How To Keep The Costs Down This Winter

It's that time of year again when we all love nothing more than to snuggle up on the sofa in front of the fire on cold wintery evenings. Although it all comes at a cost! Especially if you have a gas fire. Here are a few ways you can keep the costs down this winter and still keep warm.

Wear plenty of layers

Instead of putting the heating on first thing in the morning layer up. Wear a t-shirt, light sweater and even a hooded jumper if you have to. If you feel cold add another layer before putting the heating on. I know its different with young children as you want to ensure they are warm and don't catch a cold but it really does make a difference just by layering up. With newborns and babies, dress them in a baby gro, vest, t-shirt, and cardigan/jumper. They should always be wearing at least one more layer than you are. 

Get out the blankets 

I'm sure you'll have plenty of blankets lurking around the house. Snuggle up on the sofa with a few blankets to keep you warm. You can now buy blankets which can be worn as jumpers and cover you from head to toe. I prefer thick wooly blankets as they tend to keep the heat rather than lighter ones. 

Turn your thermostat down 

Having the heating on all day can run up a bill instead turn your thermostat down slightly. Even turning it down by 10 degrees can save a lot of money and slash your heating bills. Decide which rooms in the house you wish the be the warmest, for example the living room and the kids bedroom perhaps? Turn off the radiators in all other rooms or have them on the lowest. 

Ensure your home is insulated

A well insulated home can make a world of difference. By keeping your home warm it means it won't take as long to heat it up everyday. Make sure you have good wall and loft insulation, most newer houses will more than likely already have some but older houses tend to not.

Use hot water bottles

It's time to get the hot water bottles out. I love sleeping with a hot water bottle at night. Its also a great way to warm up your bed before you go to sleep. Stick on the kettle and place the hot water bottle under your duvet about half an hour before you are going to bed.

Keep active

If you keep busy during the day you are less likely to be cold. Doing some mild housework can keep your body temperature up as well as stop you from being tempted to put the heating on. Get on the wii fit or even have family fun evenings to keep you all active.

Go out instead 

Instead of sitting at home wracking up the heating bill go out and enjoy the winter. You could even go to public places such as the local library or play gym and keep warm there instead. Go round to a friends house, perhaps take it in turns once a week or even go out for lunch or window shopping. 

Do you have any tips on saving money this winter?

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