If you’re worried that the winter months produce costly bills and create an impact on our environment, here are some heating ideas that could reverse both issues.

On sunny winter days, open curtains and blinds around the home to allow the sun to stream in. If you have thermal materials on your floors, the sun will heat them and they’ll retain that energy for some time.

Installing ceiling insulation is one of the best ways to reduce energy loss in the home. Check that your ceiling is well insulated, or if purchasing new insulation, go for the one that has the highest ‘R’ value. The higher the R value, the less heat will be lost.

More than 20 per cent of heat is lost via gaps under doors and around the openings of windows, so do your best to seal off draughts in the home. Draught seals can be fitted to some doors, but if this is not possible, an old-fashioned door snake will do the trick.

Have close-fitting curtains and house blinds to reduce heat loss via windows. Heavy drapes with pelmets over the window are usually the most effective.

Double glazing is very effective at cutting down heat loss. If you’re not in a position to replace your windows, you can fit a temporary plastic film, acrylic or a second layer of glass over your existing windows.

Set your heater’s thermostat to between 18 and 20 degrees – every degree higher adds another 10 per cent to running costs. Close doors between rooms that are heated and those that aren’t, and if your heater has a zoning function, use it to only heat rooms that are being used.

Contact a heating specialist in your area to find out how you can remain sustainable over winter.