A combination of freezing cold temperatures and the forceful arrival of Storm Isha has contributed to 2024 getting off to a turbulent start.
With the adverse weather conditions comes an overwhelming prospect – just how much you might have to spend on bills during the colder months, particularly after the costly Christmas period.
However, the experts at Howden Insurance have revealed their top tips on how you can cut back on your household bills this winter period, as well as how you can stay safe whilst on the roads.
Their first piece of advice is to put your heating on a timer, as it is typically the most energy-efficient way to keep the costs down on your heating bill.
If you have a room thermostat or a smart heating system, you are able to take control of your home’s heating. You will also have the ability to heat the specific rooms you’re using for the exact amount of time you need them on for, ensuring you’re not wasting energy heating rooms you aren’t using.
However, if you don’t have a room thermostat or a smart heating system, the optimum time to turn on your heating is during the morning hours, just before you get up, and turning it off an hour before you leave the house.
Some people believe that it is cheaper to keep your heating running all day at a lower temperature, but this will actually cost you more as you’re using a constant flow of energy.
If you put your heating on through a timer whilst you are out, it is a good way to ensure your home is significantly warmer for when you get back.
Leaving the heating on overnight can actually cause your body to overheat, and cause restlessness in the long run, so it is advisable to avoid keeping it on during the night.
If you are planning to brave the roads in adverse weather conditions, it is incredibly important to check that your tyres are correctly inflated.
If your tires are under-flated, they increase your vehicle’s drag which increases fuel consumption. Driving with under-inflated tyres for a prolonged period of time can also severely affect the longevity of your tyres, steering and braking distances.
Most petrol stations have air machines where you can identify the pressure in your tyres and inflate them. The type of vehicle you own will determine how much pressure your tyres require. If you’re unsure, you can check this in your vehicle’s manual, driver’s door or petrol cap.
It is not uncommon for cars to blow a fuse when their wipers are frozen to the windscreen during colder temperatures, which can cause a breakdown before you’ve even set off on your journey.
To prevent this from happening, there are a number of ingenious methods to stop your windscreen from freezing – ranging from potatoes and onions to sheets you can place over your car.
Keep your pan lids on while cooking
Getting home and enjoying a warm meal at the end of the day is something to look forward to, and by keeping the lids on your pans whilst cooking could save you some pennies.
Using pan lids can save you 10 percent on energy. Leaving the lid on traps the heat which allows you to cook your food faster, and reduces the amount of time you are using energy in the kitchen.
By lowering your cooker hob settings and reducing your oven temperature you are able to ensure cooking times are the same.
Check if you are eligible for any Cold-weather payments
The final piece of advice from Howden Insurance is to check if you are eligible for any cold-weather payments. Each requires you to meet specific criteria for that particular kind of payment, so whilst researching make sure you meet the requirements before applying.
Eligible elderly people could get up to £600 through winter fuel payments, depending on their circumstances. It is worth checking the government website for energy grants, fuel vouchers, household support funds and discount schemes available.
