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As the colder months approach, we understand that keeping your home warm can be costly.

That’s why we’ve put together some energy-saving tips to help you stay warm and cosy without breaking the bank.

How do I keep my house warm?

Make sure you keep the warmth in and the cold out by sealing any gaps or cracks in your home where cold air can come in, like your doors and windows.

Draught excluders or weather-stripping tape are effective and cheap ways to keep the heat in.

Keyholes can also allow warm air to escape, so consider getting a cover for them as well.

Can I save money by switching energy provider?

Check to see if you can get a better deal with a different energy provider or tariff.

Which? has created a free energy comparison tool to find a better rate for you and your home. 

Here are some other money-saving tips to check with your energy provider:

  • If you receive paper bills, check to see if you’re being charged for them and ask to receive them via email or on your provider’s app instead.
  • Paying by direct debit is usually cheaper and will help you manage your costs more closely within your budget.
  • If you don’t have a smart meter, remember to send your supplier meter readings as often as possible to ensure you’re paying for what you actually use instead of estimated amounts.
  • You can also see if your provider offers any schemes for non-peak usage (using electricity at quieter times, such as between 11 am and 4 pm). British Gas, for example, has a scheme called PeakSave, which rewards customers who use their electricity when there is less demand.

How do I save money on my electricity?

If your appliances have an eco-setting, it’s worth using it -it’ll help save the environment and your pocket.

For items like phone chargers, smaller radiators or speakers that don’t need to be on all the time, unplug them when not in use.

Speakers can cost around £6 a year when on standby for 20 hours a day!

Making sure your appliances are cleaned regularly will also help them run efficiently.

Did you know that a kettle with limescale buildup requires more energy to heat water? Likewise, keeping your freezer organised and the back of your fridge clean can help both run more efficiently.

What is the cheapest way to run my washing machine?

  • Instead of washing all your clothes at high temperatures, consider using a lower setting, especially for items that aren’t heavily stained.
  • Be efficient with your laundry load. If you don’t have enough clothes to wash, wait until you do.
  • Use machine commercial stain removers and cleaners for tough stains and to clean your washing machine.
  • For everyday items like trousers and jumpers, consider airing them out after a single wear instead of washing them right away.

What is the cheapest way to run my tumble dryer?

  • Dry a full load, but don’t overfill as it will cost more to run.
  • Always untangle your clothes. This ensures that everything will dry quicker and evenly, meaning lower energy consumption.
  • Sorting your drying by material is also advised so your items dry evenly. For example, a pair of denim jeans will take longer to try than a t-shirt.
  • If you use the dryer, clean the lint filter regularly and sort your clothes out by fabric type to reduce drying time.
  • And of course, if the weather’s good, dry your clothes outside instead.

Contact us

If you’re struggling with debts, call us on 0800 316 1833. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can speak to us via live chat for more information.

And if you’re looking for ways to make the most of your money, our online advice tool, BudgetSmart, has hundreds of easy actions you can take to improve your monthly budget.