by Colin Morley

Created on: November 15, 2009   Last Updated: November 16, 2009

The increased energy costs of a household during winter are additional heating bills and lighting. Obviously the temperature and amount of daylight available will vary considerably with where in the world you live, but unless you're slap bang on the equator you will notice a difference in both.

As the weather starts to get cooler, what is the first thing most of us reach for? That's right, the heating switch. We turn on the heating, while we continue to sit around in shirtsleeves watching the television or going about our household chores. Try reaching first for a warm sweater. You'll be surprised how much longer you can delay turning on your heating each year.

Unless you are in a very temperate zone of the world, there will, of course, come a time when a warm sweater is just not enough to keep you warm indoors. When that time comes, what is happening to the heat your radiators or fires produce? Is it really all going to heat up your rooms? Or is it disappearing through gaps in your windows and doors? Most modern housing has very good insulation and efficient door and window closures, but older houses may need some attention. Many government schemes in different places allow for free or cheap thermal insulation advice, particularly for the elderly. If you have such a scheme where you live, use it. It could save you a lot on your heating bills.

Need some insulation but don't have a great deal of money? While commercial insulation materials may be expensive, there are many cheap or even free alternatives. Recycled paper cellulose material is probably one of the cheapest options you can buy for insulating a roof space. But what about all the bubble wrap you get through the post all year? Save it up and put it to good use. Egg cartons can also provide good thermal and even noise insulation - particularly the polystyrene variety. But be sure you don't put anything inflammable near a heat source. Don't take risks. If in doubt, ask someone.

Here's a little romantic tip for a winter's evening which will also save you some money. Take a bath with your partner. Same amount of hot water and at least twice the fun - you can probably think of other ways to keep each other warm for the rest of the evening, and an evening without television will save you even more on your electricity bill!

Energy saving light bulbs will save you on your electricity bills over a period of time. They are initially expensive to buy, but if you set out to buy just one each month over the year when you are shopping, then by next winter you will probably have all or nearly all energy saving bulbs, burning less than a quarter of the electricity your old ones did.

The most important tip is not to take things to extremes. Each year many older people sadly die because they cannot afford to pay their heating and lighting bills. If you are in that position, ask a friend or relative for help. There are governmental and charity funds available to stop this happening. And if you have a neighbour who you think may be in trouble this way, take the time to visit them and make sure their house is warm enough. It isn't nosy to be neighbourly. It is good citizenship and could save a life.

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