5 bill-busting energy tips for winter

As the chill of winter sets in, the dreaded rise in energy bills often follows. But fear not! With a few expert-backed tweaks, you can keep the warmth in and the costs down. 

Here are five energy-saving tips for winter to help you sail through the colder months. 

1. Lower the thermostat and layer up 

Dial it down
Did you know that every degree you lower your thermostat can shave about 10% off your heating costs? You read that right. So, instead of cranking up the heat, try reaching for your cosy jumper, thick socks, and a snuggly blanket—your bills will thank you for it. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the feeling of wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, sipping on hot chocolate on a chilly night. 

Go back to the classics
Hot water bottles are a classic winter companion. Fill one up and let it warm your bed before you hop in. You’ll be surprised at how much heat it retains, giving you a toasty night’s sleep without an electric blanket.

2. Seal drafts 

Close the gaps
Drafts are sneaky culprits that can cause significant heat loss in your home. Gaps around windows and doors are the main offenders. Weatherstripping is your best friend here. It’s easy to install and can make a significant difference in keeping your home warm. 

Door sausages
If you haven’t heard of door sausages (draft stoppers), now’s the time to get acquainted. These are simple fabric tubes filled with sand or rice that you place at the bottom of your doors to block cold air from seeping in. They’re inexpensive and can be a fun DIY project, too. For the non-crafters among us, a rolled-up towel works wonders.

3. Heat smartly 

Targeted warmth
Heating your entire home is inefficient and costly, especially if you only use a few rooms. Space heaters give you targeted warmth where you need it most, like your living room during the day or your bedroom at night. Just make sure you use them safely and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Zoning 
If you can, consider setting up heating zones in your home. This way, you only need to heat the rooms you’re using rather than wasting energy on unoccupied spaces. You can easily “zone off” spaces by closing doors and windows.

4. Take shorter showers 

Shower savvy 
There’s little as satisfying as a hot shower. But, unfortunately, it may as well be your money running down the drain. Limiting your shower time is a straightforward way to cut down on energy usage. Aim for showers that last no longer than 4 to 6 minutes. 

Sequential showers 
If your household has multiple members, try taking sequential showers. This way, the water heater works efficiently while reducing the need to reheat large amounts of water numerous times a day. 

5. Embrace natural light 

Let the sunshine in
Make the most of natural sunlight during the day, open your curtains and let nature’s heater warm your home. And the best part? It’s free. 

Curtain strategy 
When the sun turns in for the night, close your curtains to keep the warmth inside. Thick, insulated curtains can help prevent heat loss through windows, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. 

Warm up to savings 

Implementing simple energy-saving tips can make a world of difference to your energy bills. So, make smart changes and enjoy a cosier, more cost-effective winter.