As of yesterday we have officially entered into the autumn season, so we’re preparing for shorter days and hefty heating bills.

Google trends data shows that searches around ‘central heating’ peaked on the 3rd of October last year, indicating that this is the day Brits are most likely to turn on their heating .

The dreaded heating debate is a re-occuring source of stress every year, but with more people than ever working from home,  it’s set to cause even more financial woes than usual.

Looking for simple ways to reduce your heating bill and stay warm this autumn? Here are some expert tips on how to stay cosy at home, without firing up your radiators.

Ensure your windows are cold-proof

First things first, if you’re getting unwanted cold air in your home, it could be because your windows are not performing as well as they should be. In fact, it’s actually estimated that up to a staggering 40% of your home’s energy escapes from your windows. If you live in an older house that lets a lot of the outside air in, purchasing a smoke pen and following the trail will help you detect which draught spots need the most attention.

Martin Troughton, Marketing Director at Safestyle offers his insight:

“Older windows tend to let a lot of the precious heat from your home escape meaning that you’re using more energy than you probably need to when heating each room. Energy-efficient windows will not only make your home feel warmer and save you money on your energy bills, but they will also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

“It’s not just old windows that can have a negative impact; if your windows are poorly installed and maintained, this can also be problematic. It’s really important to keep up the maintenance of your windows as failing to do so could actually cost you a lot of money in heating bills. 

“There are a number of great energy-efficient window options available which are recommended by the Energy Savings Trust. These options are specifically designed to harvest as much free energy into your home as possible.”

Choose a temperature-regulating mattress 

There’s nothing worse than struggling to sleep due to the chilly nights but sleeping with the heating on can be equally as unpleasant. Though many of us often turn to hot water bottles and electric blankets as a way of staying cosy,  we should also be thinking about our mattress choice.

Jonathan Warren, director at bed specialist Time4Sleep gives his advice on how to choose the right mattress:

“There are a number of mattress options available that can help regulate your body’s temperature. The generation elite gel memory foam mattresses include intelligent temperature regulating technology to help keep you cool in the summer and warm during autumn and winter. These mattresses include a temperature-regulating  gel that adjusts with your body temperature, resulting in a truly refreshing night’s sleep. 

“Generally speaking, a memory foam mattress is usually the best option if you find yourself feeling the cold at night due to the dense material which absorbs heat.”

Control the temperature with the right window treatment 

Blinds and shutters aren’t just used for keeping the light out, they can also be used to effectively control the temperature in your home.

Jason Peterkin, director at 247 Blinds provides his expert opinion on the best window treatments for the colder months.

“Wooden Venetian blinds or plantation shutters are great for helping to retain the heat as the materials are generally thicker and essentially act as a barrier between your windows and the room. Wood is also a naturally good insulator, helping to keep the interior temperature comfortable and warm.  

“If you’re opting for fabric blinds, go for a thicker material such as a blackout blind that blocks both sunlight and draughts. As a general rule, try to select a fabric blind without horizontal slats too as any gaps in the material will allow cold air through more easily.”

Prep your bed with a thicker duvet and cosy layers 

Many of us opt for classic white cotton sheets when it comes to dressing the bed, but autumn is the perfect opportunity to inject a little colour and texture with cosy layers and opulent fabrics. Not only is this a treat for the eye, it’s also the perfect way to create a warm and cosy sleeping environment, without turning to central heating.

Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christy explains:

“My top tip to stay extra toasty and create a chic, on-trend bedroom is to layer up a variety of throws in different textures and complementary colours. Layers are proven to trap in heat and can be the perfect finishing touch to a beautifully dressed bed. 

“Our Jaipur Throw comes in a range of opulent velvet jewel tones that are perfect for autumn, and although a statement piece on its own, layering with a folded knitted blanket casually draped on the bottom corner will transform your bed into a cosy cocoon.”

“Changing your duvet to a higher tog during the colder months can also really help to keep you warm throughout the night; we’d recommend that you choose a tog of around 13.5 or higher.” 

Be smart with your heating

Of course, there will come a point when you just need to pump the heating around to give your home a warm boost. However, it pays to be smart when it comes to using the heating and investing in a smart home system can really help you save money as it allows you to only heat the rooms that are in use, rather than the full house. You could also add a thermostat upstairs and downstairs to heat one floor at a time.

Eliminate pesky draughts with accessories  

Both external and internal doors can lead to chilly draughts as they allow warm air to escape and cold air to creep in. Investing in some good quality draught excluders can really make a difference, especially during the cooler nights.

Consider adding plush pile carpets and rugs to rooms with hard flooring if you find yourself getting cold feet during the autumn and winter seasons. Not only do they help keep your feet warm and cosy, they’re also great for adding style and colour to your room.