Tips to save on heating bills

As the nights draw in and the weather becomes cooler we all reach for the thermostat in order to provide respite from those chillier days. However, with energy bills soaring, we are all looking for ways to stay warm without breaking the bank.

So here are our top 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 or simply never get around to checking if there are better deals than the tariff they have been moved onto. 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 leaving 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° can shave 10% off of your bills!

3.Turn your heating off when you are out

Heating an empty house is definitely 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

I realise this is an upfront cost but 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 nighttime 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 your dad but putting on an extra layer of clothing will help you to fight the chill and stop you from needing 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

When I was a child there was a sign stuck to the living room door of my friend's house. It literally said 'Warm room, keep door closed'. 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 instant heat for a small room or 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 simply 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 the 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.

10.Have your boiler serviced

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.