Easy Tips To Save Money On Energy Costs

Energy can be a huge expense during the cold autumn and winter months. Rather than simply cranking up the heating, here are some tips on ways to conserve energy and lower your bills.

Fix window draughts and consider double glazing

Draughty windows can be a real source of heat loss but thankfully there are a number of ways you can draught proof your home on a budget. Weatherstripping can be purchased cheaply and is great for sealing draughty windows. Window film is another cost-effective option. Place the film on your windows, heat with a hairdryer, and the film shrinks and seals draughty windows.

If you have a larger budget, installing new double glazing can make a huge difference. Whilst there will obviously be an initial financial outlay, you will save money in the longer term as your heating bills will be lower.  Experts like those at Minster Windows can advise on the best double glazing options for your home.

Thermal curtains can help

Thick curtains – or even better, curtains with a thermal lining – can really help to keep the heat in your home. If you’re on a budget and don’t want to buy new curtains, you can even line them yourself with material such as cheap fleece. When dusk falls, make sure you close your curtains to keep the heat in.

It’s a good idea to leave your curtains open during the daytime, however – especially when it’s sunny. That’s because sunlight coming through the windows will heat your house, for free.

Other sources of draughts

Ill-fitting doors can be a real source of heat loss, but using a draught excluder can help stop heat escaping and cold air coming into the room. Draught excluders rest at the bottom of doors and can be bought relatively inexpensively – or you could even make your own by cutting an old pair of tights and stuffing them with socks!

Alternatively, you could use foam pipe lagging to create a seal for the bottom of the door. Simply cut a section the size of the width of your door, and then slip it onto the bottom.

If you have a decorative open fireplace that you do not use, you should purchase a chimney balloon, which you place in the chimney hole and inflate to seal the hole and prevent heat loss and cold air entry.

Buying covers for letterboxes and keyholes can also prevent mini-draughts from getting into your house.