8 Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bills ...

Are there any simpler ways to reduce your heating bill than putting on more clothes? Yet a lot of people prefer to turn up the heating. That's just daft, when you can save yourself money by putting on a sweater! So when it's just a bit chilly, add some layers of clothing and you won't need the heaters on.

Have you ever gone round to visit a friend, and they open a window because they're warm - and yet the heating is on? It doesn't seem to occur to some people that they have the heat turned up too high, and that they could simply turn it down! So keep your windows closed if you don't want to waste heat.

Many people have the thermostat on rather higher than they really need it, and this wastes a lot of money. Turning the thermostat down a few degrees will still keep the house warm, and is a very simple way of making noticeable savings on your heating bills.

If you own your house, then make sure that it is properly insulated if you want to stop heat escaping. So check your attic - does it have an adequate thickness of insulation? There's not so much you can do in a rented home, but one simple method is to buy a plastic film designed to line windows - you can then remove it in the spring.

Again, this is a very simple way to avoid wasting heat, and is especially useful if you only have a heat source on in one room. Close the door, and you'll keep the room lovely and warm. If you have rooms that you don't use, and there is no heating on in them, keep the doors closed.

As soon as it gets dark, close the curtains to stop heat escaping. It's also important to choose the right type of curtains - you will really notice the difference if you hang thick, heavy drapes. A velvet-type material will be ideal if you live in a cold climate. Make sure they are completely closed.

It might not be at the top of your list of priorities, but getting your boiler or heat source serviced is wise for two reasons. Firstly, it's a question of safety. Secondly, you need to check that the boiler is working efficiently; if not, it could mean that your heating system is costing more than it need do.

Finally, if you get the chance, the best way to save on heating bills is to move somewhere warm and sunny! The sun is an excellent natural heat source (keep your windows clean to maximise its effects). You really will appreciate the low heating bills when you live in a warm part of the country!

Keeping our heating bills down is smart for several reasons. Firstly, it saves us money at a time when we all need to watch what we're spending. Secondly, it means using less energy, which is good for the environment. Thirdly, energy companies make massive profits! The good news is that there are lots of ways to make small but noticeable savings. Have you ever known anyone who took it to extremes, and refused to put the heating on no matter how cold it was?