As the evenings draw in, winter in Ireland often sneaks up on us — one week you’re enjoying the last bit of sunshine, the next you’re turning the thermostat back on. With energy prices still unpredictable and the weather cooling quickly across Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and beyond, now’s the perfect time to make your home as efficient as possible before winter really sets in.
You don’t need a full home renovation to save energy. Small, practical changes — some you can do in a weekend — can make a real difference to your comfort and your heating costs.
1. Start with the basics: check your insulation
Good insulation is the single most effective way to keep heat where it belongs — inside your home.
If your attic hasn’t been topped up in years, consider adding extra insulation to meet current standards (around 300mm of mineral wool). It’s one of the most cost-effective home upgrades, especially in older houses across the Midlands.
Walls and floors also lose a surprising amount of heat. Even sealing gaps around skirting boards, window frames and pipework can cut draughts noticeably.
Quick tip: If you can feel cold air coming through keyholes or letterboxes, fit inexpensive draught excluders. They make more difference than you might think.
2. Service your boiler and check your oil tank
An efficient boiler burns less oil, gives more heat, and produces fewer emissions — so it’s worth keeping it in top condition.
Arrange a professional boiler service before the temperatures drop. A clean burner and properly calibrated system can improve efficiency by up to 10%.
While you’re at it, inspect your oil tank for cracks, leaks or water contamination. Condensation build-up can affect performance over the winter months. If you’re unsure, ask your local Lambe Oil delivery driver for advice — they’re trained to spot early signs of issues before they become serious problems.
3. Bleed your radiators
If some rooms in your home never seem to heat up properly, trapped air could be the reason. Bleeding your radiators ensures hot water circulates evenly, helping your boiler work more efficiently and keeping your home warm for less.
To check, turn on your heating and feel each radiator from bottom to top. If the top is cooler, it’s time to release the air with a simple radiator key — a five-minute job that can save money over the season.
4. Use your heating controls wisely
Smart controls and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) aren’t just convenient — they’re also powerful tools for managing your fuel use.
Setting your thermostat just one degree lower can reduce your annual heating bill by around 10%.
Zone heating is another clever approach: keep living spaces comfortably warm during the day and let bedrooms cool slightly overnight. Modern programmers allow you to set this automatically, so you only use oil when and where it’s needed.
Energy-saving idea: If you work from home, heat just your workspace instead of the entire house during office hours.
5. Keep an eye on your heating oil level
Running out of oil in the middle of a cold snap can force your boiler to work harder when restarted, wasting both time and energy.
Check your oil level regularly — especially if temperatures drop suddenly — and top up early before peak demand hits. Ordering ahead not only helps you avoid emergency callouts but can also mean better prices and faster delivery slots.
You can order your next top-up easily online at lambesoil.ie — we deliver quickly across Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and neighbouring counties.
6. Make the most of natural heat
Even in winter, natural sunlight can give your home a useful boost.
Open curtains during bright hours to let in warmth, and close them as soon as the sun sets to trap that heat inside.
Heavy lined curtains or thermal blinds can reduce heat loss through windows by as much as 25%.
7. Don’t forget ventilation
While sealing your home against draughts is important, good airflow prevents damp and condensation.
Open trickle vents or windows briefly each day to refresh indoor air. A dry home is easier — and cheaper — to heat than a damp one.
8. Consider small upgrades with lasting impact
If you’re looking to invest a little more, a few simple upgrades can boost comfort and efficiency for years:
- LED lighting: uses up to 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs.
- Smart plugs or timers: cut standby power when appliances aren’t in use.
- Hot water cylinder jackets: reduce heat loss for only a small cost.
And if you’re planning any larger improvements — like replacing an old boiler — look into the latest SEAI energy grants for homeowners. Even modest grants can help offset upgrade costs while reducing your carbon footprint.
A warmer, smarter winter
Becoming more energy efficient isn’t about big sacrifices — it’s about making your home work smarter.
Every small improvement adds up to real savings, less strain on your heating system, and a cosier winter for your family.
So before the frost sets in, take a weekend to give your home a quick energy check.
You’ll feel the difference when the next cold front arrives — and so will your wallet.
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