Tips to save on heating bills

With energy bills soaring, we are all looking for ways to stay warm without breaking the bank. Here are 10 tips for keeping those heating bills down while still staying warm and cosy.

1. Shop around for the best tariff

First stop for anyone aiming to reduce their heating bills is to check you are on the best tariff for your household. Many people sign up for a fixed rate tariff but then when the designated term of that tariff ends they forget to check if there are better deals available. 

If it all seems a bit confusing or you simply don’t have time, there are plenty of comparison websites that will do the legwork for you. That leaves you free to put your feet up and have a cuppa while they find you a better deal.

2.Turn your thermostat down

Turning your thermostat down by even just 1 degree can shave 10% off your bills!

3.Turn your heating off when you are out

Heating an empty house is a waste of money. Set the timer to come on just before you get home and you get to come home to a warm and cosy house without the expense of having heated it all day.

4. Buy a winter duvet

Although this is an upfront cost, the money it will save you makes it worth it. With the correct duvet for the season you won’t feel any need to have the heating on at night, which is better for your wallet and better for your health. 

Studies have demonstrated that sleeping in a cool room can help you fall asleep faster, fight insomnia and help increase melatonin production.

5. Put on an extra layer

Apologies for sounding like someone’s parent but putting on an extra layer of clothing will help you to fight the chill so you don’t need to turn up the thermostat. The key is layers: multiple thin layers will keep you warmer than one big jumper.

6. Only heat the room you’re in

If you are going to be spending your whole evening in one room do you really need to heat your whole house? A portable heater can provide heat fast for a small room. Take it one step further and only heat yourself instead of the room. An electric throw or blanket can provide enough warmth to avoid the need to turn the heating on.

7. Insulate your chimney

Chimney balloons can be used to block draughts from the chimney cavity and then can be easily deflated when you would like to light a fire. If your fireplace is not in use then you can use newspaper or cardboard to block up the cavity and save yourself from cold draughts.

8. Line your curtains

Thermal curtain lining can reduce heat loss from your windows by up to 25% and can also help to reduce draughts. If you are not particularly nimble with a sewing machine then fabric glue is an excellent solution to attach thermal lining to the back of your curtains.

9. Add insulation

Stop heat from escaping through your roof by making sure that you have sufficient insulation in your loft. Insulation is like a hat for your house and plays a key part in making sure that the heat you are paying for isn’t literally floating off into the sky. 

If you have insufficient insulation in your loft speak to your landlord and ask if they will consider adding more. From 2025, all newly rented properties will be required to have an EPC rating of C or above so most landlords will be keen to undertake work to improve their property’s Energy Performance Certificate rating. 

10. Have your boiler serviced

It is a legal requirement for your landlord to have your boiler serviced every year. Aside from the obvious safety benefits of ensuring that your boiler is in tip top condition, having a boiler that is working well will save you money on your heating bills.

If you are a landlord in North Oxfordshire and South Northants and would like to know more about how you can improve your rental property’s EPC rating and help your tenants to reduce their heating bills please give us a call on 01869 337346