05 May 2020
The nights are getting colder so here’s some ideas that will help keep you warmer and more comfortable in the colder months and reduce your heating bills.
- Trim trees blocking the sun: Maximise the amount of sunshine coming into your house in winter by trimming overgrown trees that are shading your house.
- Close curtains as the sun goes down: Capture the heat of the sun by pulling curtains in the late afternoon. An insulated home will also help you hold this free heat for longer.
- Block draughts: Add foam seals to doors and windows, make sure your curtains fit, use door draught stoppers and fit underfloor insulation where possible.
- Check your thermostat: Have you got the temperature on your heater set higher than you need? Each extra degree of heat is costing you money so lower the thermostat to a level you’re comfortable with.
- Dress for the season: It is winter so don’t heat to a level where you can lounge around in t-shirt & shorts. Put usual winter layers on and adjust your thermostat down to save money.
- Turn off half an hour before bedtime: If you switch your heat off (or programme it to turn off) half an hour before you head to bed, the residual heat will keep you warm.
- Throws for late night warmth: if you’re only planning on staying up for a couple of hours, keep a throw or blanket handy to curl up under instead of switching the heat on.
- Limit electric blankets for pre-warming only: Once you’re snug in a warm bed your duvet or blankets should be sufficient to conserve your body heat and keep you warm through the night. If you’re still cold perhaps a warmer duvet is in order.
- Check your ceiling insulation: Around 30-35% of heat is lost through ceilings so insulation is a good first step. If you already have insulation, check that it is sitting above the ceiling joists otherwise you might need a top up. Read more about Ceiling Insulation.
- Switch to a heat pump: A heat pump is the easiest to use and most energy efficient form of electric heating available, and during winter, costs only around 28 cents an hour*. Read more about Heat Pumps.
Smart Energy Solutions gives free advice and estimates for insulation, ventilation, heat pumps and more for your home. Simply book a FREE Home Assessment or get a free no obligation estimate online or call us on 0800 888 766.
A warm home is a healthy home, so try these options to help.
*Source: EECA - Using a 6kW heat output heat pump, 8 hours a day for 6 months of the year.
