How to reduce bills and save energy, whilst keeping warm this winter

As we all spend a little more time in our homes at this time of year, particularly with many people still working from home, it is important that we keep the winter chills out and stay warm too. But using heating and energy, while keeping us warm, can also lead to worries over energy bill prices.

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However, Home Energy Scotland – a Scottish Government-funded organisation that is managed by the Energy Saving Trust – can help. The organisation is helping Scots to reduce bills and save money, as well as boosting the energy efficiency of our homes.

You can call its advice service on 0808 808 2282 or find out more on Home Energy Scotland website.

Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland, said: “With people spending more time at home over the past 2 years due to coronavirus, energy usage has been greater than ever. We therefore want to be able to help even more people to make energy saving improvements to their home. A home that isn’t well insulated can lose more than 50% of its heat through its roof and walls so making improvements can help your finances and make your home more energy efficient, comfortable and cheaper to heat while helping lower emissions in Scotland.

“We’re delighted to report that 24,000 households across the country have already benefited from new energy efficient measures, like a new heating system or insulation, by getting in contact with Home Energy Scotland.”

Below, Home Energy Scotland shares its tips on ways to heat your home, whilst staying on top of your bills.

4 tips on how to heat your home, whilst staying on top of your bills

1. Take control

Are you finding it tricky to get the temperature right while working from home? If you’re feeling cold, Home Energy Scotland recommends fitting and using a thermostat to help regulate the temperature in your home. By setting your thermostat correctly your heating should come on only when the temperature drops below the level you want and will go off again when the desired temperature has been reached. The World Health Organisation suggests an optimum temperature of 18-21 degrees C indoors.

SAVING: Installing heating controls could save £75 on your annual gas bill per year – possibly more if you’re home all day.

2. Location, location, location

If possible, locate your desk or workstation somewhere that’s free of draughts and in a bright sunny spot. You might find that being close to a window was great in the summer but is chillier now there’s a nip in the air. Opting for a spot with good natural light will also reduce the need to have the lights on during the day.

3. Keep the heat in

If you do have draughts getting in, it can be easier than you might think to tackle them. The main culprits are doors and windows, letterboxes and chimneys, as well as lofts and basements. Draughts can make our homes feel a lot colder than they actually are. You do need to be careful not to block up ventilation – visit Home Energy Scotland for advice on how to tackle the most common draughts in your home.

4. Get in touch

If it’s time to think about some new heating, draught proofing or insulation you can get free impartial advice from Home Energy Scotland. HES can also help you access financial support worth up to £5,000 for getting the work done. Get in touch today to find out more.

For advice on reducing your heating costs or for help saving energy by heating your home more efficiently visit: homeenergyscotland.org to request a call back, or to call the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland Helpline on 0808 808 2282.

You could get around £5,000 of energy saving home improvements funded by the Scottish Government – including new heating and insulation. Check if you are eligible today.