by Mouse

Created on: September 19, 2011   Last Updated: September 20, 2011

I was once taught by my physics professor, that seventeen average people, gathered in an average small room, generate a level of body heat equivalent to a standard two-bar gas fire.

Interesting isn't it? Though I doubt you want to live amongst 16 others all winter do you? I can't say I blame you - I wouldn't either.

So what is the average person to do to survive the ever harsher winters we are experiencing as we near this next ice-age (which is due any time now)?

More to the point, how can one ensure, without spending a fortune, that the money spent on keeping the home warm, dry and comfortable through the winter does just that? Well here are some hints and practical tips based on my own experiences having had to manage a home and family sometimes on a very extreme budget.

The three Rs of winterization are Reduce (costs, draughts, leaks, wastage), Repair (and maintain), and Reinforce (insulation and all other winterization techniques. - Staying on top prevents problems developing).

1) Paperwork first.

Do you know how many units your last energy bill was for? Do you provide meter readings every time?

If you don't, you absolutely should. It only takes moments to read your meter (It's important to periodically check your meter and know your consumption average so that you get an early warning of any problems) and by submitting readings to your energy company, either monthly or three monthly depending on your billing cycle, allows you to be sure that you are only being billed for units used, thereby keeping more of your essential cash flow in your possession and out of the energy company's hands.

TIP - If you read your meter and you find you've used much less than you've been billed, only pay for what was used and WRITE to the company giving the reading and explaining the payment is for only those units used. The onus is then on the energy company to either accept, or to send an engineer to fix your meter. Always check metering rates with your local council and among neighbours.

Bear in mind that your consumption goes up in the winter. Some energy firms will send you a meter by post to monitor your consumption, but you can extract a fair idea from previous bills.

As we live in a rural area with harsh winters, we allow an extra 20% on water, electric and heating costs.

2) Know your budget.

Work out what electric, heat and water cost you each week and work out if you can afford this. There are often ways to reduce consumption, which makes more funds available for

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