10 Tips to keep warm this winter on a budget
As winter approaches, it’s common for us to be concerned about the financial consequences of the cold weather. With increasing expenses and the added worry of maintaining our health, especially for those dealing with cancer, the impending energy bills can be a source of anxiety. At Ray of Light Cancer Support we understand your concerns and want to share some useful tips and practical advice on staying warm and saving money during this season.
10 tips on staying warm this winter:
- Close the curtains when it’s getting dark and tuck them behind the radiator.
By closing the curtains, we can create an extra layer of insulation, preventing warm air from seeping through the glass and cold drafts from chilling our living areas. When tucking the curtains behind the radiator, we redirect warm air back into the room. Additionally, shutting the doors to the rooms we use most can help hold the heat in the room. - Move your furniture away from radiators.
When furniture is positioned too close to a radiator, it can absorb and block the heat, preventing it from reaching the rest of the room. By moving your furniture away from radiators, you allow the heat to circulate freely. Additionally, using reflective materials like aluminium foil or reflective radiator panels behind the radiators you can reflect heat from behind the radiators this will prevent heat loss through walls. - Use LED bulbs
Each LED bulb you fit can make you a lifetime saving of £180. They consume around 75% less energy, which not only reduces your electricity bill but also benefits the environment. Plus they don’t need changing as frequently! - Zap it! – Use a microwave rather than the oven to reheat meals.
Using a microwave instead of an oven to reheat meals can be a practical and cost-effective choice when it comes to saving money. First and foremost, microwaves consume significantly less energy than traditional ovens as typically, reheating food in the microwave takes only a fraction of the time it would take in the oven and does not require preheating. - Turn your heating down by one degree.
You probably won’t perceive any change in temperature, yet it could potentially save you up to £80 annually. However, be mindful not to decrease below 18°C if you fall into categories such as the elderly, individuals with illnesses, or those with young children. - Turn down your wash.
Washing at lower temperatures will help reduce the energy used by your washing machine – and it’s better for your clothes! Many people may not be aware that most of the energy consumed during a washing machine cycle is used to heat the water. By decreasing the temperature, we can significantly reduce the amount of energy consumed per wash. This simple adjustment not only benefits the environment by lowering our carbon footprint, but it also positively impacts our electricity bills. Most modern detergents are specifically designed to be efficient at lower temperatures – so your clothes will still feel fresh and clean! - Be a friend to your freezer
Defrost it regularly and keep it as full as you can. Did you know that a defrosted freezer can save you money? It can cost you around £150 less a year to run! It’s recommended to defrost once every three to six months, or when the ice layer exceeds half an inch. You might be surprised to learn that a full freezer is more efficient than a partially empty one. When you open the freezer door, the cold air inside escapes and gets replaced with warm air from the surroundings. If you find that your freezer isn’t full you can place ice packs or even containers filled with water inside to save energy. - Cuppa tea? Use only what you need.
There’s nothing quite like a good cuppa tea to warm the soul. Only fill the kettle with as much as you’ll actually use (make sure you cover the element at the bottom). Not only will this save you money on your energy bills, but it will also reduce the time it takes for the water to boil. This will save you up to £20 a year. And remember, it’s cheaper to use the kettle to boil water than an electric hob. - Dodge the draught
Fit draught excluders to your front door to save money. One of the main culprits for escalated heating costs is the presence of draughts in our homes! Cold air can seep in through gaps and cracks, reducing the efficiency of our heating and making us cold. For the crafty people among us you can make your own draft excluders! Some people fit curtains over their front doors to stop drafts, just make sure you are not obstructing the exit. - Swap baths for showers
Taking showers instead of baths saves around £100 a year on water heating. Showers tend to use less water when compared to baths, therefore, you can save on water consumption by opting for a shower. One important factor to consider when it comes to showers is the type of shower system you have. Electric showers, tend to consume a considerable amount of energy. This means that if you have an electric shower and are looking for ways to cut down on your energy usage and expenses, you can take advantage of a shower timer. Taking 4-minute showers can save you around £130 a year.
Additionally, using practical habits like layering up indoors, using hot water bottles and wearing an extra pair of socks and slippers we can keep ourselves warm and cosy. Implementing these winter saving tips can make a significant impact on our overall energy consumption and expenses during the cold season. By making small adjustments to our daily routines and investing in energy-efficient solutions, we can enjoy a warmer winter while also reducing our carbon footprint.
