January marks the time when most households begin seeking methods to reduce expenditure. The festive decorations are packed away, budgets become tighter, and heating emerges as one of the largest expenses to control.
Energy costs remain elevated and additional increases cannot be dismissed. The new year also presents an ideal opportunity to reconsider how we warm our properties. A handful of minor modifications can create cosier rooms, reduce bills, and make energy last longer throughout the harshest months.
This is according to indoor living specialists Vonhaus, who suggested there were more intelligent approaches to retaining the heat you already possess.
Direct warmth where you require it most
Operating central heating throughout the day represents one of the fastest methods to exhaust a winter budget. If the majority of your time is spent in one or two rooms, it’s frequently more economical to heat those areas directly.
Portable heaters can cost as little as 20–50p an hour to operate, depending on the setting and room size.
Laura Bradbury, head of eCommerce at Vonhaus, explained: “Oil-filled radiators are perfect for working from home or evenings when everyone’s in one room, as they heat up fast and hold their warmth for a while after being switched off, so if you close the doors and block draughts, the room stays comfortable without using much power.”
The positioning of heaters and radiators can significantly influence their effectiveness in warming a room. Ensure there is ample space for air circulation, and keep doors shut to retain heat in the areas you’re occupying.
Installing a reflective panel behind a wall radiator can help redirect warmth back into the room, preventing it from being lost through cold walls.
Maximise existing heat
Optimising the heat you’ve already paid for can be as impactful as altering your heating source. Warm air can escape through the tiniest gaps around windows, doors, and vents, with even a slight draught capable of negating hours of heating.
Simple insulation methods can help retain warmth where it’s needed. Draught excluders, thicker curtains, and self-adhesive seals are cost-effective solutions to halt the influx of cold air.
It’s also beneficial to close interior doors early in the evening and draw curtains before outdoor temperatures plummet.
Opt for low-energy heating alternatives
When engaged in stationary activities such as working, reading, or watching television, much of the energy used to heat the room goes to waste. Heated throws, cushions, and small personal heaters provide direct warmth where required, costing only a few pence per hour to operate.
For instance, a 100-watt heated throw can keep you cosy for approximately 20p a night if used for eight hours, which is considerably less than running central heating for the same duration. Many models feature adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to reduce them once the fabric retains the heat.
Laura explained: “Heated throws use a consistent low wattage, so they reach temperature quickly and then maintain it without drawing much extra power. Running one for an evening can cost less than boiling a kettle twice.”
Take charge of your heating expenses
Numerous households continue to waste money simply because their heating operates longer or at higher temperatures than necessary. Reducing your thermostat by merely one degree can slash approximately 10% from your energy bill, with most homes barely noticing the temperature difference.
Smart thermostats simplify managing these minor tweaks. They allow you to programme heating timetables, monitor energy consumption, and adjust temperatures via your mobile, which proves invaluable when weather shifts or arrangements alter. A straightforward guideline: if conditions feel warmer, lower the setting marginally.
Laura continued: “The weather changes almost daily, and your heating should too. A quick check of the thermostat each morning helps keep energy use in line with what the day actually needs.”
Maintain beneficial practices throughout the year
Energy prices fluctuate, yet the money-saving habits remain constant. Shutting doors, blocking draughts, utilising efficient heaters, and fine-tuning the thermostat daily all create enduring benefits.
The secret lies in maintaining consistent small actions that become second nature, keeping bills reduced not merely during winter, but year-round.
