The New Year almost always leaves your wallet empty. 
This makes January even harder with many people struggling to survive through the month. Much of your money goes into paying for your heating bills. The cost of keeping your home warm and comfortable during the festive seasons always leaves a dent on your bank statement. What if you could keep your home warm for less? Outlined below are a few tips and tricks on how to lower energy/heating bills this year.
1. Invest in a Warm Duvet
Investing in a warm duvet to use during the colder months can save you some money in the long run. Be sure to sample the duvet at the department store before making the purchase – some stores will allow you to test them, with most duvets having tog rating printed on them.
If you however have wooden flooring, you might then consider having a carpet by the bedside. This should help keep your feet warm when you get out of bed. Consider investing in cosy blankets to use with the regular ones as well. These blankets can be used while on the sofa to help keep you warm. Put those Christmas socks on for an extra layer of warmth on your feet.
2. Consider Electric Heaters
Electric heating can provide an efficient way to heat your home. This is because they are fully programmable, and use less energy. These heaters come in handy both at home and the office, and come with an extended warranty. Vantage radiators, for example, come with a standard 30-year warranty and cost only £300. Italian-built designs run silently and come with a 10-year warranty for £400.
3. Think Smart
Installing a smart meter in your home can also help lower your energy consumption. The smart meter monitors energy usage in the house, meaning you can identify habits and devices that waste energy. You can get these meters free of charge if you live in the UK – the offer is however only available until the year 2020. Talk to your energy provider to see how you can have one for your home.
4. Shop Online
Sites such as comparethemarket.com and Uswitch can help you find some of the best deals on the market. Shopping online, and using these sites to compare prices, could land you a better deal for your home, saving you hundreds of pounds.
5. Consider Your Home’s Interior Design
Heat loss is one of the contributing factors to high energy bills at the end of the month. Windows can contribute to at least 25% of the house’s heat loss. Taking advantage of natural light by opening the shades and curtains on south-facing windows allows the sun’s heat to warm up the house. It would also be advisable to close room doors and move the sofa away from the radiator. This should make the room/home warmer without turning the thermostat up. For those with fireplaces in their homes, having a balloon placed over the chimney to trap warm air can help as well. The balloon will prevent warm air from escaping hence leaving the house warmer. The balloon can be removed/deflated once the cold season is over.
6. Insulate
Ensure your home is adequately insulated to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air entering the house. Double glazed windows, loft insulation, and under-floor heating could help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Always keep all doors closed and avoid draughts to help accumulate heat inside the house.
7. Take Advantage of Winter Sunshine
You should be able to save good money following the tips and tricks outlined above. If all else fails, though, you can book a winter sun break with the savings.
