These quick and simple tasks can help you reduce your energy usage and slash your autumn bills
Katherine McPhillips and Natalie King
13:54, 18 Sep 2025
A simple DIY job can help your home feel much warmer(Image: m-gucci via Getty Images)
Autumn has arrived and the weather is getting noticeably colder, meaning many people will be worried about their energy bills as they switch the heating back on this week. The government recently released a full list of people who will not be eligible for Winter Fuel payments, meaning certain groups will no doubt be worried about the amount of heating they use.
Gordon Wallis, who works for heating oil provider Your NRG, has revealed there are several “simple hacks” you can try around the home to help prepare for the chillier months and ensure staying warm doesn’t become a concern.
He said: “As autumn approaches, heating costs climb with colder temperatures, and households begin to feel the pinch.
“With kids back to school and new routines settling in, finding ways to save on heating now can help manage expenses and provide some financial breathing room during this time of year.”
How to keep your home warm on a budget
Don’t leave the heating on throughout the day
A very common money-saving tip is to leave the heating on low throughout the day as it claims to help heat the home for the evening, but it actually isn’t very cost-effective, reports the Express.
Gordon said: “Resist the urge to leave your heating on all day. Instead, set your heating to come on when you’re actually at home and need the warmth the most. This can help you save significantly on energy bills without sacrificing comfort.”
If your radiators aren’t working well, try bleeding them(Image: Getty)
Bleed your radiators
Bleeding is the process of releasing trapped air inside the radiator, and when air becomes trapped it stops a radiator from being able to heat up properly. It’s a frequently overlooked chore, but you should think about bleeding a radiator if it’s making noise, you notice cold patches when it’s switched on, or ideally before the heating goes on regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Gordon explained: “One often overlooked step of a warm home is bleeding your radiators. Over the summer, air accumulates within your heating system, causing your radiators to distribute heat less efficiently.
“By bleeding your radiators, you can ensure they work at their full potential, keeping your home warm when you need it most.”
Check for draughts throughout your property.
It might appear straightforward, but warmth can slip away through window frames, door openings and even keyholes if they aren’t properly sealed.
Taking 10 minutes to walk through your property and identify draughts that could potentially leave you feeling chilly is straightforward but can guarantee you’re utilising your heating as effectively as possible.
Placing draught excluders around windows or door gaps may seem simple but it is very effective at trapping the heat in a room (Image: Getty)
Gordon explained: “Draughts are the enemy of a warm home. They let in cold air, making your heating system work harder than necessary.
“Use draught excluders to seal gaps around windows and doors and stop cold air from leaking into your home.”
Avoid blocking your radiators
When autumn arrives, many households dry their socks by putting them on a radiator, but it’s strongly advised that you avoid doing this as it can promote moisture in a room and prevent the radiator from operating correctly. Radiators require adequate ventilation to effectively heat a room, so ensure nothing is blocking or covering them when the heating is on.
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Gordon advised: “Make sure not to obstruct your radiators with furniture or curtains. Radiators need space to heat the area around it, so clear anything around them so they can do their job properly. About 12 inches of clearance is enough to allow proper airflow.”
