Heating savings: tips for your property

Winter is here, and with it the dread of watching your heating bill soar. But don't panic! There are plenty of tips for cutting your heating consumption while keeping your home a snug little nest. Here are a few pointers to get through winter without shivering.

Improve your home's insulation

Why heat the great outdoors? Poor insulation is the number one cause of heat loss in a home. A badly insulated property can lose up to 30% of its heat through the roof, and walls and windows aren't far behind.

• Invest in thick curtains: Thermal curtains help keep the heat in the room. And they add a cosy touch to your décor into the bargain!
• Seal up your windows: If they aren't recent, consider adding insulating strips. This cuts draughts and improves airtightness.
• Lay rugs on the floor: As well as feeling lovely underfoot, they insulate against cold floors.

Looking for a long-lasting solution? Consider having your walls or loft insulated. Yes, it's an investment, but the long-term savings are well worth it!

Set the right temperature indoors

It's tempting to turn your living room into a sauna, but every extra degree pushes your energy consumption up by 7%. Here are a few simple pieces of advice:

• Go for the ideal temperature: 19 °C in living areas, and 17 °C in bedrooms. Cool enough to sleep well, without waking up frozen stiff.
• Turn the temperature down at night: A heating programmer is your best friend for adapting the warmth to different times of day.

A little bonus: pull on a woolly jumper! It looks good and helps you hold on to your body heat.

Maintain your heating equipment

A well-maintained heating system uses less energy and heats better. So don't skip these steps:

• Bleed your radiators: Trapped air reduces their efficiency. A quick bleed allows heat to spread more evenly.
• Clean your appliances: A dusty radiator heats less well. Take a few minutes to dust them regularly.
• Have your boiler serviced: An annual service is compulsory (and sensible!) to keep it running at its best and extend its lifespan.

Make the most of free heat

Free heat? It really does exist, and you've almost certainly got some at home!

• Open your curtains during the day: Even winter sunshine is a natural source of heat. Let the rays in to warm your rooms.
• Close everything at nightfall: As soon as the sun goes down, close curtains and shutters to keep the heat you've built up.
• Use the heat from your appliances: Cooking or running electronic devices produces heat. Make the most of it to warm your space!

Try innovative solutions

Technology can help you bring your bills down!

• Smart thermostats: These little gems let you control your heating remotely and adjust the temperature to suit your routine.
• Reflector panels: Fitted behind radiators, they bounce the heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the walls.

And why not consider a greener heating solution, such as a heat pump? You'll save money in the long run while looking after the planet.

Adopt small habits that make a difference

Everyday habits count just as much as the big solutions.

• Close the doors: Stop heat drifting away by closing the doors of rooms you aren't using.
• Dress warmly: It can't be said often enough: a good jumper, thick socks and a snuggly blanket work wonders.
• Use a draught excluder: Simple and effective, it stops cold air creeping in under your doors.

By following these tips, you'll not only cut your heating consumption but also lighten your bill. As a bonus, you'll be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your CO₂ emissions.

So, ready to put these solutions in place? Remember that saving on heating also means adopting smart habits that benefit your comfort, your wallet and the planet. And if you're after more tips for improving your home, have a read of our article on paint tricks to brighten up your interior!