Winter is here, and with it the dread of a soaring heating bill. But don’t panic! There are plenty of tips on how to reduce your heating bills while keeping your home cozy and warm. Here are a few tips to get you through winter without shivering.

1. Optimize your home's insulation

Why heat outdoors? Poor insulation is the main cause of heat loss in the home. Poorly insulated homes can lose up to 30% of their heat through the roof, and walls and windows can also lose heat.

  • Invest in thick curtains: Thermal curtains help keep the room warm. And what’s more, they add a cosy touch to your decor!
  • Wedge your windows: If they’re not new, consider adding insulating gaskets. This reduces draughts and improves air tightness.
  • Place rugs on the floor: As well as being pleasant to sit on, they provide insulation from cold floors.

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

2. Set your indoor temperature correctly

It’s tempting to turn your living room into a sauna, but each additional degree increases your energy consumption by 7%. Here are a few simple tips:

  • Adopt an ideal temperature: 19°C in living areas and 17°C in bedrooms. That way, you can sleep in a cooler place, without waking up cold.
  • Lower the temperature at night: A heating programmer is your ally in adapting the heat according to the time of day.

Little bonus: Put on a wool sweater! It’s stylish and helps keep your body warm.

3. Maintain your heating equipment

A well-maintained heating system consumes less and heats better. So don’t neglect these steps:

  • Bleed your radiators: Accumulated air reduces their efficiency. Quickly bleeding them allows better heat diffusion.
  • Clean your appliances: A radiator full of dust doesn’t heat as well. Take a few minutes to dust them regularly.
  • Have your boiler serviced: Annual maintenance is mandatory (and recommended!) to optimize its operation and extend its life.

4. Make the most of free heat

Free heat? Yes, it exists, and you probably have some in your home!

  • Open your curtains during the day: The sun, even in winter, is a natural source of heat. Let its rays in to warm your rooms.
  • Close everything at dusk: As soon as the sun goes down, close curtains and shutters to conserve heat.
  • Use the heat from your appliances: When you cook or use electronic devices, you generate heat. Take advantage of this to warm up your space!

5. Adopt innovative solutions

Technology can help you reduce your bills!

  • Connected thermostats: These little gems let you control your heating remotely and adjust the temperature according to your habits.
  • Reflective panels: placed behind radiators, they reflect heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the walls.

And why not consider a more environmentally-friendly heating solution, such as a heat pump? You’ll save money in the long term, while protecting the planet.

6. Adopt small habits that make a difference

Everyday gestures count just as much as grand solutions.

  • Close doors: Limit heat dispersion by closing doors to rooms you’re not using.
  • Dress warmly: We can’t stress this enough: a good sweater, thick socks and a cozy blanket work wonders.
  • Use a door curtain: Simple and effective, it prevents cold air from seeping under your doors.

By following these tips, you can not only reduce your heating consumption, but also lighten your bill. As a bonus, you’ll be doing something for the environment by limiting your CO₂ emissions. So, are you ready to implement these solutions? Don’t forget that saving on heating also means adopting smart habits that benefit your comfort, your wallet and the planet.

If you’re looking for tips on how to improve your interior, read our article on painting tips to brighten up your home!