According to gov.uk, people typically switch their central heating on in October and use it daily until March or April. This coincides with the clocks going back, and (obviously) the drop in temperature!

The most recent figures show that almost 11% of British homes cannot afford to keep warm. Whilst the scale of this problem is significant, not all the solutions need to be complex and costly. Here are 5 tips for keeping your home warm for little or no extra cost.

1. Use your curtains.

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, close your curtains. They act as a layer of insulation and keep warmth in your rooms.

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. Don’t make the mistake of leaving your heating on low all day - you’re just paying for heat when you don’t need it.

3. Block out the draughts.

Even a simple solution such as a making your own draught excluder will help keep the warmth in your home (this also makes a great lockdown project). The Energy Saving Trust estimates that DIY draught-proofing your doors, windows and cracks in the floor could save up to £25 per year.

4. 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 £350 with a new A-rated condensing boiler – which uses less energy to produce the same amount of heat. Plus, if it is new, you are less likely to have any issues going forward.

5. 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.


Let us know if you use any of our heat saving hacks over @MovingWorksUK