5 Easy Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills This Winter

As energy prices remain unpredictable, it’s no surprise that homeowners across Cumbria are looking for ways to reduce their bills without compromising on comfort.

At Keswick Superglaze, we’ve been helping local homeowners create warmer, more energy-efficient homes for over 40 years. In this blog, we’ve rounded up five practical ways to cut energy costs that go beyond the obvious and are achievable for most households, whether you own a modern family home or a charming Lakeland cottage.

1. Track Down Draughts and Seal Them

Even the most efficient heating system can struggle to keep your home warm if cold air is sneaking in through unwanted gaps. Common culprits include:

• Window and door frames
• Letterboxes
• Chimneys
• Loft hatches
• Floorboards

You can seal small draughts with DIY products like self-adhesive foam strips or door brushes. For larger gaps, especially around old windows and doors, it may be worth upgrading to double-glazed or triple-glazed options that offer better seals and insulation.

2. Make the Most of Your Heating

Most of us are guilty of cranking up the thermostat when we feel a chill, but smarter heating habits can make a big difference:

• Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C – This can reduce your annual heating bill by up to 10%.
• Use radiator valves to adjust the heat in each room, rather than heating unused spaces.
• Time it right – Set your heating to come on 30 minutes before you wake up or get home, and turn off a little before you leave or go to bed.

These small tweaks can add up to noticeable savings over the colder months.

3. Switch to Off-Peak Energy Where Possible

If your home has a time-of-use electricity tariff (like Economy 7 or 10), you could save money by shifting some of your energy use to cheaper overnight hours.

For example:

• Run your washing machine or dishwasher during off-peak times.
• Use an electric storage heater to warm your home at night, then release the heat during the day.
• Be sure to check with your energy provider to understand your tariff structure and whether off-peak savings apply.

4. Let the Light (and Heat) In

It might sound simple, but making the most of natural sunlight during the day can reduce your reliance on heating and lighting.

• Open blinds and curtains in the morning to let warmth and light flood in.
• Close them again at dusk to trap heat inside and prevent cold air from seeping in through glazing.
• If your windows are old or misted up with condensation, they might be losing heat unnecessarily. In that case, it may be time to consider more modern, energy-efficient replacements.

5. Check Your Insulation – Including Doors and Windows

While loft insulation often gets attention, don’t overlook your doors and windows. According to Energy Saving Trust, up to 20% of a home’s heat can be lost through inefficient windows and external doors.

Modern double glazing with thermally broken frames and sealed units helps keep warm air in and cold air out. Composite front doors, like those we supply from Rockdoor, also offer superior thermal performance, often outperforming older wooden or PVC options.

If you’re unsure about your current setup, our expert team is happy to offer a no-pressure quote or inspection to see how your home could be improved.

Final Thoughts

Staying warm and keeping your energy bills down doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With a few smart changes and some long-term investments, you can make your home more comfortable, efficient, and affordable to run.