The nights are getting longer and the days are getting colder. During the winter you want to keep your house nice and warm, without the nasty surprise of a huge utility bill. Here are some simple ways of keeping the heat in and the costs down.
Get a Smart Meter
One of the first things you need to do is get a smart meter. You can see how much energy you’re using and then you can make small changes to save yourself money. Not only can a smart meter help your bank account, but it can also help the planet as you can be a more energy-efficient household.
Check Your Boiler
Your boiler plays a vital role in your home over winter. You want to check that it’s heating your house effectively as possible. There are lots of things you can do to make sure your boiler is in good condition. One of the first steps is checking the pressure. It should be around the 1 – 1.5 mark. If this doesn’t mean anything to you – or you’re worried something is wrong – get in touch with your energy supplier. They’ll be happy to help.
Insulation
You need to ensure you’re home has sufficient isolation for winter. The recommended thickness for roof insulation used to be 100mm and it’s now 250-270mm. So it’s definitely worth double-checking to make sure yours is up-to-date. You may think insulation is expensive, but you should think of it as an investment to save you money on your bills in the future.
Layer Up
Of course, one of the most cost-effective thing you can do for your heating bills is to layer up. When you begin to feel cold, don’t immediately putting the heating on. Instead,
pull on a jumper or a pair of thick socks. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much difference a couple of extra layers can make.
Cover Draughts
Another simple, yet effective, thing you can to save money on your utility bills is to check the entryways for potential draughts in your home. This can be gaps in the floorboards, thin windows, or the door. A small draught can make a room so much colder, so make sure you’re blocking these areas where you can.
You don’t have to make drastic changes to save money on your bills. Even little things can have a huge impact on your monthly costs. Do you have any tips for saving money on your utility bills?