Stay Warm and Save Money This Winter

For households in fuel crisis, this additional seasonal pressure can be too much. Impossible choices have to be made to ration the energy they can afford to use, like whether to turn the heating on to stay warm, cook a meal or have a hot bath/shower.

As the colder months approach and households start to switch on their central heating, more than two million families are already planning to keep their heating off this winter, worried about the impact of soaring energy bills, according to a survey by comparison site Uswitch.

For those worried about what winter might bring, there are some simple things you can do now to make life a bit easier and keep your home cosy. We have put together some useful tips to help get you and your home winter ready.

1. Talk to your energy supplier early

If you’re worried about paying for your energy, the best thing you can do is get in touch with your supplier as soon as possible.

They may be able to:

• Set up a payment plan that works for you
• Check if you’re on the best tariff
• Point you towards support funds or advice

Suppliers can get really busy during winter, so reaching out early means you’ll get help sooner.

2. Make ‘topping up’ easier

For anyone using a prepayment meter, it can help to top up a little and often. If it’s manageable, even putting a few pounds on each week spreads the cost and reduces the risk of running out of gas or electricity when it’s really cold outside.

3. Don’t miss out on extra support

There’s financial help out there; sometimes it’s just a case of knowing where to look.
• Try the IE Hub – a free tool that checks if you’re missing out on benefits or support.
• If you’ve got children, check if you can get Free School Meals or Healthy Start/Best Start vouchers.
• Talk to your water company – you might be able to switch to a cheaper ‘social tariff’, which can save you up to £200 a year.
• Your local council or landlord may also offer help with energy costs or home support schemes.

4. Use less energy without feeling colder

You don’t need to sit in the cold to save money. Small changes can make a big difference:
• Turn your thermostat down by 1°C – It sounds tiny, but it could cut your heating bill by up to 10%.
• Block draughts – Use draught excluders, rugs, or even rolled-up towels at the bottom of doors and windows.
• Only heat the rooms you use – and set timers so the heating comes on when you actually need it.
• Close curtains and blinds at night – they work like insulation. In the daytime, open them up to let the sunlight in.
• Bleed your radiators – trapped air stops them working properly. A quick bleed can make them more efficient.
• Switch off standby – TVs, consoles, and chargers use power even when you’re not using them.

5. Make your home warmer for the future

A few small improvements can make your home warmer and your bills smaller.
• If you rent: Ask your landlord or council if they can help with insulation or heating upgrades.
• If you own your home: There may be grants for things like insulation, better heating systems, or a boiler upgrade.

To find out if you could get free insulation or a boiler replacement, email energysavings@fuelbankfoundation.org.

6. Keep track of your energy use

It’s easy for costs to creep up without noticing. One simple trick is to take a weekly photo of your meter (or jot down the numbers). That way, you can see what you’re using week by week and spot any chances to cut back.

Get ahead of the cold

The best time to prepare for winter is before you’re in the middle of a cold snap. By reaching out for support early, making a few changes at home and checking what help you’re entitled to, you can make things easier for yourself and keep your home warm this winter.