UK households are facing higher energy bills this winter, resulting in many families finding themselves struggling to afford to heat their homes. With average energy bills set to reach an eyewatering £1,738 a year, despite the help of the government’s price cap, keeping warm without breaking the bank is a big worry for many people. Fortunately, there are several ways you can keep your home warm in winter while minimising energy costs during the cost of living crisis.
Prevent Draughts
There’s nothing like the feel of cold air sneaking in through gaps in doors and windows to make your home feel cold and uncomfortable. In fact, 20% of the average UK home’s heating escapes this way. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution, and you don’t have to call in professionals to help. A roll of draught excluder tape from your local DIY shop can work wonders. It will instantly seal up any little gaps where warmth escapes and cold air comes in. Alternatively, add brush wiper seals at the bottom of your doors. If you want to get crafty, you can easily make a DIY draught excluder with some old fabric. Even just an old towel rolled up against the door can make a big difference.
Invest In An Air Source Heat Pump
As people are increasingly looking for ways to future-proof their energy bills, sales of air source heat pumps rose by as much as 63% in 2024. These devices work in reverse to fridges by extracting heat from outside air, including in cold temperatures, and using it to warm homes. They provide a much more energy-efficient alternative to gas, which has led to the government rolling out plans to replace gas boilers with heat pumps in many UK homes. There are upfront costs to installing a heat pump, between £7,000 and £13,000, but their running costs are markedly lower than that of a gas boiler and Air Source Heat Pump installation grants are available.
Use Thick Curtains To Keep Heat In
A surprising amount of heat is lost through windows, even when it comes to double or triple glazing. Curtains are a great way to keep the warmth inside and restrict airflow between the warmth inside and the cold air outside. Opt for heavier, thick-lined curtains if possible, as these will be a more effective barrier. Shutters can also provide an additional layer of insulation. To get the most out of your curtains, keep them open during the day to let the warm sunlight in and then close them fully as it gets dark and the temperature drops outside. That way, you won’t lose any heat to the outside, especially once you’ve turned the heating on.
Loft And Wall Insulation
A lot of a home’s heat is lost through the roof and walls, which is why insulation is a good investment. Loft insulation, which uses materials like foam boards, recycled fibres or mineral wool, is placed in the roof space to stop heat from escaping through the ceiling. Meanwhile, cavity wall insulation is typically used in homes built after the 1920s and has a gap between two layers of brick. Insulation material is injected into this gap to trap heat inside the home. It prevents warm air from escaping through the walls, helping to make the home’s heating more efficient and reducing energy bills. Some energy firms in the UK offer subsidised insulation, so it’s worth checking with your supplier to see if they’ll assist with the cost.
Staying Warm While Minimising Heating Costs
Switching on the heating as soon as the house feels cold can be very tempting, but this can quickly become expensive, especially if you’re the only one at home. So, before you start cranking up the thermostat, try a few budget-friendly tricks to stay warm, like keeping doors closed to keep in the heat, wearing extra layers and using a hot water bottle or blanket. These small but very simple changes won’t heat the entire house but will keep you comfortable while reducing the need for central heating. If you only use one room, consider investing in an energy-efficient electric heater rather than heating the whole house.
By sealing draughts, using curtains and investing in heat pumps or insulation, you can stay warm without overspending on energy costs.
