Energy customers urged to make 5 ‘small changes’ for ‘big difference’ | Personal Finance | Finance

As energy prices rise and the colder weather creeps in, households are looking for more efficient ways to manage the warmth of their homes without having to crank up the thermostat. To help, experts have unveiled five simple steps you could follow for a cosier house, minus the sky-high costs.

Vonhaus have pulled together practical hacks, from radiator swaps to sealing areas and making smart electronic heating purchases, that will all work to save you plenty of cash this autumn and winter.

A spokesperson at Vonhaus, said: “Small changes make a big difference. Heated throws and electric blankets have become winter staples for good reason – they’re cosy, instant, and save households money compared to heating entire rooms. With the right habits and a few smart fixes, you can stay warm all winter without worrying about the thermostat.”

While the energy price cap might be down to £1,720, bills are still high, and they’re not expected to stay the same for very long. It’s a good time to reconsider how you may be heating your property. Whether you’re a homeowner or renting, there are ways to be more cost-effective without sacrificing on comfort. 

An easy way to bring your heating costs down is to focus on heating the rooms you’re using as opposed to the entire house all at once. For many homes it’s standard that radiators all turn on at once by default, even if you’re only spending time in one room, which could be racking up your bills.

By turning down radiators in unused rooms and keeping the doors shut to keep out the cold and create some heat separation, you’re helping spaces heat up faster and maintain their heat. Meaning, you’re comfortable where you need to be, and no unnecessary energy is being used elsewhere. 

Depending on your system and tariff, running your central heating for just an hour could cost around 80p to £1, whereas a low‑wattage heated throw or electric blanket is just a fraction of that cost. They work to provide warmth instantly and directly right where you need it, as opposed to heating your entire home so you can reap the benefits. 

The Vonhaus spokesperson said: “On colder nights, an electric blanket does the job without heating the whole room. It warms the bed directly and shuts off once you’re asleep, which is ideal if your bedroom tends to run cold or your insulation isn’t great.”

Even the most well-insulated of homes can still find new ways to lose heat through the smallest of gaps, typically around windows and doors. By dealing with the strongest draughts coming through, you’ll make the biggest difference, as your room will be able to hold more heat. 

Vonhaus said: “Most people focus on windows, but some of the worst draughts come from places like pet flaps, letterboxes, floorboards, and loft hatches. A few simple fixes, like brush strips on letterboxes, covers for pet flaps, or insulation tape around loft hatches, can stop warm air escaping without much effort or cost.”

Slightly older homes may find that their single glazing is what’s creating a draught, and in this case, heavier curtains can help to reduce the loss of heat. By placing a curtain over a front door or another exit that’s causing a draught, you will soon notice the difference this will make to a cosy space.  

The smallest of habits can go a long way to keep you cosy and warm in the colder months, and it’s all about layering up. Think wool socks, thermal leggings, and fleece jumpers – all of these things can help trap your body heat without having to go anywhere near the thermostat.

For those comforting moments at home on the sofa, a portable electric heater can be helpful, particularly any oil-filled models which retain heat even once they’re switched off. This makes them perfect for using in a smaller room, and they cost far less than central heating. 

As energy costs continue to be on the rise, keeping warm is not all about the thermostat but more about the setup itself. By focusing on the rooms that matter, avoiding any heat escaping and using efficient tools, you will soon feel a stark difference. 

Without heating the entire house around you, you are able to stay warm and spend less as you take more control over your warmth. Not to mention, many of these steps are reusable for winters to come or are far more affordable to replace if they become worn out.