With heating costs so high, it’s no wonder so many students refuse to turn their heating on. However, there are several ways to stay warm without throwing your money away; you just need to have the right ideas in mind.
Why Student Houses Get So Cold (And What You Can Do About It)
Many student houses are older, making them typically colder and more challenging to keep warm compared to modern houses. They might have poorer insulation, single-glazed windows, and more gaps around doors, which can all contribute to a colder indoor environment. Luckily, there’s plenty you and your housemates can do to keep your home warm without breaking the bank.
Smart Heating Habits That Actually Work
Set ‘Heating Hours’ Everyone Agrees On
Only heating your home when it’s needed can save you money over time. Agreeing together on when this will be reduces arguments and ensures you’re on the same page.
Use Timers and Thermostats Wisely
Using a timer means you can set the heating to come on when you and your housemates are home. This could be for a few hours in the evening and a few hours after you wake up. A cold environment can support better sleep, so many people choose not to leave their heating on overnight.
Heat the Person, Not the House
Knowing you can go home and be cosy after a long day of lectures is a great way to help you stay motivated. Fluffy pyjamas or a thick dressing gown not only keep you warm but can also help you unwind for the evening. Using thick, fluffy blankets traps your body heat and keeps you snug through the night. Electric blankets and hot water bottles are cheaper than using heaters, and can be used to heat your bed before going to sleep, but aren’t recommended for overnight use. If you don’t already own a pair, get yourself some slippers, as these will keep your feet from getting cold when walking across surfaces like kitchen tiles.
Stop the Warmth From Escaping
Find and Block Hidden Draughts
Weighted draught excluders can be placed at the bottom of doorways to stop cold air from seeping in, and they come in a range of fun designs. Doing this with blankets or towels also has the same effect. Draughtproofing with self-adhesive rubber or foam strips can seal gaps around doors and windows. If you do this, make sure they’re temporary and won’t cause damage.
Make Curtains and Blinds Work Harder
At night, keeping curtains and blinds shut can stop the heat from escaping. If the sun is out, leaving them open can help to warm up the home as it shines on the windows.
Insulate on a Student Budget
Here are some other tricks for insulating your home:
- Hang tapestries or blankets on walls: This acts as a decorative feature and adds insulation at the same time.
- Put foil behind radiators: This reflects heat back into the room.
- Add cheap rugs to cold floors: This insulates the room while keeping your feet warm.
Share Responsibility For Staying Warm
Together, you and your housemates need to work as a team to stay warm and reduce costs. Make sure everyone is aware of the agreed heating times and is happy with them. You can also delegate tasks to people, such as assigning someone to close windows and doors, and another to manage heating timers.
Energy-Saving Hacks That Save Money Too
Lower the Thermostat
When setting the temperature, make sure it isn’t too hot. Turning your thermostat down by just a degree or two can help you save money on your energy bill.
Use Your Smart Meter to Track Heating Costs
A smart meter shows your energy usage in real time, allowing you to spot changes and patterns so you can adjust your energy use where needed. To get one of these, contact your energy supplier, who can install one for you at no extra cost. It’s a good idea to speak to your landlord before doing this.
Make the Most of Off-Peak Times
Off-peak times are when electricity is least expensive. You might leave certain tasks, like running the dishwasher or washing your clothes, for off-peak times. These vary depending on factors such as your tariff and energy supplier, but you can find out yours by checking your energy bill, logging in to your online account, looking at your smart meter, or contacting your supplier.
Stay Warm For Less With The Student Energy Group
At the student energy group, we’re dedicated to helping you save money so you can focus on your studies. We’ll combine your household bills, including green electricity, water, gas, broadband and TV licence into one monthly statement, which you can split equally between your housemates. We’ll even plant a tree for signing up! It takes less than two minutes to get a free, no-obligation quote from us today.
