How to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter (Without Sky-High Bills)

Practical Tips from Connor Properties

As winter sets in, keeping your home warm and comfortable becomes essential — but that doesn’t mean your energy bills need to spiral. With a few simple steps and good heating habits, you can stay cosy while keeping costs under control.

At Connor Properties, we want our tenants to feel comfortable in their homes all year round. Here are our top tips for keeping the warmth in during colder months.

Use Your Heating Efficiently

Heating works best when it’s controlled rather than constantly adjusted.

• Aim for a temperature of 18–21°C in living areas

• Use timers so heating runs only when needed

• Keep internal doors closed to stop heat escaping into unused rooms

If your radiators have thermostatic valves, these can help control temperatures room by room.

Reduce Heat Loss Around the Home

Small gaps and draughts can cause a surprising amount of heat loss.

• Use draught excluders on external doors

• Close curtains as soon as it gets dark

• Where possible, use thicker or thermal curtains

• Avoid blocking radiators with furniture

These simple changes can make rooms feel noticeably warmer.

Keep Radiators Working Properly

Radiators perform best when they’re well maintained.

• Bleed radiators if they feel cold at the top

• Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators

• Keep radiator fronts clear to allow heat to circulate

If a radiator isn’t heating correctly, let us know so it can be checked.

Make the Most of Natural Heat

Free warmth is always worth using.

• Open curtains during daylight hours to let the sun in

• Close them again in the evening to trap heat

• Use rugs on hard floors to reduce heat loss

These habits help keep warmth inside for longer.

Dress Comfortably for Winter

Sometimes staying warm is about personal comfort rather than turning the heating up.

• Wear layers indoors

• Use blankets or throws in the evenings

• Hot drinks can help keep you feeling warm

A small adjustment can make a big difference.

Ventilation Is Still Important

Keeping warm doesn’t mean sealing your home completely.

• Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms after use

• Open windows briefly rather than leaving them open for long periods

• This helps prevent condensation and mould while minimising heat loss

Good airflow keeps homes healthier and more comfortable.

Final Thoughts

A warm home comes from a combination of good heating habits and small everyday changes. By using your heating efficiently and reducing heat loss, you can stay comfortable throughout winter without unnecessary costs.