Households across the country are feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis, and with the weather set to get colder in the coming weeks, many will be worried about the cost of heating their homes.
Energy bills have increased over the past year, with providers announcing hikes across the board.
With that said, exercising the right approach to your heating is essential as you may be using more energy than you need.
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Experts SMO Energy has outlined some things you can do to reduce your home heating bills without breaking the bank this winter.
Wrap up
It may seem simple, but adding a few extra layers of clothes may be a more economical way of staying warm this winter.
Depending on how much you feel the cold, it may be worth thinking a little more about the clothes you plan on wearing around the house.
Switching to trousers made from a more substantial material, such as denim or wool, could help to keep you warmer for longer.
It is also a good idea not to go around the house barefoot during the winter. A pair of cosy socks will warm your feet and help keep the rest of your body warm.
Let the sun in
Although sunshine can be heard come by in the winter months, when it is around, it should be utilised.
Even in winter, the sun can help to heat your home during the day. So if you have blinds or curtains, make sure to open them fully before leaving the room in the morning.
Make sure to close them once again at night as this will help to trap the heat in the room.
Close off unused rooms
Depending on the size of your home, you may have a room that is primarily used for storage or just isn't used very often.
If this is the case, close off the room, as there is no need to heat a room you won't be using.
You can also turn off any radiators in the rooms to save on your heating costs.
Putting a towel or a draft blocker at the bottom of the closed door will also help prevent the cold air from escaping.
Cooking or baking
Baking or cooking meals at home is another great way to lower your heating bill.
The heat from the stove or oven will help to warm up your kitchen.
When you are finished baking, switch off the oven and leave the door open slightly so that the warm air can escape and heat your kitchen.
Turn the thermostat down
Adjusting your thermostat can lead to a dramatic drop in your heating bills. Lowering the thermostat by just 1 degrees can help you save up to 10% annually on heating.
Some of the best times to turn down your thermostat are at bedtime and before you leave for work in the morning.
Timing the heating to come on for an hour before you need it and then turn it off is another great way to save on costs.
Close doors and windows tightly
Heat can often be lost through windows and doors, especially if those openings aren't sealed tightly.
Before temperatures drop, it is a good idea to check all of the windows and doors in your home and test them for air leaks.
You might feel cool air seeping in along the sides of the windows or the bottom of doors.
A quick way to close them tightly is to lock them, as this helps to create a better seal.
Air ducts
Air ducts in your home can be a source of heat loss, especially if they are in uninsulated areas, such as the attic or garage.
Sealing your ducts around the joints can help to keep warm air from seeping out.
Rearrange furniture
Moving furniture around can help to improve the airflow in a room, meaning the heat is distributed better.
If you have couches, beds or bookcases placed in front of the radiators in a room, the furniture pieces may be blocking the flow of air.
Move furniture away so that the heat can travel freely.
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