
Expert Shares 7 Heating Hacks to Slash Your Winter Energy Bills
January 5, 2025 By householdheating.com OffWinter in the UK is a time for woolly jumpers, hot cups of tea, and evenings by the fire. But as the temperature drops, energy bills can rise sharply, leaving many households looking for ways to stay warm without overspending. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between comfort and cost. With expert-approved heating hacks, you can keep your home cosy while cutting your winter energy bills significantly.
From optimising your central heating to insulating your home, these tips are designed with the UK householder in mind. Whether you live in a semi-detached house, a flat, or a period property, these strategies are easy to implement and will help you save money during the colder months. Let’s explore these 7 practical and effective hacks to slash your energy costs.
1. Optimise Your Thermostat Settings to Save Energy
Your thermostat is a key player in controlling your energy consumption. In the UK, the Energy Saving Trust advises that reducing your thermostat by just 1°C can cut your heating bill by up to 10%. Here’s how you can use your thermostat to achieve optimal savings:
- Set a Consistent Schedule: Programme your thermostat to match your daily routine. For example, set it to 18–21°C while you’re home and awake, and reduce it to around 11°C overnight or when you’re out.
- Consider a Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats, such as Hive or Tado, allow you to adjust your heating remotely via an app. They can also learn your habits, ensuring you never heat your home unnecessarily.
- Avoid Overcompensating: Cranking up your thermostat to heat your home faster doesn’t work—it only makes your boiler work harder for longer. Instead, let your system gradually reach the desired temperature.
Making these adjustments not only reduces energy usage but also ensures your home stays comfortable without wasting heat.
2. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation for Better Heat Retention
In many UK homes, drafts and poor insulation are major culprits behind rising energy bills. Unsealed gaps around windows, doors, and loft hatches can allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Here’s how you can tackle these issues:
- Find and Fix Drafts: Use a candle or incense stick to detect draughts around windows, doors, and skirting boards. Seal these gaps with adhesive weatherstrips, silicone sealant, or draft excluders.
- Install Loft Insulation: Properly insulating your loft to the recommended 270mm thickness can prevent heat from escaping through the roof, which is one of the largest sources of heat loss in UK homes.
- Use Secondary Glazing or Thermal Curtains: If double glazing isn’t an option, secondary glazing film or thermal curtains can help reduce drafts and retain heat.
- Close the Chimney When Not in Use: If you have an open fireplace, consider using a chimney draught excluder to prevent heat from escaping when the fireplace isn’t in use.
These measures can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency, keeping it warmer for longer and reducing the strain on your heating system.
3. Maintain Your Central Heating System
A well-maintained central heating system is essential for keeping your home warm efficiently. In the UK, most households rely on boilers and radiators, so ensuring these are in top condition is key to reducing energy waste. Here’s how to keep your system running smoothly:
- Bleed Your Radiators: If your radiators have cold spots, they may have trapped air. Bleed them using a radiator key to release the air and restore even heat distribution.
- Clean Magnetic Filters: Many modern central heating systems include a magnetic filter that traps sludge and debris. Cleaning this filter annually improves efficiency and prolongs the life of your boiler.
- Check Boiler Pressure: Low pressure can reduce the effectiveness of your heating system. Check your boiler’s pressure gauge and top it up if it falls below the recommended level (usually 1–1.5 bar).
- Schedule an Annual Boiler Service: Hire a Gas Safe registered engineer to service your boiler. Regular maintenance ensures it’s running efficiently and helps prevent costly breakdowns.
By maintaining your heating system, you’ll enjoy a warmer home and lower energy bills while extending the lifespan of your boiler and radiators.
4. Use Curtains, Rugs, and Draught Excluders Strategically
In the UK, many homes lose significant heat through windows and floors. By using soft furnishings and draft excluders strategically, you can retain warmth and create a cosier living space:
- Open Curtains During the Day: Let sunlight naturally warm your home by keeping curtains open during daylight hours, especially if your windows face south. Close them at dusk to trap the heat.
- Install Thermal Curtains: These heavy, insulated curtains reduce heat loss through windows, making them especially useful in older homes with single glazing.
- Lay Down Rugs: Hardwood or tile floors can feel icy underfoot and allow heat to escape. Adding thick rugs provides insulation and keeps your home feeling snug.
- Fit Draught Excluders: Place excluders at the base of doors, especially those leading to unheated rooms or hallways.
These cost-effective solutions can make a noticeable difference in your home’s warmth while adding style and comfort to your interior.
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Heating Systems
If your boiler is over 10 years old, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model could save you hundreds of pounds a year. The latest systems are designed to use less energy while providing the same level of warmth. Here are some options:
- Condensing Boilers: These high-efficiency boilers recover heat that would otherwise escape through the flue. They are the most energy-efficient option for UK households.
- Smart Heating Controls: Pairing your boiler with smart controls allows you to fine-tune your heating system for maximum efficiency.
- Radiator Thermostatic Valves (TRVs): Installing TRVs on your radiators lets you control the temperature of individual rooms, ensuring you only heat the spaces you’re using.
