As winter knocks on the door, and the colder months creep in, many homeowners are bracing themselves for those dreaded higher energy bills, made even more noticeable by the increase in the energy cap price, which takes effect today, 1st October.
For those who rely on LPG for heating and hot water, understanding how the weather influences your usage, and taking a few proactive steps, can make a real difference in keeping your home cosy and comfortable, and your energy costs under control.
In this blog, we’ll explore how seasonal changes impact LPG (liquified petroleum gas) consumption, and share our top tips on how to stay warm without letting your energy bills spiral out of control.
Temperature costs: how colder weather drives up heating demand
As temperatures drop, it’s natural to reach for the thermostat more often – and this means your heating system has to work overtime to keep you and your home warm and comfortable.
For LPG users, this extra effort translates directly to higher fuel consumption. The colder it gets outside, the harder your LPG boiler and system have to work to maintain a cosy indoor temperature, which can push up your energy costs before you even realise.
Our Top Tips:
- Regular maintenance. Give your boiler a little TLC! An annual boiler service by a GAS SAFE registered engineer will keep your LPG boiler and system running at maximum efficiency so it doesn’t waste fuel – keeping those winter bills in check. A clean, well-maintained boiler means you will get more heat from the same amount of LPG, helping to keep your bills down and also prolongs your boiler's lifespan. More importantly, it’ll also ensure your system is operating safely, lowering the risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide, and helping prevent costly breakdowns by catching small issues early before they snowball into costly and inconvenient problems.
- Set your thermostat wisely. A few small tweaks can make a real difference. Lowering your thermostat by just 1° C can noticeably reduce your energy usage without sacrificing comfort, not only saving LPG but also taking control of your comfort and bills.
Windy conditions, chillier homes
Even when the temperature outside doesn’t feel too harsh, strong winds can make your home feel much colder than it actually is. Gusts can sneak through tiny gaps around windows, doors, and walls, creating draughts that force your heating system to work overtime just to keep your living spaces comfortable. For LPG users, this means your boiler runs longer, consuming more fuel - and your energy bills start creeping up.
Top tips to keep the chill at bay:
- Draught-proof your home. Tackling heat loss with simple and low-cost measures such as sealing gaps around windows, doors, and floors with weatherstripping or draught excluders can make a noticeable difference to both your comfort and your energy usage.
- Use curtains strategically. Thick, lined curtains can act as an extra layer of insulation, trapping warm air in and keeping cold air out. Make sure vents aren’t letting gusts funnel directly into living spaces, and remember to close doors to unused or unheated rooms to concentrate warmth where it’s needed most.
Less daylight, more heat
As the clocks turn back an hour at the end of this month and British Summer Time (BST) comes to a close, our evenings suddenly get much darker earlier. While we might enjoy a little more daylight in the mornings, those early sunsets and overcast days often mean longer periods spent indoors with the heating on. For LPG users, this translates to higher demand for warmth and hot water, and naturally, increased fuel consumption. The shorter, darker days can make it tempting to crank up the thermostat, but with a few smart strategies, you can stay cosy without letting your energy bills soar.
Top tips to manage heating during shorter days
- Let the sun do some of the work. Even on chilly or overcast days, natural daylight can give your home a little extra warmth. Keep your curtains open during the daytime to let the sun’s rays naturally heat your home, then close them before dusk to lock the heat in.
- Get smart with timers and programmable thermostats. Why heat empty rooms when no one’s there? Using timers or thermostats lets you schedule your heating to come on exactly when you need it, so you’re not heating empty rooms. According to the Energy Saving Trust, by installing and using heating controls effectively, you could save as much as £110 a year. Zone your heating and focus warmth on living spaces you actually use, so your LPG boiler isn’t working overtime when it doesn’t need to.
Humidity levels affect comfort
Winter isn’t just about the temperature outside - humidity inside your home can have a surprisingly big impact on both comfort and LPG usage. High indoor humidity can make air feel chillier than it actually is, giving rooms that damp, cold sensation. Unsurprisingly, this often leads to turning the heating up higher or leaving it on longer, meaning your boiler has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors, and your LPG consumption rises.
Moist air can also lead to condensation on walls and windows, and over time, persistent damp can affect radiators, pipes, and even boiler efficiency if left unchecked. Beyond energy usage, excessive indoor humidity can also contribute to mould growth and other health issues – so it’s worth keeping on top of it.
Top tips to manage humidity
- Ventilate wisely. Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, or briefly open windows to reduce damp air without losing too much heat. A dehumidifier can also help remove excess moisture, making rooms feel warmer naturally, without cranking up the thermostat.
- Insulate and seal. Good insulation isn’t just about keeping heat in – it also reduces cold surfaces where condensation forms, helping maintain both warmth and dryness inside. Draught-proof windows, doors and floors to keep cosy air inside where it belongs.
Keep cosy and in control
Cold weather, strong winds, and shorter winter days all combine to increase LPG usage, but with a little winter preparation, you can be more energy efficient at home, keeping cosy without letting your heating costs spiral. Regular maintenance, effective insulation, smart heating habits, and careful monitoring of your LPG usage will help you stay comfortable and in control throughout the season.
At Northern Energy Gas, we’re here to make winter easier. Our reliable LPG deliveries and automatic refilling service take away the worry of running low on fuel, while our convenient direct debit payments* allow you to budget with interest-free monthly instalments. Combined with following the tips in this blog, you’ll be able to enjoy a warm, cosy home all winter long – without the stress.
Take action today: check your boiler, seal any draughts, set your heating wisely, and let Northern Energy Gas handle the rest!
Call our friendly team on 01423 772 789 for expert advice and support.
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