How to Cut Down Utility Costs When It’s Already Winter

Winter’s here, and with it comes the painful spike in utility bills that makes you wonder if you’re secretly heating your garden instead of your house. If you didn’t get the chance to prepare your home for the cold season, don’t worry; it’s not too late to make changes that will keep you warm and save you money.

Sure, it’s not nearly as easy as it would have been if you could have done it in a warmer season, but it doesn’t mean that you’re going to have to deal with a cold house all winter, either. So, what can you do? Well, let’s look at some easy ways to cut down costs without sacrificing comfort.

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Lock the Heat In

You’re going to want to go ahead and start by focusing on keeping the warmth you’ve already got right where you need it. For example, thick blankets or heavy blackout curtains are a brilliant solution. You can hang them over windows, doors, or even draughty walls to block out the cold and trap the heat inside.

If there’s a room you’re not using much, close the door and concentrate your heating on the spaces you actually live in. It’s a simple fix that takes the pressure off your heating system and helps lower your bills. Just keep in mind that blackout curtains are pretty expensive, and the heavy curtain rods needed can be pricey, too, hence why thicket blankets (which are usually nailed in) get suggested.

Upgrade Your Heating System Before It’s Too Late

If your current radiator is struggling to keep up, now might be the time to think about replacing it before it decides to break during the coldest week of the year. For example, German electric radiators are a fantastic option; they’re designed to be highly efficient and can heat specific areas without wasting energy on your entire home (and the smart home aspect is helpful, too).

While sure, by all means, the upfront cost might feel like a big investment, these radiators pay for themselves over time. But why do this in the middle of winter? Well, theres usually sales (like Cyber Monday or even other sales), so you might save more money. But just remember, installing a new radiator can take time to arrange, so it’s better to plan ahead rather than deal with an unexpected breakdown and a freezing house.

Be Strategic with Your Heating

It’s not a great one, but this is what a lot of people do. So, lowering your thermostat by just a degree or two can make a noticeable difference to your energy bills. You won’t freeze if you layer up with jumpers, socks, and blankets instead of turning the heat up to full blast. 

Are you cooking at home? Well, you could make the most of your oven’s warmth. After baking or roasting, leave the oven door open and let that residual heat warm up your kitchen. It’s a small win, but every bit helps during those long winter nights.

Keep an Eye on Your Hot Water

It’s great taking long hot showers in the winter, but you might want to tread lightly. Heating water can quietly drive up your bills, so check your water heater’s temperature settings. Chances are, it’s set higher than necessary. But lowering it just a bit can cut energy use and save money without affecting your comfort.