How To Save Money On Your Energy Bills In Winter

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No one could quibble the prospect of an extra hour in bed when the clocks go back this weekend, but it also marks the period when our energy bills skyrocket due to darker days and colder months.

Short of turning off your radiator and piling on the cardigans, what can you do to limit the damage?

Energy-saving experts Zenith say there are ways to keep the spending at a minimum once the cold snap hits.

Money Saving Tips For Winter

Be Careful With Your Curtains(01 of05)

If you have any south facing windows then make sure the curtains are opened during the day as any sunlight we do manage to get this winter will help to naturally heat your home. But remember to draw the curtains every evening as 20%* of your homes heat escapes through cracks and gaps around doors and windows. (credit:Tara Moore via Getty Images)

Overfill Is Overkill(02 of05)

As the winter draws in, you may find yourself drinking more hot drinks than usual so just be careful not to overfill the kettle and just boil what you need. Boiling more water than necessary will waste a sufficient amount of energy and over the month, if this is done every time the kettle is boiled, your bills will see a significant rise. (credit:KAZUTOMO KAWAI via Getty Images)

Timing Is Everything(03 of05)

It is tempting to leave a lamp on when you go to work to give the impression that the house is not empty but investing in a timer is a far more energy efficient way to deter any intruders as you can set certain lamps to come on at particular times of the day or night. Having lamps come on for an hour or so each evening will save far more energy and money on your bills than leaving on for the entire time you are out. Making sure your heating is on a timer is also the most energy efficient way to warm up your home as if you are out all day, it is only really necessary for the heating to be on for a couple of hours in the morning and evening. (credit:Oldos via Getty Images)

Standby Is Not Safe(04 of05)

Make sure you unplug EVERYTHING before you leave the house and don’t leave anything on standby as this still uses energy. As your lamps and heating will be on for longer now, you need to make sure that you are unplugging any unused appliances. Double check each room in the house before you lock up and make sure bigger appliances such as the TV, washing machines and dishwashers are switched off as well as the hair straighteners! (credit:Steven Taylor via Getty Images)

Destroy That Draft(05 of05)

When the temperatures drop, our homes can feel cold and draughty. Although doors are designed to shut out the cold, this isn’t always the case as the biting winter wind always seems to find a way through the smallest of cracks and gaps. Before you turn up the heating, try investing in a draught excluder to block out the unwelcome breeze. (credit:Dr. Heinz Linke via Getty Images)

SEE ALSO:
How To Fall Asleep Fast: Sleep Tips To Help You Nod Off
11 Reasons Why You Should Consider Sleeping Naked

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