Although the upfront cost of upgrading can be significant, the long-term savings and improved comfort make it a worthwhile investment.
6. Adopt Zoned Heating to Personalise Your Comfort
Heating your entire home to the same temperature can be wasteful, especially in larger properties. Zoned heating allows you to heat only the rooms you use, reducing energy consumption. Here’s how to implement it:
- Install TRVs: Thermostatic radiator valves enable you to control the heat output in each room individually. Set lower temperatures in less-used areas, like guest bedrooms or storage spaces.
- Use Smart Zoning Systems: Systems like Hive or Tado allow you to create heating zones and control them remotely via an app.
- Close Doors to Unused Rooms: Keeping doors closed prevents warm air from circulating into areas you don’t use regularly.
By adopting zoned heating, you can tailor your home’s warmth to your needs and avoid wasting energy on empty spaces.
7. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Tariffs and Energy Schemes
Many UK energy suppliers offer off-peak tariffs that can help you save money by shifting your energy usage to cheaper periods. Here’s how to take advantage of these schemes:
- Check Your Tariff: If you’re on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff, use timers to heat your water and home during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
- Store Heat with Night Storage Heaters: If you have storage heaters, charge them overnight and release the heat gradually during the day.
- Sign Up for Government Schemes: UK residents may qualify for schemes like the Warm Home Discount or Boiler Upgrade Scheme to help reduce energy costs.
Taking advantage of these programmes can reduce your energy expenses while ensuring you stay warm throughout winter.
Conclusion: Stay Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Heating your home during a UK winter doesn’t have to come with eye-watering energy bills. By implementing these 7 expert-approved hacks, you can keep your household warm while cutting costs. From optimising your thermostat to maintaining your boiler and sealing drafts, each tip is designed to maximise efficiency and minimise energy waste.
Start small with changes like bleeding your radiators or using thermal curtains, and consider longer-term investments like upgrading your boiler or improving insulation. Every step you take will bring you closer to a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
So, what are you waiting for? Take action today and enjoy a winter that’s both cosy and cost-effective.
FAQs About Saving on UK Heating Costs
- How much can I save by lowering my thermostat?
Reducing your thermostat by 1°C can cut your heating bill by up to 10%. - What’s the ideal temperature to set my thermostat in winter?
The recommended range is 18–21°C during the day and around 11°C at night. - How often should I service my boiler?
Boilers should be serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. - What are the benefits of TRVs?
TRVs allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms, improving energy efficiency and comfort. - Can renters use these tips?
Absolutely! Renters can seal drafts, use thermal curtains, and adopt portable solutions like draught excluders to save energy.
Expert Shares 7 Heating Hacks to Slash Your Winter Energy Bills
Winter in the UK is a time for woolly jumpers, hot cups of tea, and evenings by the fire. But as the temperature drops, energy bills can rise sharply, leaving many households looking for ways to stay warm without overspending. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between comfort and cost. With expert-approved heating hacks, you can keep your home cosy while cutting your winter energy bills significantly.
From optimising your central heating to insulating your home, these tips are designed with the UK householder in mind. Whether you live in a semi-detached house, a flat, or a period property, these strategies are easy to implement and will help you save money during the colder months. Let’s explore these 7 practical and effective hacks to slash your energy costs.
1. Optimise Your Thermostat Settings to Save Energy
Your thermostat is a key player in controlling your energy consumption. In the UK, the Energy Saving Trust advises that reducing your thermostat by just 1°C can cut your heating bill by up to 10%. Here’s how you can use your thermostat to achieve optimal savings:
- Set a Consistent Schedule: Programme your thermostat to match your daily routine. For example, set it to 18–21°C while you’re home and awake, and reduce it to around 11°C overnight or when you’re out.
- Consider a Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats, such as Hive or Tado, allow you to adjust your heating remotely via an app. They can also learn your habits, ensuring you never heat your home unnecessarily.
- Avoid Overcompensating: Cranking up your thermostat to heat your home faster doesn’t work—it only makes your boiler work harder for longer. Instead, let your system gradually reach the desired temperature.
Making these adjustments not only reduces energy usage but also ensures your home stays comfortable without wasting heat.
2. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation for Better Heat Retention
In many UK homes, drafts and poor insulation are major culprits behind rising energy bills. Unsealed gaps around windows, doors, and loft hatches can allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Here’s how you can tackle these issues:
- Find and Fix Drafts: Use a candle or incense stick to detect draughts around windows, doors, and skirting boards. Seal these gaps with adhesive weatherstrips, silicone sealant, or draft excluders.
- Install Loft Insulation: Properly insulating your loft to the recommended 270mm thickness can prevent heat from escaping through the roof, which is one of the largest sources of heat loss in UK homes.
- Use Secondary Glazing or Thermal Curtains: If double glazing isn’t an option, secondary glazing film or thermal curtains can help reduce drafts and retain heat.
- Close the Chimney When Not in Use: If you have an open fireplace, consider using a chimney draught excluder to prevent heat from escaping when the fireplace isn’t in use.
These measures can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency, keeping it warmer for longer and reducing the strain on your heating system.
