Slow-roasted and home-cooked meals, warming up next to the heater, taking a long warm bath or hot shower... is there any other way to spend your winter days? As much as we all find these winter pleasures hard to resist, they have a tendency to increase the electricity bill. So here are some ways to ensure you enjoy your winter while maintaining a manageable electricity bill.

Find the power culprits

Here are some of the appliances that drain power the most:

• kettle
• washing machine
• air conditioner
• microwave oven
• heater
• toaster
• iron
• coffee machine
• electric blanket
• refrigerator

Change your habits

Now that you know what’s to blame, here’s how to better manage your electricity use:

• Switch off idle appliances. Appliances kept on at the power point consume about 50% of the power they utilise when in use.
• Dress warmly and have hot drinks. This way, you can delay switching on the heater.
• Turn off the lights in all the unoccupied rooms.
• Switch from bath to shower and time yourself – showering uses less water and electricity.

Stay warm the smart way

• Exercise and get your blood pumping. It’ll warm you up.
• Block the cold draught by sealing off gaps around windows and doors.
• Open your curtains during the day and let in as much sun as you can to warm up the rooms.

Which is the best heater for winter?

Electric heater

Pros

• They don’t depend on burning anything, so there is no risk of inhaling carbon dioxide.
• Small heaters are affordable.

Cons

• Some electric heaters don’t produce enough heat.
• They may consume large amounts of electricity
• Some heaters pose a fire hazard.

Wood-burning heat

Pros

• Wood is a far more affordable resource.
• Fire is not affected by power cuts.
• Closed fireplaces are highly efficient.

Cons

• Installing a fireplace, if you don’t already have one, can be expensive.
• Open fireplaces are not as efficient and also pose a fire risk if anything flammable is placed too close.

Gas heaters

Pros

• Portable gas heaters are affordable.
• Gas heaters warm up a room faster because they create instant heat.
• They aren’t dependent on electricity.

Cons

• The price of gas is constantly changing, so it can become costly.
• If misused, it can pose a fire hazard.
• Requires regular ventilation because of the release of carbon dioxide.

Making more conscious financial choices like these will save you a great deal of money. Adjust the way you keep warm and enjoy a cosy, worry-free winter.