How to save energy: a step-by-step guide to winter-proofing your home without renovations

Winter is just around the corner, and with it come lower temperatures, shorter days, and, consequently, an increase in home energy consumption. But preparing your property for the cold doesn't have to involve major renovations or large investments. With small changes and smart decisions, you can improve your home's comfort, reduce your electricity bill, and contribute to a more sustainable energy model.

Here’s how to do it in 7 very simple steps, with no building work required, but with guaranteed savings:

Step 1: Insulate windows and doors

You don't need to lift floorboards or open up walls to improve your home's thermal insulation. You can start with something as simple as checking your doors and windows, which are the main points where heat escapes. Use self-adhesive draught excluders to seal gaps, install thermal curtains, and place rugs in colder areas. These elements act as natural barriers against the cold and help maintain the indoor temperature effortlessly.

Step 2: Ventilate without losing heat

Ventilating your home is essential, even in winter. But doing it efficiently makes all the difference. Open your windows for 5 to 10 minutes in the morning, preferably during the warmest part of the day. This will refresh the air without losing too much accumulated heat. If you have double windows, you can take advantage of this by opening just the inner pane.

Step 3: Check your radiators and use efficient heating

Before the intense cold arrives, make sure your heating system is in good working order. If you use radiators, bleed them to release trapped air and improve their performance. If you have a heat pump, clean the filters and check that it is functioning correctly. And if you're thinking of changing your system, consider more efficient options like aerothermal heating, which uses energy from the outside air to heat your home.

Step 4: Regulate the temperature

Every degree counts, in winter as well as in summer. Keeping your home between 19 and 21°C during the day and lowering it to 17 or 18°C at night is enough to stay comfortable without your consumption soaring. Installing programmable or smart thermostats allows you to adapt the temperature to your schedule and prevent the heating from running when you're not at home. It's a small investment that translates into constant savings.

Step 5: Make the most of sunlight

Although the days are shorter, sunlight is still a great ally. Open your curtains and blinds during sunny hours to naturally warm your rooms. The heat coming through the windows can raise the indoor temperature by several degrees without needing to turn on the heating. What's more, natural light improves your mood and reduces the need for artificial lighting—make the most of it!

Step 6: Switch to LED lighting

If you still have incandescent or halogen bulbs, winter is the perfect time to make the switch to LED. LED bulbs consume up to 80% less energy and last much longer. You can also choose warm tones that create a feeling of comfort during the cold months. If you combine this measure with habits like turning off lights in empty rooms, you'll notice the savings from the very first month.

Step 7: Review your electricity tariff

Energy consumption tends to increase in winter, so it's a good idea to check if your electricity tariff still meets your needs. Tariffs with time-of-use pricing can help you save if you concentrate your use of heating, appliances, or electric vehicle charging during off-peak hours.

If you want to save on your electricity consumption this winter, the Endesa Tu Casa 50 Tariff makes it easy. Each month, a 50% discount will be applied to your 50 hours of highest consumption, without you having to change your habits or worry about timings. You can heat your home, cook, or use your appliances with complete freedom, knowing that the hours of most intense use will be the cheapest. Furthermore, you'll enjoy an additional 10% discount for 1 year for staying with us, and you can collect points with the PARA TI programme, which can be redeemed for discounts on your bill.

It’s a smart way to save without the hassle.

Small gestures add up too

In addition to these seven steps we've listed, there are many other habits you can easily incorporate. These include closing the doors to rooms you're not using, using blankets instead of turning up the heating, and leaving the oven door open after cooking to take advantage of the residual heat. Every action counts, and together they make a real difference.

Remember, preparing your home for winter doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With a little planning, attention to detail, and the support of smart solutions like a good electricity and gas tariff, you can enjoy a warm, efficient, and sustainable home.