Keeping warm this winter

We’ve put together five top tips to help you keep warm this winter and save energy and money.

1. Switch your energy supplier

If you’ve been with your energy provider for a long period, there’s a good chance you’re not getting the best deal. Shop around and check out other energy providers.

We have more advice on switching energy provider on our saving energy page.

2. Radiator reflectors

To prevent heat loss from your radiators use heat reflective aluminium foil behind the radiator. This prevents heat disappearing through the wall by reflecting it back into the room.

3. Re-position your furniture

If your sofa is positioned in front of a radiator or storage heater, you’ll be wasting money heating something that doesn’t need it. Try re-arranging your furniture away from radiators so that when you put your heating on, you feel the full effect.

4. Lower your thermostat

If you turn your thermostat down by just one degree celsius you could slash your heating bills by 10% (or up to £65 a year).

Save on energy too by making sure you switch off lights when you leave a room, and turn off appliances, such as your TV and washing machine, instead of leaving them on standby. Leaving things on standby can add an extra £35 to your energy bills over the year.

5. Closing the curtains

Thick curtains are one of the best ways to protect your house from losing heat through the windows. Curtains with a thermal lining are a relatively cheap option, or line them yourself with materials like fleece.

Close your curtains when it starts to get dark, but leave them open to let sunlight in during the day – it’s an important source of natural heat.