Easy heating and energy tips to cut bills this winter

Rocketing energy bills, combined with the withdrawal of Winter Fuel Allowance for many pensioners, mean that many are trying to eke out their gas and electricity.

Around the country, families are putting on another jumper and debating when to put the heating on (at least we now know what temperature it should be when we do). 

We asked some energy experts for their top energy saving advice - and they came back with everything from 1p heating hacks to how to brilliant batch cooking.

We've divided them up into categories.

Heating hacks

Heating - whether that's powered by gas, electricity or oil - can be one of the biggest expenses in any energy bill. Here, Adele Brennan from Vonhaus, look at some easy, affordable options – from thermal curtains and heaters to a few other smart adjustments – to heat you through the cold nights.

1. The 1p trick to heat you through the night
   This cosy life hack became popular because, according to last year's data, an electric blanket costs only 1p per night to run. Electric blankets use minimal energy compared to traditional heating methods. Most run on about 100 watts, meaning you can warm your bed and yourself without cranking up the thermostat. For the best results, switch on your blanket about 30 minutes before bed to get that toasty warm feeling right as you snuggle in. In fact, you can set it on a timer to avoid accidentally leaving it on all night—just enough warmth to get you through the coldest hours.
2. Thermal curtains
   These an underrated hero when it comes to keeping warm at night. Thick, insulated curtains help keep heat inside your room, preventing cold drafts from creeping through your windows and reducing the need to crank up the heating during the night. Plus, they help keep things cool in the summer too—double win.
3. Space heaters
   Another handy trick to keep yourself warm without heating the entire house is using a small space heater. These portable devices are perfect for heating up just one room (say, your bedroom) without wasting energy on unused spaces. They come in all shapes and sizes, and many have energy-saving features like timers and adjustable thermostats. If used safely, they can be an efficient and cost-effective way to stay warm throughout the night.
4. Layer up your bedding
   Sometimes, it’s not about gadgets or technology; it’s about good old layers. Swap out your lightweight summer duvet for a heavier, winter-rated one. You can also layer up with blankets, throws, and even flannel sheets, which naturally trap heat better than cotton. For an extra touch of warmth, consider investing in a heated mattress pad or a wool blanket. Wool naturally insulates heat and is perfect for those super cold nights.
5. Hot water bottles
   If you’re looking for a traditional way to keep warm that’s as cheap as it gets, hot water bottles are a tried-and-true solution. Fill one up with boiling water right before bed and place it under your covers. The heat will radiate through your bedding, keeping you warm for hours. If you struggle with cold feet, put the hot water bottle at the foot of your bed to keep it warm all night long. 

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Smart appliance hacks

Whether it’s reducing costs in the kitchen or finding energy-efficient ways to wash and dry your clothes, AEG has some top tips to help you shrink your bills this winter. Discover how small changes can make a big difference to your energy spend. 

1. Opt for eco 
   There are always tonnes of dishes to wash around the festive period. For your everyday dishwashing needs, consider using the eco mode. While this setting runs on a longer cycle, it’s specifically designed to save water and energy, making it an efficient and environmentally responsible choice. 
2. Size it up
   When cooking your favourite winter-warmer meals, always match the pot size to the burner on your hob. Using a small pot on a larger ring wastes energy and risks overspill, potentially leading you to waste energy.  
3. The art of a batch cook
   Ovens consume a substantial amount of energy to maintain high temperatures. Make the most of your oven's energy by batch cooking your favourite winter meals while it's already in use. Batch cooking meals in an energy-efficient oven like the AEG 9000 SteamPro Oven means that you save time and energy instead of using the oven multiple times.  
4. Get steamy
   One way to refresh your items between washes during the winter months is by using steam. Most machines will have a steam function, which can save time, energy, and money. Steam refresh cycles are typically much shorter than a full wash (around 25 minutes) so perfect before a big night out.  
5. Cool it before you chill it
   Before putting any leftovers in the fridge, let them cool down to room temperature. Hot food can raise the fridge's internal temperature, making it work harder and consume more energy to cool everything back down. This not only wastes energy but can also potentially impact the freshness of other items in the fridge. 

