With winter right around the corner, no doubt you’ve already started to notice a steady increase in your monthly energy expenses. The days are shorter, which means your family turns to overhead lights or lamps quicker, and temperatures begin to drop, meaning your household’s reliance on your heating system grows.
So, how can you keep yourself and your loved ones comfortable all winter long without breaking the bank? We’ll walk you through some long-term solutions, as well as simple money-saving hacks in this article. Tag along to find out what you can do!
Consider your heating needs
Before going straight to the action you can take to minimise your heating costs, it’s crucial to take some time to observe and consider your family’s energy consumption habits. How much hot water do all of you need? And what temperature is usually pleasant enough for everyone in the house?
Answering these questions is the first step to slashing your heating bills. Once you know what to expect, it’s easy to set some expectations for yourself and your loved ones when it comes to staying warm in winter.
Take care of the insulation
A well-insulated home is a warm home – it’s as simple as that. Proper insulation ensures that cold air can’t enter your living space and prevents the heat produced by your heating system from escaping.
Whether you opt for loft, wall, or floor insulation, you are sure to avoid overspending on your heating bills for years to come if your home is adequately insulated. However, adding insulation if you don’t already have it can be quite costly, so be sure to carefully consider your budget.
For a cheap but effective alternative to loft, wall, or floor insulation, you can also go for draught proofing, which entails sealing any gaps or cracks near your windows or doors. Any tiny gap can let cold air in, so by caulking in the right places, you can easily reduce your heating bills by a couple of pounds.
Check your boiler
Chances are that, like most people in the UK, you rely on a boiler for your heating and hot water needs. Well, in that case, be sure to regularly check that your system runs smoothly. A boiler that has lost its efficiency will end up costing you extra in the long run, as more fuel gets wasted in the process of heat generation.
So, what should you do when it comes to your heating system? For one, you should service your boiler periodically, as a professional can determine whether your system still operates properly. You can also bleed your radiators and keep an eye on your thermostat to avoid huge temperature fluctuations.
Upgrade your heating system
In case you notice that your boiler can’t keep up with your heating needs, especially during the winter months, or if it’s costing you more and more money to keep it running, then it may be time to have your current system replaced with a new, highly efficient one. This is, of course, quite the investment, as the cost of a new central heating system in the UK can be significant, depending on the type of appliances you choose or need. However, in the long run, your annual savings on your heating bills will be noticeable, as an efficient heating system offers several advantages, including reduced energy expenses.
Embrace simplicity
For a cost-effective approach towards keeping your loved ones comfortable during the colder months, you can keep it simple and use what you already have on hand. Think, for instance, of cosy blankets, fluffy socks, and knitted sweaters, all of which can help you stay warm.
Why is this important? Well, this way, you can reduce your reliance on your boiler. Even a little goes a long way. Keeping your thermostat a few degrees lower can ensure that you’re not overworking your energy system, and, by extension, overpaying to keep everyone in your household warm.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these tips have given you some insights into what you can do to avoid spending too much on your energy bills this winter. Of course, some of the suggestions we’ve offered come at a significant price. But, in time, you will be able to make the most of your system and watch as your heating bills become lower thanks to your efficient appliances.
Whether you invest in insulation or a new boiler, or if you simply remind your family to wear a jumper instead of cranking up the heat whenever they feel a bit chilly, just remember that every bit counts towards helping you reduce your expenses.