How to Save Money on Winter Heating Bills

For many homeowners, the winter months bring not just a chill in the air but also a shiver down the spine when opening those dreaded heating bills. However, the good news is that with a few smart tricks, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. 

The key to managing your winter energy use lies in understanding that every small action contributes to a larger impact. From simple habit changes to smart upgrades, each step you take towards energy efficiency is a step towards a warmer home and a healthier bank balance. So we’ve compiled a series of energy-saving tips that will keep you warm and you bills low.

1. Seal those drafts!

One of the most effective yet often overlooked aspects of saving energy is ensuring your home is properly sealed against drafts. Think of your house as an envelope; any gaps or cracks are essentially letting your hard-earned warmth escape into the winter air. A thorough inspection of your home’s exterior can reveal surprising sources of heat loss.

Start with your windows and doors, the most common culprits for drafts. Run your hand along the edges to feel for any cool air seeping through. For a more thorough check, you can use a candle or incense stick – the smoke will waver in the presence of a draft. Once identified, these leaks can be easily sealed with weatherstripping, caulk, or even temporary solutions like draft excluders for door bottoms.

2. Use your thermostats properly!

Setting heating schedules and zone controlling are easy ways to save energy and reduce your heating bills. By programming your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature at different times of day to match your lifestyle, such as lowering it when you’re asleep or away from home, you’ll use less energy without sacrificing comfort - AND save money! if your heaters thermostat allows it, try zone controlling to only heat the rooms you’re using, there’s no point wasting heat and money to heat a room not in use! By implementing these strategies, you can optimise your heating system’s efficiency, create a more comfortable home environment, and lower your energy costs—a win-win situation for you, your budget, and the environment.

3. Upgrade to Energy Efficiency Heaters!

Modern heating systems like our NEOS Electric Radiator allows you to zone control and set heating schedules while also reducing energy wastage with their smart features - not to brag but our NESO actually reduces energy wastage by 40% and saves you 59.4% on your heating bills. 

Did you know that traditional heaters and radiators actually lose 40% of the heat they generate to the back wall of your radiator? That means 40% of your bills are spent heating a wall - but not with the NEOS. our patented cool wall technology combats this and pushes that heat into your room, meaning you’re actually getting more heat. What about the heating bills you ask? Well at Trust Electric Heating, we want to create trust within the industry so we’ve conducted several different tests with the university of Huddersfield comparing the NEOS to several different electric heating models to back up our claims. You can read the results here. 

4. Let the sun light in!

In our quest for energy efficiency, we often overlook one of the most powerful and free sources of heat available to us: the sun. The trick is to maximise sunlight during the day and minimise heat loss at night. Start by identifying which windows in your home receive direct sunlight. On sunny winter days, open the curtains or blinds on these windows as soon as the sun rises. The incoming sunlight will naturally warm the room, reducing the need for artificial heating. South-facing windows are particularly valuable in this regard, as they tend to receive the most direct sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere during winter months.

As the sun sets, reverse the process. Close all curtains and blinds to create an extra layer of insulation against the cold night air. Thermal or insulating curtains can be particularly effective here, trapping the heat that your home has absorbed during the day.

For an extra boost, consider the color of your window treatments. Darker colors absorb more heat, while lighter colors reflect it. In rooms that receive ample sunlight, darker curtains can help capture more heat during the day, which can then be released into the room as temperatures drop.

5. Carpets and Rugs!

While we often focus on walls and windows when considering insulation, the floors beneath our feet can be a significant source of heat loss. Bare floors can account for up to 10% of a home’s heat loss. The solution? Consider adding carpets or a nice new rug to keep your feet warm. Firstly, they provide an extra layer of insulation, trapping air and creating a barrier between your feet and the cold floor. This not only makes the room feel warmer but also reduces the amount of heat escaping through the floor.

Secondly, rugs and carpets contribute to the overall comfort of a space, making it feel cosier and more inviting. This psychological effect can make you feel warmer, potentially allowing you to lower your thermostat a degree or two without sacrificing comfort.

When selecting rugs for energy efficiency, consider materials with high insulating properties. Wool, for instance, is an excellent natural insulator. For areas with particularly cold floors, you might even consider layering rugs for maximum effect. Don’t forget about runners in hallways and entryways – these high-traffic areas can benefit greatly from the added insulation.

6. Upgrade your insulation!

While many of our energy-saving tips focus on immediate actions and quick fixes, there’s one strategy that stands out for its long-term impact: proper home insulation. Think of insulation as your home’s winter coat – the better it is, the less energy you need to stay warm.

The attic is often the most critical area for insulation. Heat rises, and in a poorly insulated home, a significant portion of your heating can escape through the roof. Adding or upgrading loft insulation can lead to can save you up to 50% on your heating bills. 

But don’t stop in the loft. Wall insulation, particularly in older homes, can be equally important. If your walls feel cold to the touch on a winter day, it’s a sign that you might benefit from additional insulation. While adding insulation to existing walls can be more challenging, the long-term energy savings can make it a worthwhile investment.

Consulting with a professional can help you determine the most effective insulation strategy for your home. While adding insulation can be a more significant undertaking than some of our other tips, it’s an investment that pays dividends year after year. Not only does it reduce your winter heating bills, but it also keeps your home cooler in the summer, providing year-round energy savings.

Conclusion: Embracing a Warmer, More Efficient Future

Reducing your winter heating bills doesn’t require drastic measures or significant sacrifices - It’s about making smart, informed choices and adopting habits that prioritise efficiency without compromising comfort. From the simple act of sealing drafts to the more substantial investments on insulation and energy efficient heating systems.

Remember, every home is unique, and what works best for one may not be the ideal solution for another. Don’t hesitate to consult with professionals, you can get a FREE heating consultation with one of our heating advisors here. By embracing these energy-saving strategies, you’re not just reducing your bills; you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. Lower energy consumption means a reduced carbon footprint, making your efforts part of a larger global initiative towards environmental responsibility.

Tags: Tips.