Besides the harsh temperatures and the winter blues, one of the things people hate most about winter is the skyrocketing electricity bill. Unlike air conditioning, heaters aren’t optional. To stay comfortable indoors, you need some form of heating, and if you use an electric boiler, your electricity consumption could easily double when compared to the previous months.
But the good news is that there are ways to mitigate your electricity bill, here are 6 tips to guarantee that the upcoming winter won’t put too big a dent in your wallet.
- Use duvets and hot water bottles at night
You can double up on your duvets and place hot water bottles under your pillow and sheets to keep you warm at night. You can also use microwaveable heating pads in case you’re worried about water spilling on your bed.
- Switch to a gas boiler
Electricity is much more expensive than gas, so by switching to gas boilers, you can ease your financial burden. Gas boilers can also meet higher demands for home and water heating, so it’s the better option if you have a bigger household. Check out a reputable boiler installation Liverpool company that also provides repair and maintenance services whenever you need them. If you already have a gas boiler, regular maintenance can help the unit perform more efficiently.
- Wear multiple layers
To ease the burden on your boilers, you can layer up on thick clothing indoors. Fleece or wool jumpers and socks can ward off the worst of the cold.
- Use a portable heater or HVAC zoning system
Smaller heaters can be a great way to stay warm but still save electricity. If you’re working or staying in one room of the house for a greater chunk of the day, you can use a portable heater instead of turning on your entire home’s heating system. A zoning system also allows you to redirect heat to specific parts of the home, which can significantly reduce your bill, but the installation costs are high.
- Seal your doors and windows
Gaps and cracks in doors and windows could let heat escape. Install tight seals around doors and windowpanes to prevent this. There are cheap options like vinyl and foam, but these require frequent replacement. Silicon and rubber may be more expensive, but they’re also durable and provide a tighter seal. Switching from single pane to double pane windows also helps keep heat inside the house.
- Insulate your home
If your house is not well-insulated, heat could escape. However, home insulation renovations can be expensive, so if you don’t have the funds yet, rugs, thick curtains, and insulation batts on the rafters can be a decent short-term solution.
Winter can be tough for those in financial straits but follow these tips and it could ease your burden without requiring that you suffer through the winter cold. Going outside more also saves you electricity since you won’t be using any heating at home. After work, you can choose to wind down at a café or library.
