It is that time of year again: colder weather, higher energy bills and daily debates over whether you can justify putting the heating on yet again.

There is no avoiding the fact that we all use more energy in the winter and our heating bills, which are non-existent in the summer, skyrocket during the colder season. But, whether you are looking to save money or just avoid unnecessary spending, the good news is that this is possible. Keep reading this guide for our 5 energy-saving tips to help you keep your utility costs down this winter.

1. Use Heat More Efficiently

Not heating your house is obviously not an option when the temperature drops outside. But there are ways to use heat more efficiently, which could save you hundreds of pounds throughout winter and help you stay warm on a budget.

Try setting your thermostat’s heating controls a touch lower and make sure you are only heating rooms you actually use. You can also use timers or automated schedules to heat your home when you will be in, so you avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Just make sure you are still comfortable rather than getting too caught up in the idea of “toughing it out”.

Side note: painting your radiators black will not make a big difference to their heat output or efficiency – this is one of the common energy myths you shouldn't believe.

2. Keep Warmth Inside Your Home

When you are spending money to keep your central heating running, the last thing you want is for a significant portion of that heat to end up escaping from your home through windows, doors, floors and your loft.

There are a few things you can do to keep the warm air in and the cold air out, from the cheaper options (buying things like draught excluders, thicker curtains, door seals), to the bigger upgrades (insulating your loft – staggeringly, 33% of UK homeowners do not currently have loft insulation).

3. Cut Hot Water Waste

Heating water is another contributor to higher bills, especially in the winter, when you are likely to want hot water more than you would in the summer.

We are not suggesting you deprive yourself of the luxury of a warm bath when the weather is cold, but see how you can reduce your hot water usage where possible. For instance, you could take shorter showers, fix dripping taps, use eco settings on your dishwasher and washing machine, and wash your clothes at cooler temperatures. These might only seem like small changes, but they do add up over time.

4. Be Smart With Your Appliances

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the appliances that use the most energy are washing machines, dishwashers and dryers, followed by fridges and freezers, TVs, laptops and gaming consoles, lighting and ovens.

Again, simply not using these appliances throughout winter is impractical, but this is where energy efficiency comes into play. An energy-efficient appliance can use significantly less energy than a non-efficient alternative, and less energy used = reduced bills. So, see whether you have any old appliances you can update to save energy in the long run. In the meantime, take small actions to embrace frugal living, like unplugging unused devices and using the microwave or air fryer instead of your oven for cooking smaller meals.

5. Review Your Energy Tariff

If you don’t enjoy “adminy” financial tasks, reviewing your energy tariff probably sounds less appealing than any of the other items on this list. But it is one that can make a real difference, not to how much energy you are using, but to how much you are paying for it. We recommend calculating how much your life costs in general, and you will likely see that your energy spend is a big part of this.

Different tariffs can affect your monthly costs. So, if you haven’t done so in a while, it is well worth checking your contract and meter type to see what your potential savings might look like if you switch.

Takeaway

If you are already feeling the pinch this winter, you are not alone. Hopefully, this guide has served as a helpful reminder of all the ways you can reduce your energy usage and cut your electricity bill while still being comfortable and warm. And, while winter might feel as if it lasts forever, spring is always just around the corner.