As if dark nights and freezing temperatures isn’t enough, we have to pay for the privilege of keeping our home warm during the winter months too.

There are several obvious, and rather expensive tactics, like installing double glazing, thoroughly insulating your property and replacing an inefficient heating system – but, tactics like this take time to install.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of simple and cheap ways to cut heating costs and keep cosy this winter.

Avoid placing large pieces of furniture in front of the radiator – you don’t want your sofa to absorb all the benefit of your central heating!

Putting a shelf above the radiator helps channel the warmth into your room, rather than rising directly above it.

Placing reflective aluminium foil behind your radiators stops heat disappearing through the wall by reflecting it back into the room.

Thick curtains also prevent heat-loss through the windows, and placing curtains in front of external doors adds another layer of protection.

Keep window shades and curtains open during the day to maximise your house’s potential to retain that heat.

You can create the effect of double glazing by putting a special film across single-glazed windows, using double-sided tape and fixing it to the frames with a hairdryer.

Self-adhesive foam strips – as well as metal or plastic strips with brushes or wipers attached - can help seal any gaps in the edges of windows. 

Metal or plastic strips can also be used as draught excluders around the hinges and frames of doors – and the traditional material-stuffed ‘sausage dogs’ still do a decent job at the bottom of doors!

Placing a chimney balloon inside your chimney hole will completely shut out any incoming cold air or escaping heat. Remember not to start a fire without removing it.

Tackle small draughts that come through the letterbox with a barrier brush; seal keyholes with circular covers that slip over the top; cat and dog flaps can be filled with pieces of blanket.

It may seem obvious, but shutting up unused rooms stops cold air moving into the rest of the house and helps concentrate the warmth you have generated in a smaller area.

If you don’t have carpet, cover bare floorboards with rugs and blankets to prevent heat loss – and seal any gaps or cracks in the boards with filler that can tolerate movement.

Setting timers on heating is better – and more energy-efficient - than turning the thermostat up to warm the house rapidly.

Finally, if you’re still working from home on a regular basis, don’t forget that you may be able to claim tax relief on your gas and electricity bills.

Here at One Call, we encourage you to be careful when using items such as storage heaters and electric blankets, as these can increase the risk of causing a fire.

You can read more in our ‘Are you putting your home at risk’ blog post here.

For further government guidance, click here.

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* Please note that the above information has been gathered through secondary research. The information provided is not based on our opinion. You should seek further guidance and information before making an informed decision.