Top Tips for keeping your home warm this winter.
22 Nov 2024
We think it's safe to say that Summer is well and truly on its way out, as the darker nights and cooler weather are starting to roll in. And although we have been warned that this year may be particularly challenging regarding energy prices, it is essential to keep your home as warm as possible for your health and wellbeing.
What temperature should your home be in winter?
According to the Met Office, the ideal heat for your home during winter should be at least 18 °C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition.
If you are under age 65, active and choosing to wear additional clothing inside, you may wish to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, even if it is slightly lower than 18°C. This will, of course, help reduce your energy costs.
Overnight, it's recommended that people aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18 °C suitable for their health. It may be less critical if you are a healthy adult under 65 and have appropriate clothing and bedding. It is recommended to keep your bedroom window closed when the weather is cold.
Heating and Insulating your home
Insulating your home not only keeps you warm but will also keep your energy costs down. Here's a handful of Top Tips. Please note we have taken this information from the Met Office, a reliable source.
Some of these Tips may seem obvious, but they can make all the difference during winter.
- Fit draught-proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
- Ensure your loft has at least 10-11 inches (270 mm) of insulation. Any home with 4 inches (100 mm) or less should have it topped up.
- If you have wall cavities, make sure that they are insulated too.
- Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
- Make sure that your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.
- Set your heating to come on just before you get up and switch it off after you've gone to bed. Suppose it's freezing; set your heating to come on earlier and turn it off later rather than turning the thermostat up.
- If you can't heat all the rooms, you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed. Remember to close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the most used rooms.
Saving money on your energy bills – Useful Links
Getting to grips with how much you are using and where is a good starting point when trying to cut down your household energy bills. If you pay your energy bills via credit, you can often find this information on your energy bills.
Your energy bill should include; a breakdown of costs, such as daily standing charges and the cost of energy used within a period, usually a month.
Energy Saving Trust has a helpful guide on understanding your energy bill.
The UK government has also provided additional help for those needing it this winter. Not all will apply to you, but we will the links below could be helpful to either yourself or someone you know:
Citizens Advice - provide free energy advice and support via email, phone, or online. Their advisors can help with what grants and benefits are available to you and provide support if you have any issues with your energy supply.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Winter Fuel Payment - if you received a state pension and were born on or before 25 September 1956, you will receive the Winter Fuel Payment, worth between £250 and £600.
Warm Home Discount - this one-off payment gives eligible older and low-income consumers £140 off their energy bill.
If you'd like to learn more about how to keep your home warm and reduce energy bills this winter, please visit https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/, where you can find lots of useful information.
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