Simple yet effective ways to reduce your energy bills (Image: Getty)
The is getting colder already and with the talks of possibly being cut by the government, Brits are looking for new ways to reduce their energy bills.
Thankfully there are simple changes people can make around the to ensure your is more efficient.
Even better they can stop from turning the heating on earlier in the year.
The experts at have revealed their top tips meaning that homeowners can rely less on their heating.
Some include closing off unused areas, using your curtain wisely and keeping heat sources open.
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There’s talks of a possible winter fuel payment cut (Image: Getty)
Use your curtains wisely
Many of us close our curtains or blinds once the skies get dark in winter, but did you know there may be a more efficient way of doing things?
Curtains act as a layer of insulation over your windows, where heat is usually lost more easily during the winter. By closing the curtains earlier, your home will be more insulated for longer, reducing heat loss and therefore reducing the amount of heat you need to generate.
However, that isn’t to say you should keep your curtains closed 24/7 in the winter months. This can have the opposite effect, preventing the sun from warming your home.
Although the sun isn’t as powerful in winter as it is in summer, it’s worth opening the curtains in rooms which face the sun so that any heat can enter your home. Then, once the sun has moved away, or it’s getting dark, the curtains can be closed again.
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Many of us are trying to avoid turning our heating on (Image: Getty)
Close off unused areas
When turning the heating on, that warmer air has to spread through the whole house to feel warmer. If the space it heats is smaller, the temperature will rise quicker, with less energy or fuel used to do it.
Therefore, it makes sense to close the doors of any rooms that homeowners don’t want heated up.
If homeowners have a conservatory or similar room, closing the door to this can limit the heat loss through all that glass.
Brits might also want to close off bedrooms to keep them cool so they can get a better night’s sleep. It’s also a good idea to close off any rooms that people don’t use often, such as spare bedrooms or storage cupboards.
Meanwhile, those who use a log fire in their sitting room might consider closing the door to warm this space up much more quickly.
Another room people might not want to heat up is the kitchen. While they don’t want to be cold in there, consider that your kitchen will naturally warm up while cooking.
Because of this, they might also think about opening the door to the room and the oven after they’ve finished cooking so that the heat can spread through the rest of the house.
Make sure not to block heat sources
One mistake that is commonly made when setting up a room is to put furniture in front of heaters and radiators.
While it may seem like a good idea to position the armchair right in front of the radiator, this can block the heat from reaching the rest of the room as easily, meaning it takes longer to warm up.
Consider moving the furniture further away from heat sources to allow for a better circulation of heat.
This is also something that happens with laundry. While many people drape damp washing over the radiators or place airers near the fire, this isn’t always the best option.
It may well dry off your washing a treat, but it can prevent people from feeling as warm as they like.