One mistake you might be making trying to keep your home warm this winter

Interior experts and savvy Mum share their simple hacks to save on energy bills throughout winter

• 39% of people say they find energy bills difficult to afford, according to an ONS survey.
• Experts at Stone Superstore and a savvy mum of 6 share their top winter-saving hacks
• Experts advise why you shouldn’t tuck your curtains behind your radiator

According to a recent ONS survey, 39% of people found their energy bills difficult to afford* and with the energy price cap set to rise again come January, as winter weather creeps in, many are looking for ways to save on heating whilst keeping their families warm.

Interior and tiling experts Stone Superstore have provided some top tips to keep your home heated along with some mistakes you might be making when it comes to keeping the heat in, they also spoke to savvy Nottinghamshire mum, Lorraine Martin, who shared her hacks to keep energy costs down throughout winter.

Seal and Insulate Your Windows

Consider using window insulating film or plastic to create an extra barrier against cold drafts. You can also use insulating window treatments like thermal curtains or cellular shades.

Lorrain also added: “You can get window film off Amazon for as little as £2 to add an extra layer of insulation, especially good if you have single-glazed windows.”

Double-glazed windows, which provide better insulation against the cold, would be an investment but longer-term help better insulate a home

Don’t tuck your curtains behind radiators

Don’t make the mistake of tucking your curtains behind your radiator, many modern radiators use the back panels as part of their heat output, so this would restrict the flow of warm air into the room.

Ideally, have curtains sitting 2-4cm over a radiator but if you have longer or floor-length curtains, when the heating is on keep your curtains open. If the curtains are closed when the radiator is on, the heat will get trapped behind the curtains. So instead of the heat circulating into the room, it will likely leave through the cold window glass

Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to trap the heat inside.

Check for any cracks

Check for drafts around windows and doors. Use weather-stripping and caulking to seal any gaps or cracks that let cold air in and warm air out.

Use rugs and carpets

Place area rugs and carpets on bare floors or cooler floor surfaces to add an extra layer of insulation, not only can this help trap heat and prevent it from escaping through the floor – having a statement rug can make a room feel warmer and cosier over the winter months.

Install programmable thermostats

Invest in a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature automatically. Make sure to lower the temperature when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping and raise it when needed, such as first thing in the morning or when you’re spending time at home.

Consider your flooring

If renovating, the choice of flooring material can affect the heating and comfort of your home.

When it comes to tiles and retaining heat, porcelain tiles are a great low-maintenance option, therefore making them cheaper over time. Porcelain is optimum for durability and usability within a space that can be quicker to heat as they are usually thinner.

Savvy mum Lorraine also recommended the following energy-saving tips for families:

Use a slow cooker as it’s cheaper to run all day

“I use a slow cooker more throughout winter because it’s cheaper to run. On average, a slow cooker will cost you 5 pence per hour, whereas an oven can cost you 68p per hour (you could use a slow cooker for 13.5 hours for that price).”

Plan ahead for next year
The mum of 6 said that when all her children lived at home, she would start topping up the gas meter throughout the summer, acting as a savings pot so there would be more money on it to use throughout the winter months.

“We never have to put the heating on during summer so we just top it up by an extra five or ten pound a month, whatever we could spare, so it would help the heating go just that little bit further in the colder months at the end of the year”.

Molly Woodward-Moor, creative director at Stone Superstore added “Tile choice can be crucial when it comes to making the most of your home’s heat retention. If you’re considering underfloor heating, you may want to opt for a thicker, natural stone tile that will release heat much slower than a thinner tile, making the most of your energy use.

“If you don’t have underfloor heating, by implementing these energy-saving hacks, you can make your home more comfortable during the winter while reducing your energy bills.”

For more information and tips on flooring options visit: https://www.stonesuperstore.co.uk/about-us-stonestore