3. Maintain Your Central Heating System
A well-maintained central heating system is essential for keeping your home warm efficiently. In the UK, most households rely on boilers and radiators, so ensuring these are in top condition is key to reducing energy waste. Here’s how to keep your system running smoothly:
- Bleed Your Radiators: If your radiators have cold spots, they may have trapped air. Bleed them using a radiator key to release the air and restore even heat distribution.
- Clean Magnetic Filters: Many modern central heating systems include a magnetic filter that traps sludge and debris. Cleaning this filter annually improves efficiency and prolongs the life of your boiler.
- Check Boiler Pressure: Low pressure can reduce the effectiveness of your heating system. Check your boiler’s pressure gauge and top it up if it falls below the recommended level (usually 1–1.5 bar).
- Schedule an Annual Boiler Service: Hire a Gas Safe registered engineer to service your boiler. Regular maintenance ensures it’s running efficiently and helps prevent costly breakdowns.
By maintaining your heating system, you’ll enjoy a warmer home and lower energy bills while extending the lifespan of your boiler and radiators.
4. Use Curtains, Rugs, and Draught Excluders Strategically
In the UK, many homes lose significant heat through windows and floors. By using soft furnishings and draft excluders strategically, you can retain warmth and create a cosier living space:
- Open Curtains During the Day: Let sunlight naturally warm your home by keeping curtains open during daylight hours, especially if your windows face south. Close them at dusk to trap the heat.
- Install Thermal Curtains: These heavy, insulated curtains reduce heat loss through windows, making them especially useful in older homes with single glazing.
- Lay Down Rugs: Hardwood or tile floors can feel icy underfoot and allow heat to escape. Adding thick rugs provides insulation and keeps your home feeling snug.
- Fit Draught Excluders: Place excluders at the base of doors, especially those leading to unheated rooms or hallways.
These cost-effective solutions can make a noticeable difference in your home’s warmth while adding style and comfort to your interior.
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Heating Systems
If your boiler is over 10 years old, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model could save you hundreds of pounds a year. The latest systems are designed to use less energy while providing the same level of warmth. Here are some options:
- Condensing Boilers: These high-efficiency boilers recover heat that would otherwise escape through the flue. They are the most energy-efficient option for UK households.
- Smart Heating Controls: Pairing your boiler with smart controls allows you to fine-tune your heating system for maximum efficiency.
- Radiator Thermostatic Valves (TRVs): Installing TRVs on your radiators lets you control the temperature of individual rooms, ensuring you only heat the spaces you’re using.
Although the upfront cost of upgrading can be significant, the long-term savings and improved comfort make it a worthwhile investment.
6. Adopt Zoned Heating to Personalise Your Comfort
Heating your entire home to the same temperature can be wasteful, especially in larger properties. Zoned heating allows you to heat only the rooms you use, reducing energy consumption. Here’s how to implement it:
- Install TRVs: Thermostatic radiator valves enable you to control the heat output in each room individually. Set lower temperatures in less-used areas, like guest bedrooms or storage spaces.
- Use Smart Zoning Systems: Systems like Hive or Tado allow you to create heating zones and control them remotely via an app.
- Close Doors to Unused Rooms: Keeping doors closed prevents warm air from circulating into areas you don’t use regularly.
By adopting zoned heating, you can tailor your home’s warmth to your needs and avoid wasting energy on empty spaces.
7. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Tariffs and Energy Schemes
Many UK energy suppliers offer off-peak tariffs that can help you save money by shifting your energy usage to cheaper periods. Here’s how to take advantage of these schemes:
- Check Your Tariff: If you’re on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff, use timers to heat your water and home during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
- Store Heat with Night Storage Heaters: If you have storage heaters, charge them overnight and release the heat gradually during the day.
- Sign Up for Government Schemes: UK residents may qualify for schemes like the Warm Home Discount or Boiler Upgrade Scheme to help reduce energy costs.
Taking advantage of these programmes can reduce your energy expenses while ensuring you stay warm throughout winter.
Conclusion: Stay Warm Without Breaking the Bank
Heating your home during a UK winter doesn’t have to come with eye-watering energy bills. By implementing these 7 expert-approved hacks, you can keep your household warm while cutting costs. From optimising your thermostat to maintaining your boiler and sealing drafts, each tip is designed to maximise efficiency and minimise energy waste.
Start small with changes like bleeding your radiators or using thermal curtains, and consider longer-term investments like upgrading your boiler or improving insulation. Every step you take will bring you closer to a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
So, what are you waiting for? Take action today and enjoy a winter that’s both cosy and cost-effective.
FAQs About Saving on UK Heating Costs
- How much can I save by lowering my thermostat?
Reducing your thermostat by 1°C can cut your heating bill by up to 10%. - What’s the ideal temperature to set my thermostat in winter?
The recommended range is 18–21°C during the day and around 11°C at night. - How often should I service my boiler?
Boilers should be serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. - What are the benefits of TRVs?
TRVs allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms, improving energy efficiency and comfort. - Can renters use these tips?
Absolutely! Renters can seal drafts, use thermal curtains, and adopt portable solutions like draught excluders to save energy.