As the colder months roll in, we’re all bracing ourselves for those shorter, darker days. And, with it, that fine balance of keeping energy costs manageable, being healthy and managing to stay warm this winter.

It’s not easy when we need to pop the heating on, and have a hankering for those seasonal hotpots that get us through the Cornish mizzle! So how can we winter well, without a huge rise in bills and overuse of precious energy resources.

Here’s a few ideas on how to stay warm this winter, save money, and reduce environmental impact:

1. Monitor heating use

Heating accounts for a large portion of energy consumption during the colder seasons, so finding ways to use it efficiently is key. From putting it on a timer (so it’s only being used at the most-needed times of day) to using a smart metre to monitor usage, these are a couple of simple ways to cut down on excessive use. Plus, did you know that by lowering the thermostat by just 1°C, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill?

The general guidance to stay warm this winter is to keep your house heated between 18-21°C, so, while it can be tempting to put it even higher on those colder days, a more moderate temperature will keep you warm and help you cut emissions at the same time.

2. Embrace renewable energy

If possible, one of the best ways you can manage your energy use is to switch to a green energy supplier. By finding those companies that utilise the power of wind, solar or hydro, you can help reduce your household’s carbon footprint. Plus, today, many of these providers are now offering competitive rates that can save you money in the long run.

3. Layer up

One of the easiest ways to keep warm without cranking up the heat is to dress in layers. Thermal underclothes, woolly jumpers, and thick socks can help you retain body heat, so you can stay cosy indoors without using additional energy. And, if you’re anything like us, there’s almost nothing better than getting comfy under a blanket with a hot water bottle and a favourite movie.

4. Swap to LED Lights

LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, so switching things up in that department can make a bigger difference than you realise. Particularly as the days get shorter, moving to energy-efficient LED bulbs can reduce your electricity usage significantly. Don’t worry, though; with ‘warm light’ LED lighting now available, you can still mimic traditional lighting options.

5. Cook batch-style

For many of us, a drop in temperature outside means warming ourselves up on the inside with hearty, hot foods. Gone are the salads of summer and, in place, come soups, casseroles, and baked goods. To make the most of energy when putting the oven through its paces, try batch cooking and then freezing for quick, hearty meals through the week. You can also use the oven’s residual heat to warm your kitchen. If possible, slow cookers and pressure cookers are also energy-efficient ways to prepare meals (we’d love to hear your recipes).

6. Buy second-hand

As we swap out the summer wardrobe for those warmer knits, it’s only natural to stock up on new essentials to get you through the coming months. Instead of buying brand-new gear, though, consider shopping second-hand. You can often find high-quality coats, boots, and accessories at second-hand stores, vintage shops or online marketplaces. This reduces the demand for fast fashion (which is resource-intensive and unsustainable), while giving unwanted items a second life.

Share your tips and tricks

Have you got your own nifty energy-saving tricks to share? Head over to our social channels and share your thoughts, so we can share them with the world! Just tag and follow us on Facebook here, or Instagram here.

Check out some more of our top tips for reducing your bills and carbon foot print at the same time. Plus, don’t forget to can reach out to Community Energy Plus – Cornwall’s energy advice service – for more expert ideas and tips on how to use make your use energy more sustainable for the future.