8 February 2026
It might be February but there’s no sign of spring yet, with Staffordshire shivering through a decidedly chilly start to the month.
With the mercury set to plummet further across the next week, homeowners across the county are being encouraged to take a fresh look at how they use and retain heat in the homes, with small changes sometimes having a big impact on monthly heating bills.
Simple actions such as lowering thermostats by just one degree, using heating timers more effectively and ensuring rooms are properly ventilated can all help mitigate heating costs. Keeping curtains are closed at dusk, and draughts around doors and windows are sealed can also improve warmth without increasing energy use.
Homeowners are also advised to review how quickly their homes cool down once the heating is switched off – a key indicator of how efficiently a property retains heat.
According to Walton Homes, the Lichfield-based luxury housebuilder, the efficiency of the building itself plays a significant role in long-term energy costs, particularly during periods of prolonged cold weather.
Amy Summerton, Director at Walton Homes, explains: “Many older properties were built to standards that simply don’t reflect today’s energy demands, which means heat can escape quickly. New-build homes, however, are designed to retain warmth far more effectively, helping homeowners stay comfortable while using less energy.”
With energy bills remaining a concern for households across the region, Walton Homes says buyers are increasingly considering energy efficiency as a key factor when choosing a new home – and not just for sustainability reasons, but for everyday comfort and cost control, too.
To help homeowners ‘beat the freeze’ this February, Walton Homes has published a handy top-tips list detailing simple ways to reduce energy use and keep homes cosy.
Winter heating checklist
Walton Homes recommends homeowners review the basics during colder periods, as small adjustments can add up to meaningful savings:
Set heating timers wisely to avoid warming an empty home and ensure heating comes on only when needed
Lower thermostats slightly – even a one-degree reduction can help cut energy use without impacting comfort
Remember the importance of proper ventilation for rooms, especially when cooking or drying clothes, to minimise the risk of damp and mould exposure
Check for draughts around doors, windows and letterboxes, and seal gaps where possible
Make the most of curtains and blinds, closing them at dusk to reduce heat loss through windows
Ensure radiators are unobstructed by furniture, allowing heat to circulate efficiently
Bleed radiators regularly to ensure they’re working at full capacity
While these steps can help improve efficiency in any home, Walton Homes notes that how well a property retains heat in the first place is often the biggest factor influencing winter energy costs.
“Modern new-build homes are designed to be far more thermally efficient than older properties,” Amy concludes. “High levels of insulation, modern glazing and airtight construction standards mean homes lose less heat, warm up more quickly and stay comfortable for longer.”
As a result, homeowners in new-build properties often rely less on continuous heating during cold snaps, helping to reduce both energy consumption and monthly bills.
