Stay warm at home for less

It’s no wonder that with our colder winters and longer nights, Scots have the longest heating season in the UK. With energy prices still around double what they were in February 2021, it means our energy bills are generally higher too.

But staying warm at home doesn’t always mean turning up the thermostat or extending the time your heating is on. We’ve put together some easy practical tips to help you stay cosy at home that don’t cost a penny.

Take control of your heating 

According to the World Health Organisation, the lowest comfortable temperature for most people is between 18° and 21°C. Some people may need it higher for health reasons. If you’re feeling warm enough, try turning down your thermostat by just one degree to reduce the amount of energy you’re using – you might not even notice the difference.

If you spend lots of time at home during the day, heating one room is a cost-effective way to stay warm and keep your bills down. For example, if you tend to stay in the living room most of the day, adjust the radiator valves in the rooms you’re not using.

If you’re not sure how to use your heating controls, read our guide to thermostats and heating controls. You can also contact us for free advice – we’d be happy to help.

Keep your house warm

If you work from home, locate your workstation somewhere that’s free of draughts and in a sunny spot. You might find that working close to a window was great in the summer but it’s a bit chillier in winter. Choosing a spot with good natural light will also reduce the amount of time you need to have your lights on.

If you’ve got cold floors (non-carpeted, for example) laying a good rug will reduce draughts and help insulate your floor.

Open your curtains and blinds during the day – the sun will help to warm your home – but remember to close them as the sun starts to set to keep the heat in.

Draught proofing will help stop heat escaping through unwanted gaps in windows and doors. If you’re a keen knitter, why not knit your own Doug the Caterpillar or Kat the Cat draught excluder?

Keep your body warm

Wearing lots of layers helps to trap your body heat and keep you warmer so instead of wearing one big thick item of clothing, choose layers to keep cosy. Clothes made from materials such as wool and thermal underwear are ideal. Keep your feet cosy by wearing thermal socks and slippers, and fingerless gloves are great if you need that extra bit of warmth. At night, flannel or fleece pyjamas worn with warm socks are a good choice.

It can be easy to get comfy on your sofa, but getting up to move around the house regularly or going for a walk will boost your circulation and keep you warm. When you’re sitting, a blanket across your lap will keep your legs and feet cosy. A hot water bottle is also very effective at keeping you feeling toasty.

Eating and drinking hot food and drinks throughout the day will also help you stay warm but avoid alcohol – it might trick you into thinking it warms you, but it causes you to lose body heat. Don’t boil more water than you need to avoid using more energy than you need to.

Get free, expert advice

We’ve got more advice on how to make your home warmer this winter. 

If you’re worried about energy bills and would like more advice about how to reduce them, we’re here to help. There are lots of ways to contact us, and all our advice is free and impartial.