How to Save Money on Heating Your Home

When the weather gets colder, many people in the UK start to worry about higher energy bills. Heating your home is important to stay warm and healthy, but it can also cost a lot of money. With energy prices going up, it’s important to plan ahead and find ways to save. Here are some simple and smart tips to help you keep warm without spending too much.

How Much Does Heating Cost?

In 2023, the ONS said the average UK household spent about 4.4% of their total money on gas and electricity. This number went up because energy prices increased. That means heating takes up a big part of the family budget, so saving even a little can really help.

Easy Ways to Save on Heating

You don’t need to make any drastic changes to save on your heating, here are just a few ideas:

Turn Down the Thermostat

You can save money just by lowering your thermostat by 1 degree. Many people find that 18 to 20°C is warm enough for most rooms. Bedrooms can usually be cooler, especially at night when you’re under a blanket.

Keep the Heat Inside

Don’t let warm air escape from your home. Check for cold air coming in around windows, doors, or fireplaces. You can block these gaps with draught excluders or rolled-up towels. At night, close thick curtains to help keep the heat in.

Wear Warm Clothes

Instead of turning the heating up, try wearing extra layers like jumpers, socks, or using blankets. This helps you stay warm without using as much energy.

Only Heat the Rooms You Use

There’s no need to heat the whole house if you’re only using a few rooms. If your family is in the living room most of the evening, you can wait to heat other rooms until later.

Check Your Radiators

Make sure your radiators are working properly. Bleeding them (letting out trapped air) can help them heat better. Also, don’t block them with furniture, like sofas or tables. Let the warm air move around the room.

Plan When to Use the Heating

Using a timer on your heating can save money. Set it to turn on 30 minutes before you wake up, so your home is warm when you need it. You don’t need to keep the heating on all night. Once the house is warm, do your best to keep the heat in during the day.

What If You Still Struggle to Pay?

Even if you plan carefully, energy bills can still be hard to manage, especially in a cold winter. If something breaks, like your boiler, and you can’t wait until payday, a short-term loan like a payday loan might help. Learn more here.

These loans can be useful in emergencies, but they must be used carefully. Make sure you can pay the money back on time. If not, it could cause more stress later.

Final Thoughts

Staying warm in winter doesn’t have to cost a lot. By making small changes, checking how you use energy, and planning ahead, you can keep your home cosy and save money. And if you do need extra help, borrowing money is an option, but always do it responsibly.