As the cold weather sets in, keeping your home warm without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a priority for many households. Thankfully, with a few smart strategies, you can keep your home cozy this winter while saving on energy. Here’s a helpful guide to ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient during the colder months.
1. Seal Drafts and Gaps
Drafty windows and doors can let precious heat escape, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Use weatherstripping or draft excluders to seal any gaps around windows, doors, and even letterboxes. You can also place heavy curtains over windows to keep the warmth inside.
2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule when your heating turns on and off. This way, you won’t waste energy heating your home when no one’s around. Set the thermostat to lower temperatures at night or when you're away, but ensure it warms up your home before you wake up or return.
3. Keep Your Radiators Clear
Make sure furniture, curtains, or drying clothes aren't blocking your radiators. This allows the heat to circulate more freely around the room. You can also fit reflective radiator panels to direct heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through walls.
4. Insulate Your Home for Free!
One of the most effective ways to keep your home warm and save on energy bills is proper insulation. With the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), you may be eligible to have your home insulated for free or at a discounted rate! This means you can have loft, cavity, or external wall insulation installed without worrying about the cost.
Here at Direct Savings, we handle the entire process in-house, from your initial enquiry to installation and aftercare. Not only does insulation keep your home warm during winter, but it also keeps it cool in summer – saving you money year-round.
No Benefits Required to Qualify!
To be eligible for GBIS, your home needs to:
Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D-G
Fall within Council Tax bands A-E
5. Maximize Sunlight
Even in winter, sunlight is a free source of heat! Keep your curtains open during the day to let sunlight warm up your home naturally. Close them again at dusk to retain the heat.
6. Service Your Boiler
A well-maintained boiler will run more efficiently, ensuring you're not wasting energy. Having your boiler serviced annually can prevent breakdowns and ensure it’s operating at peak performance, saving you both energy and repair costs.
7. Use Rugs for Extra Insulation
Hard floors can feel cold underfoot, and they don’t hold heat as well as carpets. Lay down rugs or runners in rooms with hardwood or tile floors to add an extra layer of insulation and make your home feel warmer.
Get Your Home Winter-Ready with Direct Savings
These tips can help keep your home warm and your energy bills in check, but the most impactful step you can take is to insulate your home properly. With the Great British Insulation Scheme, you may qualify for free insulation, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable through every season.
Get in touch with Direct Savings today to see if you qualify! We handle everything from start to finish, ensuring a hassle-free experience and a cozier, more energy-efficient home this winter.
💻 Visit our website: www.directsavings.org.uk
📞 Call us today to find out more 01506 444161