Energy bills have now gone up which means millions of households will pay more for gas and electricity this winter.
7 things you should do before turning the heating on
An estimated seven million households on the standard tariff will see energy bills rise by around £2.93 a month after the new Ofgem price cap kicked in on October 1. With the cost of living crisis continuing to hit the pockets of most households across the country, the thought of winter approaching, and the resulting increase in heating and electricity costs, can feel a bit daunting.
However, as the daylight hours get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, it’s worthwhile being aware of simple solutions to ‘heat the person and not the room’ which can help people stay warm without turning on the heating.
It’s important to be aware this list is not for vulnerable people with health conditions, or the elderly who need to keep the house warm.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis issues urgent energy bill warning to millions of householdsREAD MORE: Claim £150 Warm Home Discount this month to lower winter energy bills
Anyone worried about heating their home this winter should seek advice from charities and organisations that can navigate the often complex world of accessing fuel funding, especially those on a prepayment meter.
Where to get help and advice
You can get help with energy bills from:
If you are struggling with household finances contact your local council who may be able to provide crucial financial help.
10 ways to stay warm without turning on the heating
Layer up
An extra jumper, a pair of thick socks, a pair of long johns or a base layer beneath your clothes can help keep you warm during the colder days.
Wearing layers is often better than putting on one big thick item, according to the British Heart Foundation, which also recommends sticking to wool, cotton or fleece fabrics. If you are very cold a hat and scarf can also help.
Check your windows and doors
Once you’ve burned that expensive gas to warm your home you want to make sure that heat stays inside and doesn’t seep out.
Plugging up any gaps in your windows or doors can help, as can finding any other places where drafts could be coming in and heat could be escaping. Drawing your curtains will also help keep it warmer in your home, although keep them open if the sun is shining in.
Keep moving
By keeping active you can burn more energy in your body, which creates heat and helps to keep you warm. Even though it feels warm under your covers, a short jog around the kitchen or living room – if you are able to – could heat you up more than sitting still. Even light exercise can help you keep warm.
Heat the person, not the room
As long as you are warm it is less important that the air around you is warm. It will be a lot more effective to use hot water bottles and electric blankets to keep warm at night than heating your entire home while everyone is asleep.
Be smart with your central heating
Turning down your thermostat too low can be dangerous, especially if you have vulnerable people at home, so be careful about letting your home get too cold.
However, reducing the temperature on your thermostat by just one degree could save you hundreds of pounds this winter – and chances are you won’t notice the difference.
Tweak your boiler settings
If you have a condensing combi boiler you can lower the flow temperature which means it may take water a wee bit longer to heat up, but will save you between £100-£200 each year – find out more here.
Don’t heat empty spaces
There is no point spending money heating rooms that you rarely use. So close doors around your home and turn down the radiators in the rooms where you spend less time. That way you can focus on keeping your bedroom, or other more well-used rooms warmer instead.
Use blankets
If you’re watching telly in the living room instead of putting the heating on and warming the whole house and all those empty rooms, wrap yourself in a blanket – better yet, grab your duvet and soak up the warmth.
Drink lots of hot liquids
If you’ve got a flask, fill it with hot water after the kettle has boiled to save you spending money on every cuppa you make. Plenty of hot fluids will keep your blood pumping and your hands warm while holding the mug.
Hot water bottles
If you’ve got one lying in a drawer or cupboard it may be time to dust it off and use it as a handy source of heat, especially if you’re working from home or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Go to bed earlier than usual
Create your own cocoon of tropical heat under the blankets and start a new book to help you unwind and forget how cold it is. The dark nights make it easier to start going to bed a bit earlier and the bonus is you will wake up rested and refreshed ready for the day ahead.