As the colder months approach, energy bills are once again on many homeowners’ minds. With the cost of keeping our homes warm still a concern, knowing where small changes can make a difference could help keep winter spending under control.
ProBreeze has put together an excellent, cost-saving guide to help homeowners reduce their energy bills this winter, highlighting five simple ways to stay warm and comfortable without unnecessarily heating the whole house.
1. Heated throws
Why heat the entire house when you’re only using one room? A heated throw warms you directly, making it a useful alternative to turning up the thermostat.
A typical 100W heated throw costs around 2.5p to 3p an hour to run at current electricity prices, making it a relatively inexpensive way to stay cosy on the sofa.
2. Portable heaters
If you only need extra warmth in one room, a portable heater can be a more targeted option than heating the whole house.
Oil-filled radiators are particularly useful because they retain heat and continue to give off warmth after the heating element switches off. A 2,500W model costs around 66p an hour when running continuously at full power, although the thermostat means it will typically use less once the room reaches the desired temperature.
3. Electric blankets
An electric blanket can help keep you warm at night without leaving the central heating running throughout the evening.
Many use less than 3p of electricity per hour, meaning several hours of warmth can cost just pennies. Look for models with multiple heat settings and overheat protection for added comfort and peace of mind.
4. Air fryers
For smaller meals, an air fryer can use less electricity than a conventional electric oven and often cooks food more quickly.
A compact air fryer typically costs around 21p to 52p an hour to run, compared with up to £1.31 an hour for an electric oven. However, gas is currently cheaper than electricity per kWh, so a gas oven can sometimes be cheaper than an air fryer.
5. Dehumidifiers
Winter can bring condensation, damp and the challenge of drying clothes indoors. A dehumidifier can help tackle excess moisture while also making laundry days easier.
Pro Breeze’s 20L dehumidifier, for example, costs less than 10p an hour to run and includes a dedicated laundry mode.
Stay warm and spend-savvy
From heating yourself rather than the whole house to drying laundry more efficiently, these simple changes can help make winter a little more comfortable — and potentially kinder to your energy bills.
