How to Save on Energy Costs This Winter

Written by: Ryan O’Connell
Published on 10 December 2024

As the Chill of Winter Sets In

Many households in the UK are bracing for rising energy costs. According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the average UK household spends approximately 54% of its annual energy bill on heating alone. With inflation and energy prices remaining a concern, finding practical ways to cut down on energy expenses has never been more essential.

Thankfully, you can take several simple yet effective steps to keep your home warm and your bills manageable. From making the most of technology to adopting cost-saving habits, here’s how to save on energy costs this winter.

Invest in a Smart Energy Meter

Smart energy meters are one of the most effective tools for managing energy consumption and reducing costs. These devices allow you to monitor your energy usage in real-time, providing valuable insights into where your energy is going and how to cut back.

Why Smart Meters Are Effective

Smart meters have revolutionized the way households manage and monitor energy consumption. By providing real-time insights, they allow users to see exactly which appliances consume the most energy, making it easier to identify energy-hungry devices and take steps to reduce usage. This granular data empowers households to make informed decisions about how and when to use electricity, leading to potential cost savings.

Additionally, many modern smart meters are equipped with smartphone connectivity, enabling remote control on the go. Through dedicated apps, users can adjust settings, turn off appliances, or monitor energy use even when they’re not at home, offering unparalleled convenience and control. Perhaps most importantly, the visibility smart meters provide into energy consumption habits encourages energy efficiency. For example, when households can see in real-time how leaving appliances or heating systems on affects their energy usage and bills, they’re more likely to adopt sustainable practices, such as turning off lights when leaving a room or using appliances during off-peak hours. By combining technology, convenience, and sustainability, smart meters not only help users save money but also contribute to broader environmental goals.

Top Smart Energy Meter Brands to Consider

• British Gas Smart Meters: Designed for ease of use, British Gas smart meters offer a user-friendly interface and integrate seamlessly with their mobile app. This means you can track your energy usage and costs from anywhere.

• Hive: Hive smart thermostats go beyond simple energy tracking, allowing you to schedule heating times and control your home’s temperature remotely via an app.

• Google Nest: Known for its sleek design and advanced features, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat not only monitors your energy usage but also learns your habits over time, optimising heating schedules to save energy.

Block Out the Chill with Draft Excluders

Drafts sneaking in through gaps under doors or around windows can quickly undo your efforts to heat your home, wasting both energy and money. By investing in a good draft excluder, you can stop heat from escaping and reduce the strain on your heating system.

How Draft Excluders Save Energy

Draft excluders are simple yet effective tools for improving energy efficiency in your home. By sealing gaps under doors and around windows, they prevent warm indoor air from escaping. This significantly reduces heat loss, which in turn lowers the amount of energy required to maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature. Beyond retaining heat, draft excluders also act as a barrier against cold air infiltration, stopping chilly drafts from entering your living spaces. This helps rooms feel naturally warmer, often eliminating the need for additional heating. As a result, using draft excluders not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Whether used in a single room or throughout a home, draft excluders are a cost-effective way to optimize heating efficiency while contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Where to Buy Draft Excluders

• Dunelm: Dunelm offers a range of stylish and affordable draft excluders, from simple foam strips to fabric designs that add a touch of personality to your home. Prices range from £8 for the Chenille Draught Excluder to £25 for the Meg Hawkins Pheasant Draught Excluder. Regardless of budget, this is a great way to stop the chill.

• Argos: Known for budget-friendly options, Argos has practical draft excluders that are easy to install. For something a little more fun, consider the furn Christmas Spirit Draught Excluder for £15.

• Next: If you’re looking for something that combines function with a sleek design, Next’s collection has a modern edge. The Bright Cut Velvet Retro Etch Draught Excluder adds a modern twist to a practical accessory.

Wrap Up Warm with Layers

Reducing heating usage doesn’t mean you need to feel cold. A cost-effective way to stay warm is to layer up. Wearing thermal or insulated clothing can help you feel snug without turning up the thermostat.

How to Effectively Keep Warm

Staying warm indoors during winter without relying heavily on heating is achievable with strategic layering. By dressing smartly, you can maintain comfort and conserve energy, helping to lower your heating bills. Here’s how to layer effectively indoors:

• Base Layer for Lightweight Warmth: Start with a snug, moisture-wicking base layer. Even indoors, your body may produce sweat, so materials like merino wool or thermal synthetics are ideal for keeping you dry and warm. Thin thermal tops and leggings work well as a base layer under regular clothing.

• Middle Layer for Insulation: Add a comfortable insulating layer to trap heat close to your body. Think cozy sweaters, fleece pullovers, or hoodies. For maximum warmth, choose fabrics like fleece, wool, or thick cotton blends. Cardigans or zip-up jackets make this layer easy to adjust throughout the day.

• Outer Layer for Retaining Heat: For particularly cold rooms, an outer layer like a quilted vest, a lightweight puffer jacket, or a chunky knit cardigan can add an extra shield of warmth. While not as heavy as outdoor gear, these layers effectively lock in body heat for extended periods.

• Thermal Accessories: Keep extremities warm with lightweight yet insulating accessories. Thick socks or slipper socks with non-slip soles help prevent heat loss through the feet, while fingerless gloves or wrist warmers keep your hands warm while maintaining dexterity. A cozy scarf or wrap can also help retain heat around your neck and shoulders.

Recommended Stores for Winter Clothing

• ASOS: From oversized jumpers to thermal leggings, ASOS offers a wide variety of trendy and warm clothing, like the Topshop knitted ultra fluffy eyelash oversized jumper in ivory, now £50.

• River Island: Known for combining style and functionality, River Island has cosy jackets, knitwear, and accessories like scarves and gloves. We like this Ecru Essential Funnel Jumper (Men’s) for £32.

Use a Timer for Your Heating System

Heating an entire house throughout the day can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and hefty bills. Instead, set your heating to a timer so it only runs when needed.

The Benefits of Timed Heating

Timed heating offers a practical and efficient way to manage indoor temperature while optimizing energy use. By setting your heating system to operate only when needed, you can significantly enhance energy efficiency by reducing the overall runtime of your system. Instead of leaving the heating on all day, timed schedules allow you to heat your home just before you wake up or return home, ensuring warmth without waste. This approach also translates to cost savings, as it minimizes unnecessary energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills without sacrificing comfort. Furthermore, timed heating provides convenience, allowing you to enjoy a consistently warm environment without constantly adjusting your thermostat. Modern programmable or smart thermostats make this even easier, enabling you to create customized schedules tailored to your daily routine and even adjust settings remotely if plans change. With timed heating, you achieve the perfect balance of comfort, efficiency, and savings, making it an ideal solution for both budget-conscious and eco-friendly households.

How to Effectively Use a Heating Timer

• Set it to Heat 30 Minutes Before Use: Whether it’s getting up in the morning or returning home after work, schedule your heating to kick in about half an hour before you need it. This ensures your home is warm without the system running all day.

• Focus on Key Hours: Prioritise heating during mornings and evenings, the times you’re most likely to feel the cold.

• Zone Heating: If your system allows it, focus heating on the most-used areas, like living rooms or bedrooms, while keeping less-used areas cooler.

The Bottom Line

With heating accounting for more than half of household energy costs in the UK, implementing these cost-saving measures can significantly reduce your bills. Smart energy meters help you track and optimise your usage, draft excluders stop precious heat from escaping, layering up keeps you warm without cranking the thermostat, and using a heating timer ensures you’re only heating when it matters most.

By adopting these habits, you’ll not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable future. So, take control of your energy use this winter and enjoy a warmer home without the financial strain.