Go green and save energy

So Joshua Houston, energy savings expert at GreenMatch gives some eco-friendly advice on reducing the cost of energy bills.

1. Don't leave appliances on standby
   Many people believe that devices in standby mode use negligible power. However, this "vampire power" can account for up to 10% of your home's electricity use. The average UK household wastes £55 per year powering devices on standby. Modern appliances often have advanced features that consume energy even when seemingly off. To combat this, use smart power strips or unplug your devices.
2. Don't leave the heating on low constantly
   Keeping the heating on low all day is more efficient than turning it on and off. In reality, this approach wastes energy and increases bills. Modern heating systems use thermostats or smart home devices to warm homes quickly, making it more cost-effective to heat only when needed. Using a programmable thermostat to control heating times can save you up to £130 per year on energy bills. Studies have shown homes heated on schedules save up to 10% more energy annually than those with constant low-level heating.
3. Don't be afraid to use the dishwasher
   Modern dishwashers are often more efficient than hand-washing, especially when fully loaded. Energy Star-certified dishwashers use about 12% less energy and 30% less water than standard models. An energy-efficient dishwasher uses around 6-7 litres of water per cycle, while hand-washing typically uses 50 litres and above. For best results, skip pre-rinsing and let the dishwasher do the work.
4. You don't need to put the thermostat higher to heat a room quickly
   This myth is a classic case of wishful thinking. Many of us have been guilty of cranking up the thermostat to 25°C when we are shivering, hoping to warm up our homes in record time. But here's the truth: it will just make your heating system run longer, wasting energy. 
   It's better to set your thermostat to the temperature you actually want. For most UK homes, that's around 18-21°C. Your system will work steadily and efficiently to reach and maintain that temperature. No rush, no waste.

Insulation

Making the most of the heat you do pay for in your home is key - insulation expert Mike Storey from UK Flat Roofing & Insulation Specialists has some quick, practical tips on how homeowners can cut energy costs and keep their homes warm:

1. Open trickle vents on your windows
   Some windows will feature trickle vents that allow for more airflow during summer but less in winter, helping prevent condensation buildup as well as regulate temperature. Check your windows for a slit in the frame. Your home still requires ventilation in winter to prevent condensation and mould buildup, so don’t close the vents fully.
2. Insulate your roof
   Insulating your roof can help reduce your energy bill significantly as up to 40% of your property’s heating is lost through the roof as hot air rises. Loft rolls made of materials like mineral and glass wool are an affordable form of insulation that can wick away moisture if the loft is properly ventilated. Meanwhile, products like PIR insulation and multifoil insulation reduce heat loss, improving your home’s energy efficiency.
3. Bleed your radiators
   Over time, air can get trapped inside your radiators, reducing their efficiency. Bleeding them allows hot water to circulate better, potentially cutting your energy bills by up to 20%. This simple task takes just a few minutes and can make a big difference. To do this, turn off your heating system, then use a radiator key to open the valve slightly until air stops escaping and water begins to flow.”
4. Draught-proof windows, doors and chimneys
   Use silicone caulk to block gaps around windows, doors, and floorboards to keep warmth in and limit how often you turn up the heating. You can use other inexpensive materials for insulation like draught excluders on doors and apply foam taps to gaps in window frames.
   Similarly, if you have an unused fireplace, you can lose between 10% and 20% of heating through an open chimney. Installing a chimney draught excluder can help block a significant amount of heat loss and stop cold air from seeping in, which makes your home warmer without increasing your energy bills.
5. Cover your floor in rugs
   Up to 20 per cent of your home’s heat is lost through the flooring. If you have wooden or tiled floors, adding insulated rugs or carpets can help keep the heat from escaping through the cracks and make your home feel warmer during the colder months. These items add an extra layer of insulation while making your home look more stylish.