Winter in the UK is typically cold or wet, sometimes both. With energy prices rising constantly, the choice between heating and eating is so much more than just a slogan.
It’s a genuine choice being faced by millions of families across the country.
These tips won’t make the choice all that much easier, but every little helps, right?
If you try any of these, or have any suggestions to help others, let us know in the comments.
Drop by 1 degree
This heating tip is an oldie but a goodie. I have used this for years to keep heating costs sensible. As my house is over 100 years old, it isn’t the most insulated or most efficient.
My heating is set at a firm 18C.
I’m fortunate enough to be in good health and not too susceptible to the cold so this is manageable for me and my family.
It’s much cheaper than having it set to 20C and you don’t even notice it after a while.
Your boiler doesn’t have to work so hard and won’t burn so much gas so it’s definitely worth trying.
If 18C is too chilly, just try dropping your current temperature down 1 degree. It will definitely save you money!
Heat the person not the home
Heat the person not the home is something Martin Lewis has been going on about for a while now and it’s so very true.
The larger the home, the higher the heating bill.
You can only be in one room at a time so why not heat yourself and not your entire home?
Dress appropriately for the temperature, don’t sit around in t shirts in January and layer up.
If that’s not enough, there’s a huge range of USB-powered heated clothing around. From jackets to gloves, blankets to gilets, there has been a huge boom in heated clothing this year.
As long as the clothing you buy has a CE mark and good reviews, it should be safe enough.
Powering something by USB costs pennies per hour, which is far cheaper than running your gas boiler!
Hot water bottles
Hot water bottles are the unsung heroes of winter. Simple, cheap and now come in a range of designs with or without covers.
Fill it up with hot, (not boiling) water, empty the air out and seal it up for hours of heat.
Use a hot water bottle to preheat your bed at night or keep it with you under a blanket during the day.
Kettles are high wattage but are only powered for a short time, so hot water bottles are very inexpensive to use.
Removing the air from the hot water bottle keeps it warmer for longer as water holds heat much better than air.
Microwaveable wheat bags are a good alternative to hot water bottles. Microwave them for the recommended time and they will provide heat for a good couple of hours.
Use blankets or sleeping bags on the sofa
Even if you layer up properly, you may still get cold when winter bites. Sitting under a blanket on the sofa can help a lot with that.
Use faux fur blankets, airline blankets, sleeping bags or whatever you have around.
Snuggle under on the sofa and add a hot water bottle or wheat bag for a little extra cosiness.
The only problem is, you might find yourself holding on until the very last minute to make a cup of tea or have a bathroom break!
Simple tips to save on heating this winter
Here are a few extra tips to help you save money on heating in winter.
1. Tackle drafts and improve insulation
- Seal windows and doors with fresh weatherstripping and caulk. This alone can reduce bills by 10–20%.
- Block unused chimneys with a chimney balloon (or rolled duvet) to stop heat loss.
- Install heavy curtains with reflective backing or place tin foil behind radiators to direct heat back into the room. These tactics are inexpensive and notably effective.
2. Boost radiator and heating system efficiency
- Bleed radiators (preferably before the cold hits) to remove trapped air and improve heat circulation.
- Clean radiator surfaces, ensure they’re unobstructed, and install reflector panels to maximise warmth.
- Lower your boiler’s flow temperature to around 60 °C, improving efficiency by enabling condensation in modern condensing boilers.
3. Use your heating more intelligently
- Turning up the thermostat doesn’t heat your home faster—it keeps it at temperature longer. A steadier, lower setting with supplementary layers is more energy-savvy.
- Install a smart thermostat or programmable timer. This allows heating activation just before you’re home and reduces wasted runtime—some systems can deliver 15% in savings.
4. Upgrade your home through support schemes and renewables
- The Great British Insulation Scheme (ECO+), running until March 2026, can help eligible homes (typically in tax bands A–D with poor Energy Performance Certificates) access free or subsidised insulation—loft, wall, or roof. Benefits include an average of £300–£400 per year saved
- Heat pumps are growing in popularity, especially air-to-air models. They’re efficient, work as heaters and coolers, and now benefit from grants up to £7,500.
Saving money on your heating
Most people know most, or all, of these hacks but we tend to forget the basics when we’re not used to living frugally.
The good thing about all these things as they are cheap to do (heated clothing will cost) and easy to repeat all through winter.
That makes them well worth trying, especially if you’re one of the millions that really are having to choose between heating and eating!
Save on heating FAQs
1. How much can I save by turning down my thermostat by just 1°C?
Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can reduce your annual heating bill by around 10%, which for many households could mean savings of £80–£120 a year based on average gas usage. The reason is simple: your boiler doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain the slightly lower temperature, which means less gas or electricity is consumed.
This small change is often unnoticeable in comfort if you wear an extra layer or use blankets in the evening. Energy experts, including the Energy Saving Trust, recommend aiming for a home temperature of 18–20°C for healthy adults, slightly warmer for older people, babies, or anyone with health concerns.
2. Does sealing gaps around windows really make a difference?
Yes, sealing gaps can have a dramatic effect on warmth and energy efficiency. In the average UK home, draughts from poorly sealed windows and doors can account for up to 20% of heat loss. Using fresh weatherstripping, caulk, or draught excluders can save between £25 and £50 a year in heating costs while also making your home feel warmer and less prone to cold spots.
Blocking unused chimneys with an inflatable chimney balloon can prevent a further £20–£30 worth of heat from escaping annually. The best time to draught-proof is in autumn, before the cold weather fully sets in.
3. Can upgrading insulation cost me nothing?
Yes, if you qualify for government-backed schemes like the Great British Insulation Scheme (ECO+), you may be able to get loft, cavity wall, or roof insulation installed for free or at a heavily reduced rate. Eligibility is typically based on your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating (often D or lower), council tax band (A–D in England, A–E in Scotland and Wales), and household income.
Proper insulation can cut your heating bills by £300–£400 a year and keep your home warmer for longer, reducing reliance on the heating system. Even if you don’t qualify for free upgrades, the payback period for insulation costs is often less than five years.
4. Are smart thermostats worth the investment?
Smart thermostats are one of the easiest energy-efficiency upgrades you can make. They allow you to control your heating remotely via an app, set schedules that match your routine, and even “learn” your habits to optimise energy use.
According to British Gas, using a smart thermostat effectively can save households up to 15% on heating bills, which could mean £100–£150 per year in savings for an average semi-detached home. They also prevent wasted energy by ensuring your heating is only on when you need it, rather than warming an empty house. Models like Hive, Nest, and Tado are popular and compatible with most boilers.
5. What are heat pump grants, and are they really a good option?
The UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air-source or ground-source heat pump. These systems extract heat from the air or ground to warm your home and can be up to four times more efficient than a gas boiler.
While installation costs are higher, often £7,000–£12,000 before grants, the long-term running costs can be significantly lower, especially for well-insulated homes. Heat pumps can also provide cooling in summer, making them a year-round investment. For households looking to cut carbon emissions and lock in lower heating bills over the long term, they can be an excellent choice.
