The Essential Winter Checklist: Top Tips for Money Saving this Winter
The winter months are fast approaching, and with the cost-of-living crisis at a critical point, we could all use a few tips on how to save money this winter.
The festive season undoubtedly puts extra strain on your pocket, but with a few small changes here and there, you can save some money.
We have trolled the internet for the best cost-saving hacks. Whether you work from home, at the office, or are out and about in the community, here are our 10 top tips for saving money this winter.
Turn your thermostat down
Energy prices have seen a sharp increase, but as the temperature drops, it’s essential we keep warm. Money Saving Expert estimates that for each degree you turn your thermostat down by, you can expect to cut bills by 4-ish% (that’s around £100 a year for the average home).
Whether you work in a care home or are out and about in the community, this tip could help save some much-needed funds.
Use creative ways to stay warm
There are plenty of ways to keep warm without using central heating. Draft excluders, heated blankets, and hot water bottles are great ways to stay cosy during the winter and are a fraction of the cost of heating!
Don’t leave devices on standby
We often use the remote control to turn things like the TV off but leaving devices on standby can use energy. Turn devices such as TVs, microwaves, and radios off at the plug.
We also recommend charging your mobile devices during the day instead of overnight. Not only is this safer, but it will reduce your energy costs.
Go eco!
Many appliances have modes that make them operate at different speeds, temperatures, and levels of power. Opting for eco mode on appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines will use less energy and therefore save you money.
Most cars now also have eco modes, so if you are out and about for your job, why not pop the eco mode on and save money on fuel.
Avoid using tumble dryers
According to Money Saving Expert, tumble dryers have the most expensive running costs, with an estimated cost of £1.02 per hour.
You can invest in a clothes drying rack or if the weather is dry, pop your washing on the washing line outside.
Wash more, less frequently
Aim to do one fewer load of washing per week, making sure you fill-up the washing machine. You can also wash clothes in a cooler setting to save even more money. Washing clothes at 30 degrees could save you an estimated £54 a year.
Cut down on shower time
Surprisingly, cutting down on shower time can provide huge cost savings. Cutting just one minute from your daily shower could save you £207 a year in energy bills.
Don’t let kettles fool you!
We all love a cuppa but overfilling the kettle will use more energy. If you need to fill the kettle, why not pop the water in a flask to use throughout the day without having to re-boil the kettle.
Shop around for your fuel
Fuel prices remain high, so finding the cheapest price per litre can really help save on fuel costs. You can browse and compare fuel prices near you here.
Switch to energy-saving light bulbs
Switching to energy-saving light bulbs can reduce energy costs. We also recommend turning the lights off whenever you leave the room.
