After a long, dreary winter and early spring, you may only just feel like you’re ready to finally turn the heating off for a while. However, preparation is key for keeping our energy bills down when the temperature drops. By taking action during the warmer months, you can make significant savings when it's time to crank up the heating once again. And the good news is, there are several ways you can prepare for the cold weather, both big and small. So, just how can you ensure your energy bills don’t go through the roof this winter? Here, our heating solution experts share five proactive tips you can take right now to reduce your winter energy bill. 

Contents

Invest in a cost-effective heating solution
Upgrade to triple-glazing
Ensure your home is fully insulated
Find the draught spots in your home
Get thicker rugs for the winter
Reducing your winter energy overview

When it comes to heating your property, efficiency is key. While central heating systems are convenient and give you an even temperature spread to keep the whole home heated, they can be costly to run, especially if your home is not well insulated. One cost-effective alternative you may want to consider is investing in a wood burning stove. Not only will it provide efficient heat output and reduce your energy bills, but it can also act as a beautiful focal point for any room, adding a touch of rustic charm to your home. Another cost-effective option you may want to consider is an electric fireplace. With oil and gas prices expected to stay relatively high for the foreseeable, opting for electric heating is likely to make for a more cost-effective option in the longer term. Electric fireplaces are also an incredibly versatile option and work in a wide range of homes, as they don’t require ventilation or a chimney as they do not produce any products of combustion. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, from contemporary media walls to classic wood burner-style electric stoves and inset electric fires, so you’re sure to find an option that complements your interiors.

Windows are notorious sources of heat loss in properties, particularly if they are old or poorly insulated. By upgrading to triple-glazing, you can significantly reduce heat leaking out and improve the overall energy efficiency of your property. With an extra layer of protection to double-glazing, triple-glazing provides around 50% more insulation but is only 10%–20% more expensive says The Eco Experts. While the initial cost of triple glazing may be higher, the long-term savings on your energy bills make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, triple-glazed windows can help keep your home cool in the summer months, so you may even start to feel the benefits instantly. They also come with the added bonus of enhanced sound insulation, making them a valuable upgrade for any home.

Proper insulation is paramount when it comes to reducing heat loss and keeping your home warm and energy-efficient. Without the appropriate insulation, valuable heat can escape through your property’s walls, floors, and roof, which will leave your home colder and your energy bills higher. The good news is you can take advantage of the summer months to inspect your home's insulation and identify any areas that may need attention. Common trouble spots include attics, chimneys, and walls. Consider adding or upgrading insulation in these areas to reduce heat loss in your home and improve efficiency. Not only will this help to keep your home warm in winter, but it will also lead to long-term energy savings and a more comfortable living environment year-round. You can also insulate your water tank and pipes to reduce heating standby costs.

Draughts are a common cause of heat loss in homes, allowing cold air to infiltrate into the property and warm air to escape through the gaps. Identifying and sealing draught spots around doors, windows, and other openings is a relatively cheap and easy way to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature in the winter and reduce your energy consumption. You can get ahead of draughts now by taking the time to inspect your home for them and seal them up. An easy way to do this is to wait for a breezy day and take a candle around the house, holding it in front of where you believe you have draughty spots. If you see the flame flicker, you know that you are holding it in front of a draughty area. Pay particular attention to areas where pipes, cables, or vents penetrate walls, as well as windows and doors, as these can be prime entry points for draughts. There are a range of simple solutions you can use to reduce these draughts, such as draught excluders, weather stripping, or caulking.

Hard surfaces such as hardwood or tiled floors can feel cold underfoot during the winter months, leading to the temptation to turn up the heating. After all, there’s nothing worse than planting feet down on a freezing floor on a chilly day! The good news is you can easily combat this issue by investing in a couple of thicker rugs for the colder months. Not only will rugs provide an extra layer of insulation, but they can make a space feel cosier and more inviting, as well as be a fantastic decorative feature. Additionally, rugs and carpets can help to reduce heat loss through floors, especially in rooms with little or no underfloor insulation. Make sure to opt for rugs made with insulating materials, such as thick pile wool rugs.

While it may be the last thing you want to think about, now the sun is starting to shine, getting your home prepared for the winter months can be beneficial when it comes to reducing your winter energy bill. Even small additions such as draught excluders and wool rugs can make your home more energy efficient and are worth getting sooner rather than later. That being said, larger investments can have a significant impact on your home heating bills. Both wood burning stoves and electric fireplaces can be game-changers when it comes to heating your home efficiently. Not only do they provide warmth and a cosy ambience perfect for the winter months, but they can also help you save money on your energy bills. With rising energy costs, investing in a cost-effective heating solution can be worth it in the long run.