As we transition into the colder autumn and winter months, many people are considering turning on their heating for the first time this year. However, this could be expensive, especially with energy bills set to rise next month. That’s why we’re sharing our top 10 ways to keep warm without relying on your boiler.
10 Tips To Keep Warm At Home Without Turning Your Boiler On
1. Switch To A Heavier Duvet
As temperatures drop overnight, switching to a thicker tog duvet or layering up with blankets can help you stay warm and cosy. This is much cheaper than leaving the heating on all night, which could cost you over £20 per night in energy bills!
2. Wear Layers
Layering your clothing – such as wearing thermal tops, jumpers, and socks – traps body heat more effectively than one thick layer. Fabrics like wool, fleece, and thermals are especially good for maintaining warmth.
3. Use Draught Excluders
Drafts from doors and windows can quickly cool a home, making it feel colder than it actually is. Using draught excluders or seals will block cold air from coming in while keeping warmth trapped inside. These are a simple, cost-effective way to insulate your home.
4. Close Unused Rooms
Additionally, if you have rooms that you rarely use, keeping the doors closed will prevent heat from escaping into those areas. This allows the heat to concentrate in the rooms where you spend most of your time, making them feel warmer.
5. Insulate Your Home
Good insulation helps retain heat in your home, making it feel warmer for longer without the need to turn on the boiler. Loft, wall, and floor insulation can make a significant difference. Plus, many households may be eligible for free insulation through government-backed schemes like the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4.
6. Install Thermal Blinds Or Curtains
In the meantime, thermal curtains or blinds are excellent for reducing heat loss through windows, especially in the evenings. Closing them at dusk can reduce heat loss by up to 15-17%, helping keep your home warmer without extra heating costs.
7. Lay Down Rugs And Carpets
Hard flooring like wood or laminate can allow heat to escape. Adding rugs or carpets will help insulate your home by creating a barrier between the cold floor and your feet. This extra layer helps keep warmth in, making your space feel much cosier.
8. Switch To A Heat Pump
Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional boilers. They draw heat from the air or ground, even in cold weather, using much less energy than a standard boiler. Not only are they about four times more efficient, but they also reduce your carbon footprint. Heat pumps can even cool your home in the summer, offering year-round comfort.
9. Use A Hot Water Bottle
Hot water bottles are a great way to stay warm, whether in bed or while relaxing on the sofa. They provide direct warmth for up to three hours, especially when covered. With the cost of using a hot water bottle only around 20.4p per day, it’s a much cheaper alternative to heating the whole house.
10. Seal Up Gaps Around Doors And Windows
Seal up any gaps around your windows and doors to stop cold air from entering and heat from escaping. This easy fix can make a noticeable difference to the temperature of your home and help you stay warm without turning on your heating.
Save Hundreds on Your Energy Bills This Winter
By following these 10 tips, you can avoid using your boiler and cut down on your energy bills throughout the colder months. With the price cap increase, many families across the UK are concerned about heating costs. At Free Heating Scheme, we’re here to help. We offer guidance and support by connecting households with government-backed grants designed to make homes more energy efficient.
These schemes cover the cost and installation of energy-saving measures, saving the average household £400 per year. To find out if you’re eligible, click the button below.