5 low-cost tips to keep your workplace warm

During the #EnergySaversWeek, Citizens Advice and Energy Savings Trust came together to provide affordable tips to stay warm at home during the winter season.

But did you know that heating is a significant energy cost in a workplace, accounting for up to 40% of energy use in a non-domestic building?

Here are 5 tips and things to check in the workplace that could save you energy and money.

Staff cleaning floor of closed restaurant

1. Turn off the heating when the office is closed for the day

It's cheaper to reheat the office than to keep your heating on low when you're all out (unless you own a heat pump). Also, turning up the temperature on your thermostat doesn't warm the room up faster.

If you have smart heating controls, set a timer for the days and times you'd like it on and check the temperature is set correctly.

Woman changing temperature on thermostat

2. Turn down your thermostat by 1°C and you can save around £105 a year on energy bills

Just like at home, a small temperature change can make a significant difference to your workplace bills.

We recommend not dropping below 19° in the office to keep staff comfortable and safe. However, you can set it lower in areas like corridors, storerooms and other high-activity spaces.

first person view of someone holding their hands over a portable heater.

3. If you're using portable heaters, compare which one is the most energy-efficient

Citizens Advice have a calculator to help compare how much each electrical appliance type costs to use. To see where you can reduce costs whilst staying just as warm, you can check out their calculator below.

Find out more

Person adding draught insulation to a window.

4. Check the workspace for draughts and fit appropriate draught-proofing

This quick DIY job can be the most effective way to save money and leave you feeling warmer and more comfortable.

People meeting in open workspace with radiators behind them

5. Make sure radiators are free from obstructions and use reflective backing

Having large furniture close to radiators restricts the flow of hot air around the room, taking longer to heat your space and costing you more in the long run. If you have radiator covers, they can still limit how well your radiator can heat the room.

To boost your radiator's efficiency, install a reflective backing behind your radiator to reflect the heat that would have originally been absorbed by the wall behind it.

What if I’m struggling to pay my bills?

If we supply your energy and you are worried about your bills, please get in touch today and we will help you work through it.

For more information on how we can help, visit our FAQ: I am struggling to pay my bills. What do I do?

#EnergySaversWeek - 5 affordable tips to keep your workplace warm this winter