how to save energy at home

Using central heating to warm your home can be an expensive way to keep warm at night. More cost-effective ways of staying warm when you sleep include investing in winter bedding, using an electric blanket, or layering up with pyjamas and blankets. 

To make your bedroom more efficient, you should monitor your energy usage, ensure your windows are draught-proof, and invest in heavy curtains to better retain heat.  

The second the days get shorter, and the nights get colder, the first thing we want to do is throw ourselves under a snuggly blanket and turn on the nearest radiator. However, with energy prices continuing to soar, you may be hesitant to switch on your central heating and instead look for ways to save money on your heating bills this winter. 

Balancing a good night’s sleep and saving money on your energy bills can be difficult as winter approaches. From wrapping yourself in the right winter bedding to investing in the perfect electric blanket, we’re here to share our top tips for keeping yourself warm and toasty in bed without breaking the bank.  

why is it important to stay warm in bed?

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. For many sleepers, the ideal room temperature for the best nights sleep is around 18°C.  

Our annual sleep report found that changes in temperature were one of the most common causes of sleep disturbances among UK adults. However, we all know it can be hard to maintain this temperature during winter when chilly air takes hold of your home and you’re trying to save money on your energy bills. Therefore, finding ways to stay warm and cosy all through the night is vital.  

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

You may be tempted to sit back, relax, and turn the radiator all the way to eleven as you sleep. While that will keep your room warm and toasty, this will also use a lot of energy. 

 If you’re an energy-conscious homeowner looking to stay warm without watching your bills rise, our experts have put together a list of ways you can keep yourself warm in bed without resorting to sticking on the central heating. 

heat your bed not the bedroom

For the colder months, make sure to swap your summer duvet to a dedicated winter one. When choosing a new winter duvet, the tog is an indicator of how warm it will be - the higher this number, the cosier you will feel. However, some people are naturally hot sleepers so you may want to invest in a dual-tog duvet which is perfect for ensuring you and your partner both stay cosy and comfortable during those cold winter nights.  

If just a duvet isn’t enough to keep you warm when the temperatures begin to plummet, adding an electric blanket 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. Check out our electric blanket guide to find out how you can get the most out of yours. 

Choosing the right bedding is also essential for ensuring that your bed remains warm even when your heating isn’t on. Check out our winter bedding guide and discover how the right duvet, blanket, and bedding can change the way you sleep this winter.  

heat yourself

Whether you’re working from home or watching TV, you soon get cold sitting still, so make sure to layer up your clothing to help you keep warm. Wear clothes made from natural fibres, such as wool and fleecy materials, as these help to retain heat by trapping air close to your body. For the ultimate in cosiness, try an oversized fleece hoodie that will keep you warm as you work or relax on the sofa.

don’t let your feet get cold

Sometimes the easiest way to stay warm is to heat yourself by making sure you’ve got sufficient layers of blankets and pyjamas to protect you from the cold. Not to mention, you’re making sure that only the most important thing is being heated, yourself, reducing any wasted energy or heat. 

• Blankets and throws: From weighted blankets which send you to sleep wrapped in a warm hug, to wearable fleece blankets which follow you wherever you go, a blanket is the best way to keep yourself warm all winter long. 

• Layer up your clothing: Pyjamas, fleece hoodies, or underlayers are all great ways of keeping yourself warm during winter. To stay extra warm, wear clothes made from natural fibres, such as wool and fleecy materials, as these help to retain heat by trapping air close to your body. 

• Don’t get cold feet: Fluffy socks are a winter essential, keeping the sensitive soles of your feet warm. Why not go one step further and grab an electric foot warmer with soft, heated lining which can heat your feet in minutes. 

• 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

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. For an extra cosy feel, opt for one with a faux fur cover.

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. Block up unwanted gaps where the cold air seeps in using draught-proof strips, filler and draught-excluders - all cost-effective options of trapping heat in your room. 

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.  

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, 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’ll find yourself sleeping better as the days get darker and saving money on your energy 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.