Winter Energy-Saving Tips: Stay Warm and Save Money
The winter months are a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness, but can also be a time of additional costs. Between twinkling lights, marathon cooking sessions, and keeping the house cosy for guests, the winter season often pushes both household budgets and energy use to their peak.
This article offers a few creative swaps and smart adjustments, so you can enjoy all the magic of winter while keeping costs under control. Read on to find out more:
Light Up Winter Efficiently
Winter lights are a staple of winter cheer, but they don’t have to drain your wallet.
Switch to LED or solar-powered lights: LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional ones, making them a smart choice for brightening your home during the darker months. Switching 50 watt halogen bulbs to LEDs could save up to £4 per bulb per year.
Solar-powered options are even better for outdoor spaces, as they harness free energy from the sun.
Use timers or smart plugs: Set your lights to turn off automatically overnight or when you’re out. This simple step prevents wasted energy and ensures your home stays well-lit only when needed.
Focus your display: Instead of lighting every corner, choose one or two standout features like a welcoming porch to create impact without excess energy use.
Cook Smarter, Not Harder
Winter meals can be a highlight of the season, but the energy drain from ovens and hobs quickly adds to your energy bill.
Cook Multiple Dishes at Once: When using the oven, plan your meals so you can prepare several dishes at the same time. This maximises the heat already being generated, reduces overall cooking time, and avoids the need to reheat later.
Choose the Right Appliance: Microwaves, slow cookers, or air fryers are more efficient for smaller meals. If you do not have a slow cooker, why not take a look at making your own ‘cook-in-a-box’ which can cook food with minimal energy.
Keep Lids on Pans: Covering pots and pans while cooking traps heat and speeds up the process, meaning less energy is wasted and your food cooks faster.
Turn Down Heating While Cooking: Your oven and stove naturally warm the kitchen, so take advantage by lowering the thermostat during cooking times to save on heating costs.
Cook and share food: We all love a good buffet or a spread of festive “picky bits.” Share the energy load by inviting guests to bring a dish. This reduces your cooking time and energy use as well as creating lovely memories.
Keeping Cosy Without Overheating
Lower the Thermostat When Guests Arrive: Extra body heat helps to keep the room warm - you will most likely find that you need to lower the temperature before your guests get too hot.
TRVs on Your Radiators: If you have TRVs, turn them down and only heat the rooms of your home that you’re using. You can leave them on the frost prevention setting (snowflake symbol) to keep a small amount of hot water flowing, so the pipes don’t freeze.
Layers are Key: One blanket underneath is worth three on top” is a simple tip that highlights the importance of insulating yourself from cold surfaces like a mattress, sofa, or floor. Adding a layer beneath you helps trap body heat more effectively, so both the blankets below and above work together to keep you warm and cosy. Plus, don’t forget that thick socks and slippers make a big difference around the house.
Block Draughts: Draft excluders are a great way to stop the unwanted cold air coming in. There are many online options for making your own. Alternatively, you can use rolled-up towels – quick, easy and makes a big difference.
Fun Without Racking up the Costs
Whether you're watching festive films, catching up on a show or gaming for hours, electronics can quietly add to your bill.
Switch Devices Off at the wall: Avoid standby mode - turning appliances off at the wall can save you £55 a year!
Share Screens: Watching films together is not only quality time together but also a good way to save money by not running multiple devices.
Swap Expensive Outings: Replace expensive social gatherings with cosy movie nights at home or walks to see local winter lights or markets.
Shopping
Whether it be gift buying or treating yourself in the January sales, hidden costs often creep in through shopping, but smart planning helps.
Use Browser Extensions: Tools like MyVoucherCodes.co.uk which automatically apply voucher codes at checkout. Be aware to look out for scams when shopping online – particularly if an offer seems too good to be true. For more information, visit our Scam Spotters Guide for hints and tips.
Redeem Loyalty Points: It is worth checking your loyalty cards that may have points you can you towards your purchases. Supermarket loyalty cards can provide generous discounts so it can be worth comparing offers.
Sell Unwanted Items: if you have any unwanted items, selling them in second-hand marketplace sites such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace not only declutter your home and provide potential gifts for others, but also generate extra cash.
Energy-saving doesn’t mean sacrificing the things that you love. In fact, mindful and sustainable options often work out to be cheaper and more considerate while also reducing your carbon footprint! A few small changes to avoid unnecessary expenses and wasting energy can make a big difference, leaving you with more to spend on the winter fun.