Some of these energy-saving tips may seem obvious but they can make a big difference when it comes to reducing your fuel bill.
- Set your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off after you’ve gone to bed. If it’s very cold, set your heating to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning the thermostat up.
- If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed. Remember to close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms you use most.
- Consider adding draft excluders to maximise the heat in the house and minimise drafts and cold getting in.
There’s really useful advice in the Keep Warm Keep Well booklet produced by the Government. This booklet aims to help you maintain good health during winter and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available. It is aimed at over 60s, low-income families, and people living with a disability.
Stay safe with fires, heaters and electric blankets
In severe weather, you may be making use of fires for warmth, or and candles in the event of power cuts, for light.
To stay safe using fire, you are advised to ensure that you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test it regularly
You should also do the following:
Open fires: sweep your chimney, use a fireguard, make sure the fire is put out properly before you leave the room.
Electric heaters: keep away from curtains and furniture, and do not use for drying clothes. Always unplug when you go out or go to bed.
Electric blankets: do not use a hot water bottle, even if the blanket’s switched off. Unplug blankets before you go to bed, unless they have thermostat control for safe all-night use.
Look out for others
