13 Ways to save money on your energy bills this winter

There are a number of energy efficiency upgrades that can really make a difference to keep us warm, as well as make savings on heating bills.

So before the next really cold snap bites, it’s worth taking a look at what options are available to help make things more manageable and comfortable.

1. Bleed your radiators

Bleeding radiators makes your home warmer and can help reduce the cost of your energy bills. It does this by removing air pockets which reduce the pressure in your system so you don’t need to turn the heating up as much.

2. Compare energy prices

To save money on energy costs, it makes sense to shop around for the best prices and tariffs – to make sure you aren’t paying more than you need to. Use the Consumer Councils energy price comparison tool to compare electricity and gas tariffs in Northern Ireland.

3. Join an oil buyers’ club – NIHE Oil Buying Network

As a NI Oil Buying Network (OBN) member, you can order your oil each week (or whenever you need a refill) at a negotiated discount.

Average savings are currently £10 – £30 on 200 litres of oil for OBN members. All members get a weekly request for a ‘potential’ order by email or text (or, in rare circumstances, by phone). Based on the number of estimated weekly order requests, the Network will negotiate the best price. Members then place their own order by calling the chosen supplier, using the discount code.

It’s free to join, you can buy as little as 200 litres without having to buy larger bulk orders and it will help you save money on your energy costs. For more information click here.

4. Draught proofing

Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy – and money – in any type of building. Here are some of our top tips for draught proofing.

• Install a chimney balloon
• Install door draught excluders or seals
• Install insulation for walls and floor insulating underlay
• Install a keyhole cover
• Install a letterbox brush seal
• Install an air vent cover

For more ideas please click here.

5. Low-cost secondary glazing

This is an economical alternative to double glazed windows. It creates a secondary glazing effect on windows to prevent draughts and keeps the warm air in.

6. Insulation

About a third of all the heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls and a quarter of heat is lost through the roof. Insulating your walls, loft, attic or flat roof is an effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills. For more information please click here.

7. Service your boiler

An annual boiler service is essential for keeping your boiler running smoothly and safely. You should have your boiler serviced at least once a year to ensure it functions correctly and does not have any leaks. Not sticking to an annual boiler service could affect your boiler’s performance and you could experience a boiler breakdown. For more information please click here.

8. Lower your combi boiler’s flow temperature

Reducing the flow temperature also lowers the return temperature. All boilers are more efficient when the return temperature is low, and this can save you energy and money. Find more information please click here.

9. Understand your heating system and controls

Did you know that heating and hot water accounts for over half of what you spend on your energy bills? Programmers allow you to set ‘on’ and ‘off’ time periods. You should set the central heating programme to come on around half an hour before you get up, and go off around half an hour before you go to bed. And if the house is empty during the day, or you can manage without heating during the day, make sure you’ve set the programmer to go off for this period too.

Check that the clock on the programmer is correct before you set your programmes. Remember, you might need to adjust it when the clocks change. For more information please click here.

10. Move furniture away from radiators

Moving your sofa just a little bit away from the radiator means the heat can circulate a bit more freely. This will definitely help improve your home’s energy efficiency.

11. Insulate your pipes

This simply means adding insulation to the water pipes and is easy to do with foam tubes. It prevents them freezing and also helps any exposed hot water pipes retain their heat when running through unheated parts of the house.

12. Declutter your gutters

It is important to keep them clean and free of debris, as this can help prevent water damage to your home. In the winter, gutters can become clogged with leaves and other debris, so it is important to remove this buildup before it causes problems. For more information please click here.

13. Close your curtains

Reducing heat loss will save energy, making your home more energy efficient and ultimately saving money on your heating bills. So when the temperature drops and the sun isn’t out, closing your curtains really will help to keep heat in for longer. For more information please click here.