how to save energy at home

the sleep summary: 

• It's important to stay warm in bed as it can cause sleep disruption. The ideal sleeping temperature is 18°C, so you should take measures to achieve this, such as swapping out our duvet for a higher tog, investing in an electric blanket, and wearing/covering yourself in materials with good heat retention. 

• Due to the rising energy costs in the UK, you can stay warm this winter by making your bedroom more energy efficient: 

• Block any draughts from entering your room through doorways and windows 

• Upgrade your curtains to a thick set to retain heat 

• Use rugs on cold flooring so you don't lose heat to it 

• Let the sunshine through south-facing windows every chance you get 

• Manage your central heating use through timers, only heating rooms you're using and keeping it at a consistent temperature. 

It's no secret that the cost of living is an increasing concern in the UK, causing homeowners to explore ways to lower their energy bills while still living comfortably and happily. But unfortunately, it's not such a simple task. As we all know, using central heating to warm our homes in the colder temperatures is a key culprit of rising costs. That's why we suggest heating your bed instead of your home... 

How, you ask? Things like investing in winter bedding, using an electric blanket, or layering up with pyjamas and blankets can all make a significant difference to your warmth levels at night. Plus, making minor changes to your bedroom to improve its efficiency will help, such as keeping windows closed, draught-proofing door gaps and investing in a heavy set of curtains.   

Balancing a good night’s sleep and saving money on your energy bills can be a tricky task as winter approaches. So, let's hear from our experts who've shared their simple tips for staying toasty without breaking the bank this winter.   

our top tips for a warmer night’s sleep while saving energy 

Sleep scientists have found that there is a direct link between the amount of sleep we get each night and our temperature when we sleep. So, how do we reach the optimum temperature? You may be tempted to sit back, relax, and turn the radiator all the way up, but this not only increases your risk of disrupted sleep from being too hot – it could cause your heating bills to skyrocket too.  

If you’re an energy-conscious homeowner looking to stay warm without watching your bills rise, we've put together a list of ways you can stay warm as you sleep without resorting to sticking on the central heating.  

heat your bed, not the bedroom 

There are multiple ways you can heat your bed and not your bedroom. Here are the most effective: 

swap out your duvet 

Ahead of the colder months, swap out your summer duvet to a dedicated winter one – or one of a higher tog. Some all-season duvets remain suitable for year-round use or have two layers that can be connected and detached according to the season. When choosing a new winter duvet, the tog is an indicator of how warm it will be - the higher the number, the cosier you will feel. We offer a 10.5 tog duvet designed for the colder months, which are both fluffy and cosy. 

If you consider yourself to be a hot sleeper, we recommend you invest in an all-season duvet or a cooler one, depending on your personal comfort. Dual-tog duvets are also a great idea if you're a hot sleeper but sleep with a partner who prefers a bit more warmth. 

invest in an electric blanket 

Adding an electric blanket to your sleep set-up is the perfect way to stay toasty and warm on a night. While they do use electricity, electric blankets are one of the cheaper ways to heat your room and banish the cold from your bed. With several safe and easy to use options available at Silentnight, hop into a warming paradise every night.  

Top tip: If you share the bed, we have dual control electric blankets that allow you both to control what temperature your side of the bed is. 

Check out our electric blanket guide to find out how you can get the most out of yours.  

opt for warming materials 

Choosing the right bedding is a smart and easy way to remain insulated in the colder months, naturally helping you save money on heating. You should opt for materials that trap heat as opposed to breathable options, like brushed cotton, fleece and wool.  

We have a winter bedding guide that'll help you decide on the right duvet, blanket, and bedding to change the way you sleep this winter.  

keeping yourself warm 

Whether you’re working from home or watching TV, you'll soon get cold when inactive. So, we've put together some easy-to-follow tips that'll help you stay warm and continue to save money on your energy bills.  

layer up 

An easy tip, but one that sometimes gets forgotten about. Make sure to layer up your clothing and wear materials known for their insulation properties, such as wool and fleecy materials, which help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. For the ultimate in cosiness, try a blanket hoodie that'll keep you warm and snug no matter what you're doing.

eat and drink warm 

Warming meals like soups and stews, and a hot cuppa can help you to feel instantly warmer, even just in the short-term while your body begins to warm up from layers. 

throw on a blanket or throw 

From weighted blankets which resemble the feeling of a hug, to giant blankets that the entire family can get snug under, a blanket or throw is the ideal winter companion. Our personal choice is to opt for a weighted blanket, the best companion for unwinding on a cold winter evening.

hot water bottle 

If you’ve wrapped yourself up in a blanket and thrown on some extra layers but still can’t seem to shake off that cold feeling, a hot water bottle is just what you need to give you instant warmth and comfort. To safely use a hot water bottle in bed, try and remove it just before you drift off to avoid any potential safety risks. 

how to make your bedroom more energy efficient 

Heating yourself is not the only step to take this winter. Another way to avoid switching on the radiators is to make smart changes to your surroundings.  

keep your room draught-free 

Draught-proofing the doors and windows around your home is one of the cheapest and most effective ways of saving money on heating. Now's the time to invest in draught excluders, whether heavier options for the bottom of the door, self-adhesive strips around doors and windows, or even a keyhole and letterbox cover, as these can all keep any cool breeze out of your home. 

upgrade your curtains 

There’s no point in keeping your bedroom warm and toasty if heat is escaping through your windows. A thick set of curtains will retain any heat in your room and prevent draughts from lowering the temperature. Plus, they’ll stop light creeping into your room before you’re ready to open your curtains.   

 use rugs on cold flooring  

Bare floors can cause heat loss, so by covering them with rugs, you'll help your home retain the heat. The same applies to other fabrics around the home, including heavy curtains so that heat can't escape as easily. 

welcome the sunshine in  

Another great way to save money on heating bills is by opening the curtains in south-facing rooms to let the sunshine in through your windows. This is free heat don't forget, so make the most of it. 

take control of your central heating 

While we’ve explored many ways of keeping yourself, and your room, warm – sometimes you just need to stick the heating on. However, there are ways you can use your central heating more efficiently. By keeping your heating at a consistent temperature when it’s on, using timers so that you don't lose track of running time and only heating rooms you’re using, you can keep control of your energy bills and save money on heating throughout the colder months.  

stay warm and cosy with Silentnight 

Staying cosy shouldn’t be a privilege this winter. By following these tips and wrapping up warm in bed, you can stay warm while you save money on your heating bills. 

For more tips to help you sleep better this winter, check out our list of the top 5 sleep hacks for winter. Or if thinking about wrapping up warm and cosy has got you in the festive spirit, check out our Christmas gifts collection and find the perfect winter warmer for you or your loved ones.