During the chilly months, people tend to spend more time at home - and use more energy. There are many simple ways you can reduce your home energy use, without cranking up your heating devices.
Here are 10 energy efficiency tips that may help you to stay warm and save more this winter.
Staying warm this winter doesn’t have to blow your energy bill through the roof. In fact, it’s quite easy to stay warm by layering up with quality clothing and blankets.
Once you have the foundation, build the rest of your energy efficient outfit.
If you’re still feeling the cold, it may be time to bring out a thermal blanket, or a blanket that can be used as a throw or quilt. Try alternating between thinner and thicker layers to maximise the insulation effect.
A hot water bottle or warm wheat bag can warm your bed and uses less energy than an electric blanket. They are also great for localised warmth which may help with aches, pains or cramps. You could even pop the hot water bottle between your feet to warm your extremities.
Boil the kettle, pour some hot water inside your bottle and stick it between the covers for a warm, cosy sleep. Make sure your hot water bottle is not too full, and the top is tightly fastened.
Insulated draught proofing acts as a barrier that prevents the unwanted movement of hot and cold air from inside your house to outside – and in turn, is essential for keeping your home warm in winter. Here a few simple tips to help you reduce heat loss in your home:
Staying warm this winter doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. If you’re considering finding an energy efficient heater or an alternative solution to insulation and warm clothing, you may find that there are several different indoor heating options at your disposal. Some are cheaper than others, and some are particularly efficient in certain types of spaces, depending on factors like your thermostat. Make sure that, where possible, you choose the device with the highest stars – it may be more expensive but of the wattage is half that of a cheaper model, you could offset the additional cost in just one or two energy bills.
For a general rule of thumb, only heat the room you’re using. Close the doors in the room you want to heat, and if you have central heating with a zone feature, make sure to switch that on.
It’s time to get moving! One of the best activities to warm up is to get blood pumping through your body. Here are a few tips:
When we sit for long periods our bodies don’t get the oxygen and blood flowing through to our limbs, so commit to moving more in your daily routine if you want to stay warm.
A home that is set up for natural heating will be more comfortable and may help to lower your energy bills.
When the sun rises in the morning make sure to open your blinds or curtains so the natural light can flow in and naturally heat your home. Once it hits an object the sunlight becomes radiant heat. Don’t forget to close your curtains or blinds when the sun sets to keep that warmth in.
Depending on where your furniture is positioned, you may feel warmer if your furniture is closer to the inside of your house and away from cooler, external walls and windows, especially those that face south, away from the sun. Try to place your furniture in the line of sunshine so that it catches the heat from the sun.
Winter is the perfect time to cosy up with a big blanket and a hot drink to stay warm. The season presents an opportunity to sit around and spend quality time with family and a drink of choice.
These days, hot chocolate seems to be a crowd favourite, there’s something undeniably satisfying about the chocolatey warm goodness that trickles down the back of your throat on a cold day. It is thick, silky and delicious! If you’re looking to experiment with hot chocolate recipes this winter, here are six recipes to add to your list of winter favourites.
It’s no secret that hot air rises, so your upstairs floor naturally tends to be warmer than lower levels. Therefore, if you want to stay warm during the winter months, spend more time on the second floor of your home – if you have one – and take advantage of the warmer air.
Upstairs doesn’t have to be isolating, you could include the whole family by allowing your kids to make a cubbyhouse in your room or conduct a fashion show with your winter coats; there are endless possibilities.
Typically, our ceiling fans are used to create a breeze in the cooler months, but with the simple flick of the switch, you can spin the blades in the opposite direction, forcing the warm air near the ceiling down to the floor, making your room a little warmer.
Grab a step stool and safely locate the fan switch near the motor. Flip it in the opposite direction and then turn the fan back on at a low speed to make sure the blades are moving in the opposite direction.
Changing the direction of ceiling fans in your home is an energy-efficient way to find comfort and warmth in the colder months.
A man’s best friend, or a man’s best heater? Our furry friends can be a great heating device to keep us warm during the winter months. They are great to cuddle up with and often provide us with a sense of unconditional love that can be warming for our souls.
It’s also important to consider the safety of your pets in winter. Exposure to cooler temperatures can be detrimental for our furry friends too. Winter produces cold, dry air and in some areas snow that can cause chapped paws or itchy skin. Pay attention to your pets’ feet, especially in between the toes. If left outside for too long, pets can become cold, and disorientated so always check in on them.
Since 2020, many of us have moved to working from home. Having an animal at home can be great company – and a furry, cuddle buddy during the winter months.
Using smart meter data and clever algorithms, Energy Insights estimates how much electricity your home uses and helps you take control of running costs.
