A Winter Guide for BTR Residents

Stay Warm, Save Energy: A Winter Guide for BTR Residents

Let’s be Santa-Smart

Winter is here, and that means cosy nights, hot drinks — and, yes, higher energy bills. For many of us, it’s easy to forget that heating an empty home is not only costly — it’s also wasteful.

Our recent Utopi analysis of resident energy habits revealed something eye‑opening: over 60% of apartments left unoccupied for more than 10 days over Christmas were still running at temperatures above 20°C. That’s a lot of energy — and money — going out the window while no one’s even home. Luckily, there’s a simple way to make a difference: be smart with your heating.

Here are some easy, practical ways to stay comfortable without wasting energy this winter:

1.        Turn it down (or off) when you’re away
Heading out for a holiday, a work trip, or just a few days visiting family? Reduce your thermostat or turn the heating off. Even lowering the temperature by a few degrees can save a surprising amount on your bills. Your home will still be fine when you get back — and your wallet will thank you.

2.        Use smart heating habits
Timers, smart thermostats, and app-controlled heating make it easy to heat your home only when needed. You don’t need to keep the whole apartment at 21–22°C 24/7 — targeted heating keeps you comfortable and energy-efficient.

3.        Small changes make a big difference
Closing doors to unused rooms, adding draft excluders, or simply layering up indoors can reduce heating demand without compromising comfort. Over a few weeks, these small steps add up to significant savings on energy bills.

4.        Be Santa‑smart
Think of energy responsibility as part of the festive spirit. Just like Santa rewards good behaviour, being smart with heating is a way to give back — to your wallet and to the environment. Turning your heating down when you’re away helps reduce unnecessary energy use and carbon emissions.

Winter energy use isn’t just about comfort — it’s about being intentional. By turning down the heat when you’re away, using smart heating routines, and taking small steps to conserve energy, you can enjoy a warm, cosy home and reduce waste at the same time. 

So, this winter, make a simple pledge: enjoy the warmth when you’re home, but be mindful when you’re out. A few small changes can save money, reduce your environmental impact, and even add a little extra holiday cheer. After all, keeping your home energy‑smart is one of the easiest ways to spread good vibes — for yourself and the planet.

🔎 Further Help & Advice: Where to Learn More

If you’d like to dig deeper into home energy use, insulation, heating controls, and broader advice — we would recommend:

• UK Energy Saving Trust (EST) — Their site offers practical tips, guides, and analysis tools to help you understand and reduce your home’s energy use.