Dilly Carter’s Expert Advice for Creating a Cozy Living Space Without Breaking the Bank this Winter

As the chilly weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up in your warm and inviting living room.

While concerns about rising gas and electricity bills may linger, there are plenty of clever strategies to ensure your home remains energy-efficient.

Renowned professional organizer and television personality, Dilly Carter, shares some quick and easy tasks you can tackle this weekend to prepare your home for the colder seasons.

“A smart meter is a great starting point,” suggests Dilly. “By monitoring your energy usage, you can identify areas where you can cut back.”

Smart meters, provided at no additional cost by your energy supplier, offer a user-friendly display showing your real-time spending in pounds and pence.

When it comes to the living room, Dilly emphasizes the importance of preventing heat loss as a key way to reduce energy expenses.

She offers practical advice on achieving this goal.

“Draft excluders are a cost-effective DIY solution to prevent heat wastage. Install them at door bottoms, letterboxes, chimneys, and window seals.”

“Investing in thicker curtains or affordable curtain liners can significantly reduce heat loss through windows.”

“Rugs can also help insulate cold floors, especially in homes with drafty floorboards.”

“Ensure proper heat circulation by relocating any furniture obstructing radiators.”

For households with central heating, Dilly recommends maximizing its efficiency.

“Utilize your heating timer by setting it to operate only during necessary hours.”

“Determine the time needed to warm up your home before programming the heating. Most modern houses can heat up within 30 minutes and retain warmth for around the same duration after turning off the heating.”

When it comes to lighting, energy efficiency plays a crucial role.

“Lamps may not be cheaper than ceiling lights, but they can create a cozier ambiance. Remember to switch off lights when not in use.”

“Replace old halogen bulbs with LED alternatives to significantly reduce lighting costs.”

“There are numerous simple ways to keep your home warmer this winter,” she adds. “Many of these solutions are low-cost or even free.”

“Survey your home for areas allowing cold air in, check for drafts, and ensure your radiators are operating efficiently.”

“You don’t necessarily need to invest in high-tech energy-saving gadgets; addressing fundamental issues can make a substantial difference.”

Please note that eligibility for some tips may vary, and the smart meter display and figures are for illustrative purposes only.