As the cost-of-living increases, many of us have been forced to re-examine our lifestyle choices in a bid to save money. Winter can be a difficult season for budgeting and managing the cost of living (especially now -16 temperatures are soaring in some parts of the country) - but it doesn't always have to be difficult!
In this blog post, we'll share our tips for preparing for higher winter costs so that you can better manage your money without sacrificing what's important. Get ready to take control of your finances!
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Food Storage and Preparation
As the cost of living crisis continues to impact households everywhere, effectively storing and preparing food can be a major help for those trying to manage limited resources. Making sure to choose food items that are shelf stable, durable, and require minimal preparation can make all the difference in keeping expenses down.
Tackle a few of these tips to help you out this winter:
- Investing in quality storage containers that keep your food fresher longer is a smart way to reduce wastage and save money on future grocery bills.
- Ensuring leftovers are not wasted; any leftovers can be stored in the fridge and used the next day for lunch or dinner!
- Freeze food. You can freeze a multitude of foods and buy pre-frozen food to reduce waste and create meals for a further date.
- Cooking large batches of food at one time or breaking it into portions for multiple meals can get you creative with your pantry staples – think casseroles, soups, sandwiches and salads.
- Look out for deals in the supermarket, bulk by anything that you realise is a lot cheaper than usual. You’ll be happy to know you can find great deals on a range of produce at Iceland year-round!
- If you’re trying to save money during a cost-of-living crisis, consider preparing your meals at home instead of eating out whenever you can.
- Stock up on frozen fruit and vegetables as they tend to be cheaper than their fresh counterparts. You could also invest in dried foods like beans or rice that are versatile, nutritious, and budget-friendly.
With just a bit of planning and being mindful of what you have in the cupboards, you can make mealtime stress-free while still staying within your budget or even saving money on your food shop!
Tackling the heating bill
Layers are always your best friend when it comes to combatting cold days; smart layering can help keep temperatures comfortable indoors and save on heating costs.
Improving the insulation of your home is a great place to start; filling any cracks or holes in windows, adding a second layer of insulation to the attic, or even planting shrubbery around windows are all inexpensive DIY options.
You can save energy by investing in thicker blankets and wearing a couple of layers of clothing indoors. Changing your thermostat temperature slightly can be another smart option.
If you’re looking to invest more into your heating system, opt for an energy-efficient one like a heat pump which comes with additional benefits such as improved air quality.
Energy Efficiency
Now more than ever, with the cost-of-living crisis in full effect and the winter months beginning to set in, it’s crucial to think about energy efficiency as a way to save money.
You could also keep up with proper device maintenance like changing air filters regularly, adjusting indoor thermostats to lower temperatures at night or while no one is at home, using LED and CFL bulbs instead of incandescent ones, and finally unplugging all electronics during non-usage times.
Some other simple solutions for improving energy efficiency include sealing off drafty windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping and closing vents in unused rooms.
Implementing these suggestions is an easy way to improve your energy efficiency this winter while also saving money in the process, a win-win!
Home Insulation and Maintenance
Winter can be a time of dread, especially when it comes to our energy bills. It’s hard to keep the warm air in and the cold air out, but luckily, there are some pretty simple solutions!
Insulation is one of the best ways to save energy and money, as it keeps the warm air inside and the cold air outside. This can help lower heating bills and create a cosier atmosphere for family and friends – the perfect way to stay warm on those icy days! Maintaining windows, doors, gutters, and other parts of the house during the winter season is also essential for keeping warm air in and cold air out.
- Windows – Energy-efficient windows that cater to the climates are the best choice. For example, sash windows are energy efficient, and they can be beneficial in keeping your home cosy and warm! Thanks to their sliding panels, sash windows can add an extra layer of insulation while still allowing natural air ventilation into a room, decreasing your reliance on artificial heat sources.
- Doors – In winter, it makes sense to invest in the right entry doors. Not only do they provide insulation and protection from the cold, but they can also be a great way to make a statement about the look of your home. Consider installing storm doors with energy-efficient windows for added warmth, or a stylish fibreglass door if you’re all about aesthetics.
It’s important to start thinking about ways to stay warm and save on energy costs with the winter weather charging full steam ahead. We’ve outlined some simple tips that will help you improve your home’s insulation and maintain energy efficiency this season.
From strategic food shopping, to properly insulating your windows and doors to sealing off drafty areas and cleaning out your gutters, there are plenty of easy solutions to keep the cold and the cost of living at bay!
