As the temperature starts to take a dip, there are some simple things you can do to cut back on heating bills. Beyond replacing old windows and increasing insulation, here are 19 unexpected ways you can keep your house warm this winter.
Use your curtains
The heat from the sun is free so make the most of it. Open your curtains and let the sunlight in during the day to make use of this free heat. When it gets dark, shut your curtains, which act as another layer of insulation and keep warmth in your rooms. You should also make sure you don’t have any leaks or gaps so that the warm air can stay in and the cold air stays out – this also helps to reduce condensation.
Use timers on your central heating
The Centre for Sustainable Energy advises that programming your boiler to turn the heating on a little earlier – such as 30 minutes before you get up in the morning – but at a lower temperature is cheaper than turning it on just as you need it at a higher temperature. This is because a boiler heats up at a constant speed whether you set your thermostat to 20°C or 30°C. But don’t make the mistake of leaving your heating on low all day – because then you’re just paying for heat when you don’t need it.
Move your sofa
It might feel great to have your favorite seat in front of the radiator, but it’s absorbing heat that could be warming your home. By moving it away from the radiator, hot air can circulate freely. The same goes for your curtains or drying clothes – keep them away from the radiator so that you can get the most out of your heat source.
Wrap up warm
If you have a hot water tank, make sure it is properly lagged – or insulated. This will keep the water warmer for longer, and reduce heating costs. The Energy Community reckons that insulating an uninsulated water tank could save up to £150 a year – but even just upgrading your tank’s “old jacket” will help to save money.
Use Rugs
Rugs not only work to style a room, but they also do a good job of keeping your feet toasty if you have tile or hardwood flooring.
Use Foil
If you have a radiator attached to an external wall, use some aluminum foil behind the radiator. The reflective nature of the foil will prevent heat from disappearing through the wall and instead will reflect it back into the room.
Let the Sun Shine
During sunny days, open the curtains and let some sunlight in. The rays will help warm you up even on the coldest days.
Use Shower Steam
If possible, leave the door open when you shower. This allows all that hot steam to travel through the house. It can also help cut down on dry winter air.
Try a Terra Cotta Heater
Make a terra cotta heater. Just place a terra cotta flower pot upside-down over candles. You’ll need to prop the pot up a little with a couple of small rocks or something similar so air can get underneath.
Boil a Pot of Water
Whether you use a tea kettle or an open pot, boiling water will help warm up your kitchen. And, when you’ve got that piping hot water, make your favorite tea and warm yourself from the inside.
Try a Shelf
If you have adequate open wall space, place a floating shelf above a radiator to help stop the hot air from rising upward too quickly. Just be careful not to put anything on the shelf that could be damaged by the heat.
Draft-Proof Your Doors
Keep the cold air out and the warm air in! All it takes is a little weather stripping along with your exterior doors. Using high-quality silicone rubber weather stripping will not only seal gaps but increases energy efficiency in your home. And it can all be done on a weekend!
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Insulation sleeves around your water pipes can cut your wait time for reheating the water an exponential amount, and will even prevent the pipes from freezing. Plus, if you fit a cylinder jacket around your water tank, you can also reduce heat loss and save on your gas bill.
Try Plastic Wrap with Air Pockets
This plastic wrap is more than just a packing material. Place a sheet on windows you don’t need to see out of to help keep some of that warm air in and cut down on your energy bills.
