Winter, with its cold and shorter days, brings cozy atmospheres but also higher household expenses, especially for heating and energy. However, it’s possible to improve energy savings at home during the winter months through a mix of practical measures and smart strategies to prevent energy bills from skyrocketing, keeping your budget in balance.
As we’ve always emphasized, it’s crucial to start with an awareness of your finances and plan accordingly. Drafting a monthly budget helps monitor income and expenses and identify potential waste. According to an ISTAT survey, nearly 40% of Italians struggle to save due to unexpected expenses. Preparing an accurate budget, even for colder months, helps mitigate these surprises.
Of course, those living in colder climates will have higher heating costs, but overall, good practices can help reduce expenses without sacrificing comfort.
Here’s how to navigate the season consciously while protecting both your wallet and the environment.
1 – Optimize Heating Without Waste
Heating accounts for one of the most significant expenses during winter. Here are some practical solutions to reduce energy consumption and lower bills while enhancing energy efficiency at home:
- Adjust the temperature. Keeping your home at 19–20°C is sufficient for comfortable living. Reducing the temperature by just one degree can lead to savings of up to 10% on your bill, according to ENEA.
- Use programmable thermostats. These devices allow you to set heating schedules based on your habits, avoiding unnecessary heating.
- Close unused rooms. Isolate rooms that aren’t frequently used and focus heating only on inhabited spaces.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies an optimal indoor temperature of 21°C. Since warm air retains more moisture than cold air, no room in winter should fall below 17°C during the day. At night, radiators in living areas and studies can be turned down by up to five degrees. Among minimum recommended temperatures, bedrooms should be the coolest (16–18°C), while bathrooms should be the warmest (22°C).
2 – Reduce Heat Loss
A well-insulated home uses less energy for heating, contributing to energy savings. Even small adjustments can make a big difference:
- Install adhesive seals on doors and windows to prevent drafts.
- Use thermal curtains and rugs to help retain heat indoors.
- Consider tax incentives for more substantial insulation work, such as replacing windows or adding thermal cladding.
3 – Save on Energy Bills
Daily habits can lower consumption without sacrifice, promoting energy efficiency at home:
- Harness natural sunlight by keeping curtains open during the day.
- Turn off electronics in standby mode, as they consume hidden energy.
- Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 85% less energy than traditional ones and last longer.
4 – Cook Warm Meals While Saving Energy
Cooking warm meals in winter is not only comforting but also an opportunity for energy savings:
- Make soups and stews. These are cost-effective, nutritious, and help warm the home while cooking.
- Use the oven wisely. Once turned off, leave the door open to let the residual heat warm the room.
- Plan grocery shopping rationally, prioritizing seasonal products that are cheaper and more sustainable.
To delve deeper into mindful savings in food, the Museum of Saving has organized a series of four public workshops on Cucina Consapevole (Mindful Cooking) with food blogger and gastronomy educator Stefano Cavada.
5 – Take Advantage of Free Activities
Winter offers plenty of opportunities for low-cost fun, helping offset additional utility costs:
- Visit free museums and exhibits. Many cultural spaces offer free or reduced entry on specific days. For instance, the Museum of Saving will open free of charge on December 7 and 26 for visitors of all ages.
- Host home gatherings with friends. Plan game nights, treasure hunts, or “guess the character” games—entertaining and cost-free activities.
6 – Adopt a Sustainable Approach
Saving during winter can go hand-in-hand with environmental protection and habits we should practice all year-round:
- Use car sharing or public transport to lower fuel costs.
- Avoid water waste, such as turning off taps when not needed, which also saves energy used to heat water.
7 – Monitor Expenses and Celebrate Progress
Tracking your expenses is essential to identify areas for improvement. Use a simple notebook or one of the many financial management apps to keep tabs on income, expenses, and accumulated savings. Celebrating small milestones is also important: it helps maintain motivation and reinforce new habits.
Saving is a journey for all seasons. Managing expenses consciously—not just in winter—improves quality of life and reduces financial stress.
At the Museum of Saving, we believe financial education should be simple and accessible to everyone. Visit our website to discover events, tools, and resources to help you manage your finances year-round!