Don't waste money on heating

It has been a lot colder the last few days and I have had a few people saying that their heating is going on. To me it is still far too early in the year to put on your heating, especially if you are on a tight budget.

Here are some ways you can stay warm without having to pay lots of money:

• If you are cold put on some thick socks and a jumper before switching on a heater.
• Once it is dark shut the curtains to keep in the heat but make sure you open them on sunny days.
• If you have been sitting for a while and feel cold then get up a walk around and get the blood moving and you will feel warmer.
• If you have hot water have a hot shower or bath as this will warm you and is cheaper than running the heating full time.
• Get yourself a warm drink, that helps you feel much warmer.

In the long term these ways will help you keep warm but will only save money in the future:

• Get your house insulated then you don't need to put the heating on for as long or as early in the year.
• Buy warmer clothes such as thermal vests and padded trousers and jumpers so you can keep warmer in the house.
• Get a more energy efficient boiler that will keep the cost of heating down. Choose one that will only heat water when you need it.
• Make sure you have double glazing and the windows don't have any draughts. If necessary put secondary glazing on for the winter months to keep it warmer. Thick curtains also help to stop the heat from escaping.

And don't forget that if you have friends with warm houses visit them more often so you don't have to heat your own!!