As the clocks go back on Sunday, October 25, households across the region face darker evenings and rising energy bills as heating and lighting usage increases.
Personal finance expert Sophie Graham from Sunny has shared seven essential steps to prepare homes before winter arrives and keep energy costs under control.
Quick and Free Preparations
"The clocks going back is a useful reminder that winter is on its way, and it's a good moment to get your home ready before the colder weather really sets in," Sophie said. "Many of the jobs that make the biggest difference to your energy bill are quick, cheap or even free."
Key preparations include checking heating timers and thermostat settings, as not all systems update automatically when clocks change. Bleeding radiators to remove trapped air and booking a boiler service are also crucial for efficient heating.
Reducing Heat Loss and Costs
Draught-proofing homes with inexpensive strips and excluders can prevent heat loss, while switching to LED bulbs will reduce electricity costs during longer dark evenings. Submitting accurate meter readings and reviewing energy tariffs ensures bills reflect actual usage.
"Small changes, like making sure your heating is set up properly and keeping warm air from escaping, all add up over the course of the winter," Sophie added.
