantastic way to cut down on heating at night is to pop a hot water bottle into your bed about 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime, ensuring your sheets are snug and inviting when it’s time to nod off.
If you’re a bit cautious about using water-filled hot water bottles, a microwavable warmer is a brilliant, budget-friendly alternative.
4. Move Your Furniture
A solution that doesn’t require any extra spending, just a bit of interior design know-how. It might seem like a good idea to place your sofa, bed, or desk in front of a radiator to feel the warmth, but this will only result in your furniture soaking up most of the heat from the radiator.
Shifting your furniture away from the radiator allows the warm air to circulate properly throughout the room. This also applies to any other items, such as your curtains, that may be covering your radiator.
Keeping items away from the radiators in the room can provide you with more warmth and allow you to make the most of the heat without waste.
5. Radiator Reflectors
Heat reflectors are a brilliant way to make your home feel cosier. You can pick up radiator reflectors at a bargain price; some options, like those available at Dunelm, go for around £20.
Plus, they’re super easy to fit, meaning you can tackle this DIY task without any extra installation costs. Radiator heat reflectors work by bouncing the heat from your radiator back into the room when placed against the wall behind the radiator.
This stops heat from escaping through the wall and instead pushes the warmth forward into the room, creating a toastier space without the need to crank up the thermostat.