Keeping your home warm during the winter months is essential for comfort and health, especially in the UK, where winters can be cold, damp, unpredictable and easily below 0c.
With rising energy prices, the average household in the UK is paying £661.50 for electricity and £717.60 for gas each year. So it’s also important to ensure your home is energy-efficient to avoid excessive heating costs. This guide will show you practical ways to keep your house cosy without overspending.
Insulate Your Home Properly
Good insulation is one of the most effective ways to retain heat and reduce energy costs. In the UK, up to 25% of heat is lost through the roof of uninsulated homes. Installing loft insulation can prevent this. Wall insulation is also essential, as around 35% of heat escapes through the walls. If your home has cavity walls, filling them with insulation can save you hundreds of pounds annually. Solid wall insulation is slightly more expensive but offers great long-term benefits.
Draught-proofing your home is another affordable way to keep it warm. Small gaps around windows, doors, and floorboards can let in cold air. Sealing these gaps with weather strips, foam, or silicone sealant can make a noticeable difference. Even simple solutions like using draught excluders at the bottom of doors can help.
Use Heating More Efficiently
Efficient use of your central heating system is key to maintaining warmth without wasting money. Start by setting your thermostat to a reasonable temperature, usually around 18-21°C, as recommended by UK energy experts. Lowering the temperature by just 1°C can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%.
Using a programmable thermostat can also help you heat your home when it’s most needed. For example, you can set it to turn on 30 minutes before you wake up and switch off when you leave the house. Heating only the rooms you use is another effective method. Close the doors to unused rooms and direct heat to the spaces where you spend the most time.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are a common source of heat loss in UK homes. Double glazing companies can help you add windows that are highly effective at keeping heat inside, significantly reducing energy bills. If installing new windows isn’t an option, secondary glazing can be a cost-effective alternative. This involves adding a second pane of glass or clear plastic over your existing windows.
Using thick, thermal-lined curtains is another simple way to keep your house warm. During the day, keep the curtains open to let natural sunlight heat your rooms. At night, close them to prevent heat from escaping and block out any cold drafts from the windows.
Make Small Changes to Retain Heat
Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference in keeping your home warm. Placing rugs on bare floors helps to insulate them, as heat can escape through exposed floorboards. You can also use radiator reflector panels to prevent heat from being absorbed by external walls, instead directing it back into the room.
If you have a fireplace, ensure the damper is closed when not in use. Open chimneys can allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape, so sealing them when unused will help maintain indoor temperatures.
Take Advantage of Government Schemes
In the UK, there are several government initiatives to help households improve energy efficiency and stay warm during winter. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme provides free or subsidised insulation and heating upgrades for eligible households. Similarly, the Warm Home Discount Scheme offers a £150 discount on electricity bills for vulnerable groups, such as pensioners or those on low incomes.
The Winter Fuel Payment is another scheme aimed at pensioners. It provides between £100 and £300 to help with heating costs. These schemes can significantly reduce the financial burden of staying warm and should be explored by anyone who qualifies.
Consider Modern Heating Options
If your heating system is outdated, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern A-rated boilers are much more energy-efficient than older models and can save you money in the long run. Another option is to install a heat pump. Heat pumps use renewable energy to heat your home and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. While the initial cost is high, grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help offset the expense.
Layer Up and Stay Comfortable
Even with a well-insulated home, wearing warm clothing indoors can help reduce the need to keep your heating on constantly. Thick jumpers, socks, and blankets are effective ways to stay cosy. A hot water bottle or an electric blanket can also provide focused warmth without heating an entire room.
Focus on Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is not just about comfort but also about reducing costs. According to the UK Government, improving home insulation and using efficient heating systems can reduce energy bills by up to 30%. This is particularly important given the current rise in energy prices. Additionally, more than 1.5 million UK homes now use solar panels, even in winter, to offset energy costs. Exploring renewable energy sources can be a long-term solution for lowering bills.
By following these tips, you can create a warm and energy-efficient home that stands up to the harshest UK winters. Simple changes like insulation, smart heating use, and making use of government support can save money and ensure your comfort throughout the colder months.
