Money tips for the cold? Check out these 10 easy tips to help you save money in the coming months!
Why are these money tips essential for the coming winter? Well, everyone could use some extra cash in their pockets. These money tips can instantly have you pocketing savings. From simple changes to a few long term projects, these money tips will have you saving for years to come. The strategies below will not only help you save money but conserve energy and help you stay comfortable in the coming months.
1. Use your curtains
This first money tip is something you can apply from the comfort of your home! Heat from the sun is free so make the most of it. Open your curtains and let the sunlight in during the day to make use of this free heat. When it gets dark, shut your curtains. This acts as another layer of insulation and keeps warmth in your rooms. You should also make sure you don’t have any leaks or gaps. This helps keep warm air in and cold air out, also reducing condensation and saving money.
2. Use timers on your central heating
The Centre for Sustainable Energy advises that programming your boiler to turn the heating on a little earlier — such as 30 minutes before you get up in the morning — but at a lower temperature is cheaper than turning it on just as you need it at a higher temperature. This is because a boiler heats up at a constant speed whether you set your thermostat to higher temps. But don’t make the mistake of leaving your heating on low all day — because then you’re just paying for heat when you don’t need it.
3. Move your sofa
It might feel great to have your favorite seat in front of the radiator, but it’s absorbing heat that could be warming your home. By moving it away from the radiator, hot air can circulate freely. The same goes for your curtains or drying clothes . Keep them away from the radiator so that you can get the most out of your heat source.
4. Maximize your insulation
When it comes to heat, around 25% is lost through the roof. This can be easily reduced by installing insulation throughout your loft. It’s also worth seeing what’s going on in your walls, as around a third of the heat in an uninsulated home is lost this way. Although it’s not as cheap to install as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation could save up to $300 a year in heating bills. It’s also worth checking with your energy supplier to see if they have any insulation schemes running . It can sometimes mean cheap or free installation.
5. Wrap up warm
If you have a hot water tank, make sure it is properly lagged — or insulated. This will keep the water warmer for longer, and reduce heating costs. Experts reckon that insulating an uninsulated water tank could save up to $250 a year — but even just upgrading your tank’s “old jacket” will help to save money.
6. Turn down the dial
This may seem a little counter-intuitive, but bear with me. The World Health Organization previously recommended a minimum temperature of 69.8°F in the living room, but Public Health England revised this to 64.4°F in 2014. And research shows that turning your thermostat down by a handful of degrees could cut your heating bill by up to 10%. So keep the dial checked to save power and money.
7. Block out the draughts
Even a simple solution such as making your own sausage dog draught excluder will help keep the warmth in your home. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that DIY draught-proofing your doors, windows and cracks in the floor could save $50 per year. You can do this yourself for very little cost. Self-adhesive rubber seals around doors and windows and door draught excluders are relatively cheap and easy to install. So it’s worth getting those doors and windows sealed before winter properly kicks in.
8. Install thermostatic radiator valves
Research has shown that installing heating controls and thermostatic radiator valves results in energy savings of 40% compared to a house with no controls. These work by allowing you to program your heating to come on at predefined times ,using energy only when you need it. New smart thermostats can also be controlled remotely via your mobile phone. It allows you to turn on your heating on the way home, ensuring it’s nice and toasty when you arrive.
9. Upgrade your boiler
If your boiler is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it with a new, more efficient model. Depending on your old boiler type and house, you could save up to $700 with a new A-rated condensing boiler — which uses less energy to produce the same amount of heat. Plus, if it’s new, you’re less likely to have any issues going into the winter season.
10. Reflect the heat
Radiator panels are relatively cheap, easy to install, and ensure that heat from your radiators warms up your room and not your walls. They work by reflecting the heat back into the room.
If you follow these saving tips this Winter, your wallet is sure to thank you. For more savings and money tips, explore our website!
