Winter can be financially draining. Vehicle problems, inefficient heating, seasonal ailments, and unexpected injuries to pets are just a handful of reasons you might be left out of pocket.
But with the cost of living also rising exponentially, causing concern for households across the country, finding ways to save money has never been more important.
Here are seven quick ways to cut costs and avoid unnecessary pay-outs this winter.
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Boiler services and repairs should be done by a professional gas engineer but carrying out basic maintenance yourself could save you a call-out fee – and shave pounds off your fuel bills
How to keep your heating costs down – get more expert advice and find out when it’s worth calling out an engineer.
If the outside temperature drops below zero and your boiler suddenly stops working, your boiler condensate discharge pipe (the pipe that usually runs outside your house from your boiler and into an external drain) might have frozen.
To save on the cost of a call-out, try defrosting the pipe yourself. Watch the video below for step-by-step guidance.
To prevent it happening again, insulate the pipe with waterproof and UV-resistant coated material.
Still got boiler issues? We reveal the most common boiler problems and repair costs. If it’s not repairable, see our best boilers for 2022.
During the colder months, a mixture of having the central heating on and warm air condensing on cool walls can create the perfect storm for damp conditions, resulting in condensation and mould. However, a few simple hacks could stop damp in its tracks and save you thousands in repairs.
See our dehumidifier reviews. Or head to our guide for more advice on how to get rid of damp and prevent it damaging your home.
Winter is the perfect time for some freezer-filling batch cooking using a slow cooker, pressure cooker or soup maker. Batch cooking is a great way to economise on ‘value’ bags of winter veg, while braising and stewing can make cheaper cuts of meat taste great.
Slow cookers and pressure cookers can also be a more energy efficient way of cooking. For example, if you roast meat in a slow cooker, it’ll use an average of 246W of power compared to the 700W used by the average oven.
You don’t need to spend a fortune buying the appliances either – some of the best slow cookers and soup makers we’ve tested cost as little as £30.
Find out how best to cook different meats, and how your new slow cooker can help you save money and effort at mealtimes.
Prevent costly visits to the vet by making sure your pets are kept safe and well during the colder months. Here are some of the winter hazards to watch out for.
If you haven’t got pet insurance or your policy is up for renewal, see our best and worst pet insurance to find out the companies we recommend.
When common winter ailments strike, it’s tempting to load up on an army of expensive, branded remedies but there are cheaper solutions available that are just as effective.
Discover the cheapest places to buy cold and flu remedies.
Sign up for our free Food & Health newsletter. Keep up to date with our monthly seasonal health tips and product reviews.
Although it’s important to keep your car in good nick whatever the time of year, it’s particularly crucial when it’s cold. Regular maintenance and learning a couple of basic skills will not only help you avoid paying out for repairs, recovery and fines but will also keep you safer on the roads.
The RAC suggests using the acronym ‘forces’ to remember the regular DIY vehicle checks you should carry out over winter – especially if an icy blast is forecast.
Fuel. Check you have plenty for your journey and pack an empty fuel can – running out could result in paying a pricey call-out fee.
Oil. Check the level is between minimum and maximum on your car’s dipstick and top up if needed to avoid the risk of breaking down or major engine damage.
Rubber. Tyres should be free from cracks, splits and bulges, and ideally have 3mm of tread during the winter to help with grip and traction. Wiper blades can freeze to the screen so lift them off before switching them on, or place plastic or card between the blades and the glass to stop them sticking in the first place.
Coolant. Levels in your car’s expansion tank should be between the minimum and maximum marks but don’t remove the filler cap to top up unless the engine is cold.
Electrics. Lights should be working and kept clean on a regular basis for maximum visibility. Check that battery terminals are clean and tight and have your battery checked if the car labours on ignition.
Screen wash. Top up your screen wash reservoir with screen wash that is effective down to at least -15°c. Remember to keep topping up throughout the winter as there’ll be more dirt on the road in addition to salt.
Find out how to save fuel and other money-saving driving tips.
According to our annual Which? car survey a flat battery and a puncture (or other tyre problems) are the two most common reasons for car breakdowns in the UK – and a hefty 47% of these happen right on your doorstep.
Unfortunately, breakdown providers are well aware of this, which is why they usually charge extra if your car won’t start at home. So, it’s good to know what to do if either issue crops up.
Watch our video for guidance on how to jump start your car safely, or take a look at our best car breakdown providers to find a policy that covers you at home.
The same goes for a flat tyre – see our guidance on how to change a tyre or use a repair kit.
Thanks to pharmacists Vincent Cheng, Michael Line and Ade Williams for their expert insights and advice on winter medicines.