As January rolls in, families are on the lookout for ways to save money, but the cold weather this week will make it challenging to keep bills in check. With the holiday decorations stored away, households are tightening their budgets, and heating costs are becoming a significant expense to manage.
Energy prices remain high, and there is a possibility of further increases. This time of the year provides a perfect opportunity to rethink how we heat our homes.
Making small adjustments can lead to cozier rooms, lower bills, and more efficient energy usage during the harsh winter months. According to experts at Vonhaus, there are smarter ways to preserve the warmth you generate.
Running central heating all day can quickly drain your winter budget. Focusing on heating specific areas where you spend most of your time can be more cost-effective. Portable heaters can be a budget-friendly option, costing as little as 20–50p per hour, depending on their power and the room size.
Laura Bradbury, eCommerce head at Vonhaus, noted, “Oil-filled radiators are ideal for times like working from home or when everyone is gathered in one room. They heat up quickly, retain warmth even after being turned off, and with doors closed and drafts blocked, the room stays cozy without consuming a lot of power.”
The placement of heaters and radiators plays a crucial role in how effectively they warm a room. Ensuring proper air circulation, keeping doors shut to retain heat, and using reflective panels behind radiators can help direct warmth back into the room, preventing heat loss through cold walls.
Maximizing the heat you’ve already paid for is as essential as choosing the right heat source. Simple insulation methods like draught excluders, thicker curtains, and self-adhesive seals can help keep cold air out. Closing internal doors early in the evening and drawing curtains before temperatures drop outside are also effective strategies.
When you’re stationary, using heated throws, cushions, or personal heaters can provide direct warmth where needed, costing only a few pennies per hour to operate. For example, a 100-watt heated throw can keep you warm for around 20p a night when used for eight hours, much cheaper than running central heating continuously.
Many households waste money by running their heating longer or at higher temperatures than necessary. Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can result in approximately 10% savings on your energy bill, with no significant impact on comfort in most cases.
Smart thermostats simplify these adjustments, allowing you to schedule heating, monitor energy usage, and adjust temperatures remotely as needed. A good rule of thumb is to lower the setting slightly if you feel it’s warmer than necessary.
Laura emphasized, “Weather changes frequently, and your heating strategy should adapt accordingly. A quick check of the thermostat each morning can help align energy use with the day’s requirements.”
While energy prices may fluctuate, the principles of cost-saving practices remain constant. By implementing actions like closing doors, sealing draughts, using efficient heaters, and adjusting the thermostat daily, you can make a lasting impact on reducing bills not only in winter but year-round.
Consistency in small actions that become habits is the key to maintaining lower bills throughout the year.