20 Energy Saving Tips for Winter Warmth
Winter in Cambridge brings frosty mornings, chilly evenings and energy bills that seem to rise as predictably as the sun.
Ofgem's recent 1% energy price cap increase doesn’t help. The typical annual household bill is expected to reach £1,738 in 2025.
The good news? Keeping warm doesn't have to mean emptying your wallet. With a few smart adjustments and energy saving tips, you can stay cosy without letting your finances feel the chill.
Here are 20 practical, budget-friendly ways to save energy and keep your bills as low as possible this year:
1. Service your boiler
A boiler breakdown in January? About as welcome as a train delay on your morning commute. Regular servicing keeps your boiler running efficiently when it’s needed most. You won’t just feel a difference in comfort. An efficient boiler helps maximise energy efficiency and keep your bills manageable.
2. Bleed your radiators
Cold spots on radiators are a clear sign they need bleeding. What causes cold spots on radiators? Sludge buildup, trapped air and other blockages can hinder heat flow, leaving you shivering. Getting your radiators bled by a professional is a quick and cost-effective way to get rid of those cold spots and restore full warmth to your home.
3. Install a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat makes heating your home easy and energy efficient. The latest models learn your routine and make sure your heating’s only on when you need it. Not confident installing a smart thermostat? Save yourself the headache and give Plumbox a call. We’ll make sure your new smart thermostat is set up correctly so you can focus on more important things – like catching up on your favourite shows with a steaming mug of hot chocolate in hand.
4. Insulate your pipes
Think of uninsulated pipes as a sieve for heat. Adding insulation keeps water warmer longer and prevents freezing during cold snaps. It’s a small change but one that can have a big impact on your energy savings.
5. Use draught excluders
Draughts under doors and through windows make your home feel like a wind tunnel. The solution? Draught excluders. They act like scarves for your home, keeping the warmth indoors where it belongs. Think a few draught excluders won’t make a difference? Think again. The Centre for Sustainable Energy estimates that draughty doors can account for up to 15% of heat loss. Considering you can pick them up for next-to-nothing, they’re a fantastic investment.
6. Upgrade to a condensing boiler
An old boiler is about as efficient as a leaky teapot. A modern condensing boiler cuts energy use, improves performance and keeps your heating bills nice and low. Thinking about an upgrade? Download a copy of the Plumbox Boiler Buying Guide for everything you need to know about replacing your system.
7. Reflect heat with radiator foil
Radiators on external walls lose heat quickly. Reflective foil sends that warmth back into the room and can help keep spaces cosy without extra energy use. When it comes to energy saving tips this one’s as simple, smart and effective as they get.
8. Schedule a heating system check
Heating systems need regular tune-ups to stay efficient. Getting yours checked out by a professional heating company will keep things running smoothly and ultimately, save you from cold nights and high energy bills.
9. Close curtains at night
Curtains don’t just offer privacy in the winter. They can help keep the cold at bay. Draw yours at night or even better, upgrade to thick, thermal-lined curtains designed to lock in warmth.
10. Lower the thermostat by 1°C
A one-degree drop on the thermostat can cut energy use without sacrificing comfort. Chances are, you won’t even notice the difference.
11. Use zone heating
Only heat the rooms you use most often. There’s no sense in warming the guest room when it’s just you and the cat in the living room. Zone heating focuses warmth where you need it.
12. Prevent heat loss in the loft
Without loft insulation, heat escapes faster than your motivation on a Monday morning. Proper insulation in your roof keeps warmth in and reduces heating costs.
13. Close doors
Keeping doors closed traps warmth in each room. It’s a simple energy saving tip that stops your heating system working overtime.
14. Schedule a power flush
Sludge in your heating system slows everything down. A power flush clears out the gunk, improving efficiency. Power flushing can be complex, so this is a job best left to the professionals.
15. Lay rugs on hard floors
Bare floors in winter feel like stepping on ice. Add rugs to keep feet warm and rooms cosier.
16. Install thermostatic radiator valves
TRVs let you control the temperature of each radiator. No more roasting in one room and freezing in another.
17. Use timers for heating
Timers make sure your heating runs only when needed, not when nobody’s home. This energy saving tip is efficient, easy and perfect for keeping bills under control.
18. Layer indoors
Winter jumpers and fluffy socks aren’t just for show. Dressing warmly indoors means you won’t need the heating blasting at full power. Plus, it’s an excuse to stock up on cosy blankets.
19. Move furniture away from radiators
Blocking radiators with sofas or wardrobes traps heat. A little furniture shuffle allows warmth to spread freely and warm up everyone, not just your cushions.
20. Book an energy audit
Energy audits reveal heat loss hotspots and inefficiencies. A personalised energy audit from a qualified plumbing and heating company arms you with tailored solutions and energy saving tips to improve your home’s efficiency.
Warm up this winter with Plumbox
Ready to warm up your home and cool down your energy bills this winter? Whether you want to schedule an annual boiler service or need help bleeding your radiators, Plumbox has you covered.
Contact us today and let’s make this winter your cosiest yet.