Make your curtains and blinds work harder
Windows can leak up to 40% of the warmth in a room, so window coverings can make a surprisingly big difference.
Heavy curtains, especially those with a thermal lining, help trap warm air inside the room rather than letting it escape through the glass.
- Choose curtains with thermal backing or thick fabrics.
- Look for insulating blind materials such as honeycomb or layered fabrics.
- Use both curtains and blinds together for extra insulation.
- Close curtains as soon as the sun goes down to keep warmth inside.
- Open them during the day so the winter sun can naturally warm the room.
Fitted pelmets above curtains can also help reduce heat loss by stopping warm air from circulating up behind the curtain and cooling against the window.
Change your thermostat
Sometimes the simplest adjustment can make a real difference. Around 19 degrees is widely considered a comfortable indoor temperature during winter.
Every extra degree you add can increase your heating energy use by around 5% to 10%, so even a small adjustment can help reduce costs without making the house feel cold.
If your system allows it, using a programmable thermostat can also help. You can set it to lower the temperature overnight or while you're out and warm the house again when you return.
Don't overdo the tumble drying
Clothes dryers are incredibly convenient in winter, but they can also be one of the more expensive appliances to run.
Whenever possible, let nature do the work.
- Use sunshine and wind to dry clothes outside.
- Place a drying rack outdoors during sunny winter days.
- Hang washing near an open window or in a breezy spot.
- Dry clothes in a room that is already heated rather than heating a room just for drying.
This not only saves energy but can also help reduce moisture build-up inside the home.
Shorten your shower
When it's cold outside, a long hot shower can feel tempting. However, hot water accounts for around 25% of the average household energy bill.
Keeping showers shorter can make a noticeable difference.
- Aim for around four minutes in the shower.
- Playing a song while you shower can help keep track of time.
- Install a water-efficient showerhead to reduce both water and energy use.
Roof insulation
A poorly insulated roof allows a huge amount of warmth to escape. Installing or upgrading roof or ceiling insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve winter comfort.
Good insulation can reduce energy costs by up to 45% and helps keep your home cooler in summer as well.
Shut the door
Heating the whole house when you are only using one or two rooms can quickly drive up energy costs.
Closing doors to rooms you aren't using helps keep the warmth where you need it.
Don't heat an empty house
There's little point heating a house when nobody is home.
Turn heaters off before heading out or use a timer or programmable system so the heating comes on shortly before you return.
This way the house still feels comfortable without wasting energy throughout the day.
You could also:
- Install draught-proofing strips along the edges and bottom of external doors.
- Add adhesive seals around window frames where small gaps let cold air in.
- Block the gaps around internal doors too. You can buy a draught excluder or make your own to sit along the bottom of the door.
- Cover unused fireplaces or chimneys with a chimney balloon or draught stopper.
- Check floorboards and skirting boards for gaps and seal them with filler if needed.
If you plan to stay in your home for the long term, you might also consider double glazing. It can significantly reduce heat loss and may cut winter energy use by as much as 30%.
Simple alternatives to turning up the heater
Sometimes the easiest solution is simply adding a little extra warmth without using more energy.
- Put on a jumper or warm socks.
- Use a hot water bottle when going to bed.
- Snuggle under a cosy blanket or duvet when watching television.
- Add an extra layer to your bedding in winter.
Small habits like these can help you stay comfortable while keeping heating costs under control.
