UK Home News
Cost-Effective Ways to Keep Your Home Warm
As the colder months roll in, and with energy costs rising, keeping your home toasty can feel like an expensive challenge. In fact, research by Citizens Advice suggests that about 5.3 million people in Great Britain were in debt to their energy supplier, external, with 800,000 people going more than 24 hours without gas or electricity last year because they couldn’t afford to top up.
The good news? You don’t have to crank up the thermostat and brace for massive heating bills. Indoor living experts, Vonhaus, offer some practical ways – from simple insulation upgrades to easy tweaks in your daily routine – to keep your home warm and energy-efficient this winter without breaking the bank.
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Proper Insulation
One of the best ways to keep your home warm and reduce heating costs is to ensure it’s well-insulated. And while insulation may require some upfront investment, the long-term savings can amount to up to a 20% reduction in your bills. Focus on key areas like your attic, walls, and floors.
Adele Brennan, Home Electricals buyer at Vonhaus says, “Since heat rises, poorly insulated attics can be a major source of heat loss. Adding or upgrading your attic insulation is a relatively simple task that can make a big difference in how well your home retains warmth.
If you have hardwood or tiled floors, placing rugs in the areas where you spend the most time can add a layer of insulation, trapping the heat in the room.
If you have a fireplace you rarely use, a lot of heat could be escaping up the chimney. Installing a chimney balloon can block cold drafts and prevent warm air from being sucked out.
If your home has cavity walls, insulating them can save you a significant amount on heating bills. It’s an investment that pays off over time, simple.”
Use heaters in key areas
If you’re only using certain rooms in your home, investing in a heater can be a very efficient way to stay warm. Oil-filled heaters, for example, spread heat evenly and retain warmth for a long time, even after it's turned off, so you aren’t wasting energy, hence saving on your bills. Make sure to close off rooms that you don’t use frequently, like guest bedrooms or storage areas, and focus your heating efforts where they matter most.
Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts
Drafts can sneak in through gaps around your windows and doors, letting in cold air and pushing your heating system to work harder. Sealing these areas is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent heat from escaping.
Adele Brennan at Vonhaus says, “Install weatherstrips around doors and windows to block drafts. This is a quick and affordable fix that can be done in a few hours. For an even simpler solution, consider using draft excluders along the bottom of doors. These are especially useful for external doors or doors between rooms you want to keep warm.”
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Use thick curtains to retain heat
Your windows can be a major source of heat loss, especially if they’re single-pane or older. One simple solution? Thick curtains.
Investing in thermal or heavy-duty curtains can prevent heat from escaping through your windows. They act as an extra layer of insulation, especially at night when temperatures drop. But if they are out of your budget, layering regular curtains or adding a curtain liner can also help reduce heat loss. Make sure to keep your curtains open during the day to let in natural sunlight, which can warm up your space for free!
Routine maintenance of heating systems
Keeping your heating system in tip-top condition is essential, as a well-maintained system works harder for less, helping you stay warm without skyrocketing energy costs. By bleeding your radiators, for example, you can ensure they are working at full capacity, distributing heat evenly throughout your home. Also, having your boiler or furnace serviced regularly ensures there are no breakdowns in the middle of winter.
Keeping your home warm during the winter doesn’t have to be expensive. These tips, combined with proper insulation, can help you stay cosy without driving up your energy bills and compromising on comfort.
