In winter we all feel the chill, especially older and more vulnerable members of our community who often need to keep their homes warmer.

Energy bills are predicted to be high again this year, due to the increasing amount of gas we now import, while the transition to cheaper and cleaner renewables generated domestically remains ongoing.

Any elderly people impacted by the cut to winter fuel payments and not yet claiming Pension Credit, should do so.

Mid Cheshire Green Voices spoke with Mark Thompson, local resident and author of the ‘Get Energy Savvy’ blog, for easy, practical tips we can all use to stay cosy, this winter.

  • Mark started by encouraging us to think about warming ourselves rather than the space.
  • Plug-in electric throws keep you snug whilst sitting, costing under 4p/hour to run. Hot water bottles will do the same, but please make sure the water isn’t too hot.
  • When it’s time to put the radiators on, get to know the numbers on your thermostatic radiator valves.  These control each room’s temperature pretty accurately: position three, limits a room to 20°C, and position four to 24°C.
  • Only tiny changes are needed to make a room warmer or cooler. Turning them on full is likely to wastefully overheat the room.
  • Draughts are sneaky cold leaks that give us cold feet and let heat escape our homes.Try an old fashioned draught excluder or a heavy curtain across a draughty front door.

(Image: MCGV)

  • You can draught-proof letter boxes too. Shutting interior doors stops heat escaping upstairs. Thick curtains are cheap to buy second hand and help retain heat when closed, and tucked behind radiators.
  • Lubricating UPVC window hinges with silicon-based WD40 will ensure they close properly and cut draughts.
  • However, no home is healthy without adequate ventilation to minimise condensation, mould and pollution generated indoors. If you have window trickle vents they should always be open for this reason, and they actually lose very little heat.
  • Laundry will always dry outdoors, even in frosty weather. If it’s not completely dry, quickly finish it off indoors.
  • The cheapest way to dry laundry inside is in the smallest room, with the door closed, and the window open a crack to get rid of moist polluted air. A dehumidifier or heated airer will speed this up.
  • Insulation is still the simplest way to make a home more comfortable and reduce bills. Grants are available for some households.
  • Electric showers are energy hungry; costing 3p and 4p per minute. Try switching off the shower when you apply soap and shampoo, then rinse. Or, set a timer and be quick.

A thermal image of a homeA thermal image of a home (Image: MCGV)

  • If you haven’t already, switch to LED light bulbs. These cost just 1p for 8 hours of light, and cost under £2.
  • Fancy a hot drink? Boiling a full kettle of water costs around 6p. Boil just enough water for one cup and cut the cost to 1p.

For anybody wanting to know more, Mark Thompson is presenting one of his entertaining, free, and informative talks entitled 'The Energy Savvy Home' at New Images Youth and Community Centre in Nixon Drive, Winsford, on Wednesday, November 27, starting at 7.30pm. Everybody is welcome.

You can also find lots more of Mark’s top tips on his blog: getenergysavvy.info.

Check if your household is eligible for the Winter Fuel payment: gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment or funded home improvements moneysavingexpert.com/family/housing-and-energy-grants/.

Authored by Winsford Sustainability Partners winsfordsustainability.wordpress.com/ and Sustainable Northwich transitionnorthwich.weebly.com/.