The cost of gas central heating is expensive, nevertheless there are times when we still need to use it. However its much better to try and leave using it for when the weather is really cold. Another great way of saving energy and money is to ensure that the gas is on a timer. For example, if the children are at school all day, and you are at work, there is little point having your heating switched on for the time that the house is empty. Options: pre set your timer for the heating to come on 30 minutes right before everyone wakes up, right up until 10 mins before everyone leaves the house. Then remember to set the timer again to come on ten minutes before everybody gets home and leave on for around two hours, you could set it for a further hour in the evening if required.

An electric heating system is equally expensive, however, the same rule applies. Don't use it constantly if you don't have to, and as far as the small electric heaters, they use a lot of energy combined with a low heat output€¦ so give these a wide berth.

The original functional fireplace is a feature that many of you love, whilst others may have had fireplaces re-opened or even installed. The thing is although they are super stylish, heat is wasted as it travels straight up the chimney, and you are not going to get much benefit from heat produced unless sat right next to the fireplace €" which can be very dangerous, it can also annoy other cold house members. An open fire place can appear romantic, but they are rather impractical these days. If you do not wish to block up your feature fireplace, or refuse to leave it surplus you should consider thinking about having a blower insert installed, the function of which is to blow the hot air back around the room.

There are things you can do to ensure that your enabling your home to retain heat The top of the list will always have to be insulation. This could be a multi-foil insulation or a variety of thermal insulation. If you do not already have full loft/roof barn conversion or timber frame and wall insulation, then its undoubtedly an outlay that is worth investing in, as overall you will save energy and money. If you have only remembered one thing from your time spent in science class, it should be that heat rises. So any heat from your home will go up, up and away €" taking your hard earned cash and valuable energy with it. It really is worth checking out the thermal insulation in your loft area. Building Regulations recommend loft thermal insulation to be 270mm thick, most effectively recorded is a thickness of 350mm. Multi-foil insulation is perfect for this job.

What about your windows? Are your windows fully double glazed? Are your windows sealed? Be sure you've a heavy window coverage, for the colder months. Door draft excluders are also a great way to inhibit colder air from creeping into rooms and hallways. Visually they also remind you of the advantages of keeping doors closed and locking heat in.

Go around your home and feel for any drafts, this will give you a good indication of area which may be a problem. You may find that some drafts might just need sealing or plastering over, some may indicate that insulation improvements need carrying out. Remember to close vents in rooms that are not often used.

If you have all of the above covered, your winter will prove to be a cosy one€¦ especially if you've organised the emergency hot water bottle, blanket and slippers just in case!