Having just moved from a small, cosy flat in London to an old country house, I’m living in fear of my next heating bill. Because, although beautiful, the house is an eco-nightmare, all drafty chimneys and uninsulated floors.

So I’m looking for ways to save money on my bills. All the obvious ones – adding insulation, upgrading the boiler, having the windows double-glazed – involve a hefty outlay, which isn’t worth doing if you’re renting, like me.

Still, there are ways for renters to cut their bills.

This winter I’ll be doing the following:

Switching energy providers

As five of the UK’s 6 major energy providers ratchet up their bills, it’s worth making sure you have the best deal, as the difference can be around £200 per year. Which is a Whistles winter coat.

Embracing the cashmere

Turn off the heating and put on the jumper. US brand J Crew, which makes beautiful cashmere jumpers, recently started shipping to the UK. Unfortunately it’s expensive – prices start at around £150. For more affordable cashmere, get on the mailing list for Brora’s regular sample sales, held at the 20^th Century Theatre in London’s Westbourne Grove, or visit the N Peal outlet at Bicester Village. M&S, John Lewis and Uniqlo also have dedicated cashmere sections, and it’s always worth trying Ebay and your local vintage market.

And you know those fingerless cashmere mittens? The ones that struck you as pointless? They’re keeping my wrists warm as I type. On the downside, I look like Ebenezer Scrooge. Again, M&S, John Lewis and Brora all make serviceable pairs.

Cosy slippers are also a must. I’d recommend Ruby & Ed for their fur-lined ballerinas. Or, for proper sheepskin, try Norfolk-based company Elm House Products.

Buying an energy monitor

Keep tabs on how much energy you’re using (or, more importantly, wasting) by buying an energy monitor. If you knew exactly how much that hot iron or oven was costing you, would you be so lax about leaving it on? Prices start at around £30, a cost you’ll quickly recoup by becoming more energy-efficient. For details, visit www.energymonitorworld.com.

Taking notice of the small things

Close curtains at night to help keep heat in the room. Turn radiators off in rooms you don’t use regularly. Take showers instead of baths (baths use around five times the hot water). Use lids on saucepans to keep the heat inside. Buy draft excluders. These little things will all help make a difference to your bills.

What are you doing to stay warm this winter?

{Photo: Lisa Clarke}