When temperatures drop, heating is often the biggest household energy cost. You do not need a full renovation to feel a difference. A mix of cheap draught-proofing, smarter use of the heating you already have and a few daily habits can help you stay comfortable while keeping an eye on bills. The figures and savings you see online vary a lot by property and tariff, so treat the ideas below as practical starting points rather than guaranteed results.
Start by finding where the heat escapes
Warm air leaks out through gaps, and cold air pours in. On a windy day, walk around your home and feel for draughts around windows, external doors, letterboxes, loft hatches, skirting boards and any gaps where pipes enter walls. A lit incense stick or a thin strip of tissue held near a gap will show air movement. Fixing the worst gaps first usually gives the biggest comfort gain for the lowest cost.
Low-cost draught-proofing
- Self-adhesive foam or rubber strips around door and window frames
- A brush or flap on the letterbox and a cover for the keyhole
- A draught excluder at the foot of external doors
- Sealant (such as flexible caulk) for gaps around window frames and skirting
- Rugs or sealed gaps on bare floorboards where draughts rise
Keep trickle vents and kitchen and bathroom extractor fans working, because homes need ventilation to avoid damp and condensation. Draught-proof gaps, but do not block purpose-built vents, especially around gas appliances.
Use curtains and windows to your advantage
Thick, lined curtains reduce heat loss at night. Close them at dusk, and open them in daylight, particularly on south-facing windows, to let in free warmth. Tuck curtains behind radiators carefully or fit a shelf above the radiator so heat is not trapped behind fabric. Window insulation film is a budget option for single glazing, and thermal blinds can help too.
Get more from your heating
Small adjustments to how you run the heating can help:
- Set timers so the heating comes on shortly before you wake or arrive home, rather than running all day in empty rooms.
- Many people find a thermostat setting around 18 to 21 degrees comfortable. Turning it down by even a degree can make a noticeable difference to usage, though the best setting depends on who lives in your home and how well it is insulated.
- Use thermostatic radiator valves to set a lower temperature in rooms you rarely use.
- Bleed radiators if they have cold spots at the top, following the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Keep furniture clear of radiators so heat can circulate.
If your boiler is old or you are unsure about settings, ask a Gas Safe registered engineer, and never attempt gas repairs yourself.
Heat the people, not the whole house
Warm clothes, layers, slippers and a blanket on the sofa cost far less than heating every room. Close doors to unused rooms, though do not shut off rooms completely if that could lead to damp. Hot water bottles and heated throws are cheaper to run than central heating for short periods; follow the product instructions and safety guidance, and do not use faulty or old items.
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Eating warm meals and hot drinks also helps you feel comfortable. Our post on decluttering your home room by room may help you make living spaces easier to heat, as less clutter can mean better air flow around radiators.
Check your energy tariff and support
Energy prices change, and rules set by the regulator affect what you pay. Read our explanation of the energy price cap changes from January 2027 to understand how it works. It is also worth checking your latest bill, submitting regular meter readings to avoid estimated bills, and contacting your supplier if you are struggling to pay. Many suppliers offer payment plans and there may be government or local council support available, which you can check on official GOV.UK pages or through Citizens Advice.
Winter costs add up, so pair heating tips with a plan for the whole season. Our Christmas budget planner can help you balance the festive spending with energy costs.
Longer-term improvements to consider
If you can invest, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, a better boiler or a heat pump may reduce heating needs over time, depending on your property and eligibility for grants. Costs, payback and suitability vary, so get more than one quote from reputable installers and check any government schemes before you commit. If you rent, ask your landlord about insulation and heating issues; tenants may have rights depending on the situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to make a room feel warmer?
Closing curtains at dusk, using a draught excluder and sealing obvious gaps are among the lowest-cost options.
Is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day?
It depends on your home, heating system and insulation. For many homes, heating on a timer when needed works well, but there is no single answer. Experiment and watch your meter readings.
Do radiator reflector panels work?
Foil panels behind radiators on external walls may reduce heat lost through the wall. The benefit is modest and mostly applies to uninsulated solid walls.
How do I avoid damp when keeping the house warm?
Keep ventilating, dry washing outside or in a ventilated room, and use extractor fans when cooking and showering.
Where can I get help if I cannot afford heating?
Contact your energy supplier, your local council and Citizens Advice, and check GOV.UK for current schemes.
Start with a draught check this weekend, then adjust your heating habits gradually and keep track of your usage.
