Winter is here, and with it comes higher heating bills. Combined with festive spending, this can put a strain on household finances. The good news? There are practical ways to manage utility costs without sacrificing comfort. This guide provides actionable tips to keep your bills under control while staying warm during the festive season. For more money-saving ideas, check out our practical budgeting tips.
Monitor Your Energy Usage
Understanding how much energy you use is the first step to reducing costs.
Practical Steps:
- Check your previous bills to spot usage patterns.
- Use a smart meter or energy monitor if available – you can contact your energy supplier to see if they provide them:
- Identify high-consumption periods and appliances.
- Fit a tap aerator – this reduces the required flow of water from your taps, which could save you £20 per year.
Example: Leaving lights on in unused rooms or running multiple appliances simultaneously can significantly increase your energy bill. For advice on tracking energy usage, visit Energy Saving Trust.
Draught Proofing Your Home
Draughts can significantly increase heating costs by letting warm air escape and allowing cold air in. Draught proofing is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy bills, and many fixes can be done yourself.
Practical steps you can take:
- Check around doors and windows for gaps or cold air coming through.
- Fit draught excluders to doors, letterboxes, and keyholes.
- Use self-adhesive foam strips or brush seals around window frames.
- Seal gaps around skirting boards, floorboards, and pipes using flexible sealant.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught proofing windows, doors and floors can save households £85 a year, or £60 per year for unused chimneys, while making homes warmer and more comfortable. They also provide clear, step-by-step guidance on how to draught-proof different areas of your home.
Adjust Heating Wisely
Heating is often the largest winter expense and has caused a huge amount of energy debt for households across the UK. Companies like the Energy Savings Trust offer tips you can use to be more economical with your heating.
Tips:
- Set the thermostats to an efficient temperature (around 18–20°C).
- Use timers so heating only runs when needed.
Reduce Electricity Consumption
Simple steps can make a noticeable difference to your energy prices:
- Turn off standby devices and unplug chargers.
- Use energy-efficient LED bulbs; they will use 80% less electricity and can also last up to 20x longer.
- Wash clothes at lower temperatures and air-dry where possible. Washing at 30°C compared to 40°C can save 38% energy.
Example: Swapping a few high-energy appliances for more efficient alternatives or adjusting usage can cut electricity bills significantly over the winter months.
Take Advantage of Discounts and Tariff Reviews
Reviewing your energy supplier and tariff could save you money:
- Switch to a cheaper energy tariff if available.
- Some suppliers offer discounts for online billing or specific payment methods.
- Compare providers to see if you could save on annual energy costs.
For a simple way to compare tariffs, try an Energy Price Comparison Tool.
Worried About Energy Debt?
With small adjustments and careful monitoring, you can reduce winter utility costs without sacrificing comfort. By staying aware of your energy usage, adjusting heating habits, and reviewing tariffs, you’ll free up more money and start the new year in a stronger financial position.
If you’re looking for personalised guidance on budgeting for household costs, our online debt advice tool can help you tackle your debts and, moving forward, help you plan and manage your finances more effectively.
