How to Keep Your Home Warm in Winter Without Raising Your Bills

When temperatures drop, heating bills rise. But a lot of the heat you pay for simply escapes through gaps, windows and bare floors.

These simple changes help you keep warmth in and spend less to feel comfortable.

Stop draughts

• Fit draught excluders at the bottom of doors.
• Use self-adhesive foam strips around window and door frames.
• Cover unused letterboxes and keyholes.
• Block chimneys you don't use with a chimney balloon or cover.

Use curtains wisely

Open curtains on sunny days to let natural warmth in, then close them at dusk to trap it. Thick or thermal-lined curtains make a noticeable difference.

Get more from your heating

1. Turn the thermostat down by one degree. Many people won't notice the difference, but it can noticeably reduce heating costs.
2. Use a timer so the heating comes on shortly before you wake up and get home.
3. Bleed radiators if they're cold at the top — trapped air stops them heating properly.
4. Fit radiator reflector panels behind radiators on outside walls.
5. Keep furniture away from radiators so heat can circulate.

Warm the floors

Bare wooden floors and tiles feel cold. Rugs add a layer of insulation and make rooms feel warmer underfoot.

Warm yourself, not just the room

Layers, warm socks, slippers and a blanket on the sofa let you stay comfortable at a lower temperature. A hot water bottle is one of the cheapest ways to stay warm in bed.

Small changes add up. Together, they can make your home cosier and your energy bills lower all winter.