Joanna Robinson
6th Jan 2025
Reading Time:
9
minutes
Cut heating costs now by making a few simple changes to your home before the really cold weather comes. With energy prices higher than ever, making your home as energy efficient as possible can save you serious money and ensure you stay warm for less.
How Can I Cut Heating Costs?
The first and most obvious way to cut your bills is to switch to a cheaper provider. Many people are looking at monthly bills of around £200 right now, so the most urgent thing you need to do is to switch to a cheaper energy company.
If you’re desperate to warm the house but worried about the nasty bills it will incur, then switch right now to save yourself hundreds over the year.
If you are using oil to heat your house then look at our article on how to get cheaper oil. There are a number of specialist heating oil websites around that will help you compare prices, and also buy in bulk with your neighbours so that you can all get cheaper prices. It’s definitely worth considering as oil prices continue to rise.
Also, before the worst of the winter weather comes, ensure that your boiler is working properly. Check out how a poor credit score could affect your ability to make use of monthly payments for a new boiler. Keep an eye on your score!
DIY quick fixes to cut your heating costs
You don’t have to pay hundreds to make your home warmer and more energy efficient (and so cheaper to heat). There are all sorts of little tweaks you can do yourself that are easy and cheap, but make a big difference to your bills.
In fact, we have a bunch of ideas on how you can save money on your bills and on how to save money by being green. Take a look!
Here are some quick wins you can achieve this evening to cut your bills and keep you toasty through the winter:
Tin foil behind the radiators
Sticking some tin foil behind your radiators will make them heat your room more efficiently and allow you to turn the radiators down a bit. Simply attach the foil to the wall using sticky tape or wallpaper glue, and make sure the shiny side is as close to the radiator as possible.
This works by reflecting heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through the walls. You can pick up some specially-designed radiator foil from Wickes for £14.99, but good-quality kitchen foil will work almost as well.
Thermal curtains
Another option is to buy ready-made thermal curtains – but with this you have a limited choice of colours and fabrics. Also, the cheap ones often look exactly that, while the expensive ones can cost over £100 in some stores.
It’s pretty easy to make your own thermal curtains though – by simply lining your curtains with an insulating material you can dramatically reduce heat loss.
- You can get thermal curtain lining which can reduce heat loss by as much as 25% – some start from just £11.
- Alternatively, you could easily make your own using cheap fleece on eBay or a PVC shower curtain with some lining sewn over the top.
- For added insulation you can replace the shower curtain with foil insulation. If you’re not much of a sewing whizz, pick up some fabric glue and fix the fabrics together that way.
Insulate your windows, doors and floors
Check the draughts around your house. Loads of cold air comes in under the doors and through the letter box, floorboards, cat flaps, and window cracks.
You can find out where the draughts are in your house by lighting a candle and placing it near your windows and doors. If the candle flame starts to dance around like crazy then you know you’ve got a draught!
By using draught excluder seal around your windows and doors, you can eliminate chilly draughts running through your home. It’s really easy to install and makes a surprisingly big difference.
Insulate your fireplace
Whatever you do – don’t try this if you actually use your chimney.
But if you don’t use your fireplace, all you need to do is stuff the opening in your room with newspaper or cardboard to stop draughts from creeping in.
If you do have an open fire during the winter months, there’s an easier way to insulate your fireplace: a chimney balloon.
All you need to do is inflate it to block the draught from the chimney cavity, then when you want a fire, you can deflate it and easily remove it. You can get chimney balloons from Amazon from £20.
Keeping your house warm and cosy
Then, there are ways to cut your heating bills without any effort at all…
Turn your heating off.
Really? Unfortunately, this is not available in Northern Ireland.
Additionally, if you are a pensioner or receiving tax credits/benefits, there are grants and other forms of assistance available. For example, a 2000w solar panel kit can cost you less than £4,000. While it may require an initial investment, this solar setup can efficiently power small homes throughout the year.
If you need more information, there is a free helpline that can provide you with access to grants and advice on heating bills.
Keeping yourself warm is crucial, just like warming the spaces where you spend your time. By staying warm through exercise and wearing appropriate clothing, you can reduce the need for high heating levels.
Exercise for at least 20 minutes a day to keep warm and boost your immune system. Even daily household chores like vacuuming and cooking can serve as exercise.
Layering up with extra clothing can help you stay warm without increasing your heating costs. Consider wearing thermals for added warmth. Quitting smoking can also improve circulation and help you stay warmer.
Instead of keeping the heating on all night, turn it off before bedtime, use a hot water bottle, and add an extra blanket to your duvet. This will keep you warm without relying solely on heating.
Do you have any cost-effective tips for staying warm? Share them in the comments below! sentence: Please remember to turn off the lights before leaving the room.