How To: Save On Heating Bills
Winter is the time of year when we want to be as cosy and comfortable as possible. But with the rising cost of living and soaring gas and electricity bills, our advice is to prioritise heating yourself rather than your home.
We are all asking ourselves how to save on heating bills and looking for simple solutions to keep costs down. So, here are some of our top tips for reducing your energy usage this winter and keeping yourself warm for less.
1. Warm up your bed
It can be tempting to wrap yourself up in as many layers as possible before crawling into bed. But waking up too hot and overheating can lead to sleep disturbances leaving you feeling even more tired in the morning.
Instead, get prepared and try preheating your bed with an electric blanket. This results in a more comfortable night’s sleep without wasting energy and money by turning up the thermostat.
First things first, you will need to choose the right type of electric blanket for you. There are three types of electric blankets:
- Single control electric blanket
- Dual control electric blanket
- Heated throws
Single-control electric blankets are the most popular and least expensive. They usually allow you to choose from a range of heat settings from one to three.
It doesn’t get much cosier than our Silentnight Teddy Fleece Electric Blanket – it’s what dreams are made of, quite literally. Think of an energy-efficient and affordable way to stay warm for less. Turning on your blanket for an hour before bed on a low heat setting costs as little as 1p. This means that you can afford to cosy up night after night without adding to your energy bills. However, if you are sharing with a partner and you both want something different then it’s time for dual controls!
This allows you to select two different temperatures for each half of the blanket. Try our award-winning Silentnight Yours and Mine Electric Blanket which is ideal for compromising couples. Featuring two controllers so you can control your side independently and choose a temperature that is just right.
Heated throws are lightweight quilts made from fleece which can be folded over or tucked in between mattresses for extra warmth at night – or even just placed on top of your duvet cover for another layer. However, most people love to use theirs to snuggle up on the sofa without putting the heating on.
2. Think about your energy sources
There are several things you can do to reduce your heating bills. First up, you should invest in a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set the temperature in your home according to your schedule without constantly adjusting it.
If it is possible for you to use natural gas instead of electricity through a local utility company this can save quite a bit of money each month on energy costs too.
You can also set automatic timers on lights, appliances and other electronics when they’re not being used so that they don’t continue using up power unnecessarily.
3. Reduce draughts and leaks
Draught excluders are a simple and effective way to reduce draughts, as they block the gaps beneath doors. If your house is older than 20 years or so, some of these draught excluders have likely been lost or damaged over time and won’t be working as well as they should.
You can buy replacements from hardware stores and DIY shops – but if you are feeling thrifty then there are plenty of ways to make your own too.
4. Wrap up in a snuggly blanket or throw
Who doesn’t love nights spent lounging around on the sofa? It’s cosy, comfy, and perfect for curling up with a good book on a chilly winter’s evening. Level up your favourite cosy spot without cranking up the heat. Try wrapping yourself in a Silentnight heated throw blanket while watching TV or reading for a blissful night in.
Our advice? Make sure you choose something soft and cosy like fleece — it’ll be much warmer than cotton or polyester blankets. Don’t forget to check the loft of each blanket before purchasing. This is a measure of the height of the quilt and often ranges from 1–3 inches thick (top tip: more loft = more warmth).
Our Silentnight Luxury Heated Throw helps you to keep you extra snuggly over the colder months whilst you’re sat on the sofa or cuddled up in bed. The super soft fleece provides extra cosiness and heats up in just minutes. A perfect night could be just moments away!
If you’re dreaming of a movie night with all the family, then you need the Silentnight Snugsie Giant Blanket. It is the ultimate snuggly accessory for your home – sumptuously soft, cuddly comfort to keep you all warm and cosy as you relax.
5. Make sure your heating system is efficient
Now you have your new programmable thermostat. The temperature setting should be set at a reasonable level for the time of day, with a lower setting overnight and higher settings during peak heating hours in the morning and afternoon. Monitor how cold or hot the house feels and adjust accordingly to keep yourself warm.
Filters should be checked regularly to ensure they are not clogged with dust or debris, which will stop airflow through them and reduce their efficiency. If filters are too dirty, they need replacing or cleaning. This will improve air circulation within your household without increasing energy consumption unnecessarily.
Ready to start saving in style?
You can save money on your winter heating bills with our cosy must-haves. As the nights get darker and colder, it’s time to snuggle up. Think of everything from heated throws to faux fur duvet sets.
Not to mention, some of the very best electric blankets from just 1p per hour to heat your bed. We have got you covered with all you need to stay warm for less.