5 tips on how to prepare your home for winter and save on energy costs



With autumn comes cooler weather, shorter days and increased energy consumption. To keep your electricity invoices from skyrocketing, it pays to think ahead about how to prepare your home for winter.

We share practical and effective tips on how to optimise energy consumption at home and save money without compromising on comfort.


1. Reduce the room temperature – every degree counts

In Estonia, homes typically require heating for around eight months of the year, making it the area with the greatest savings potential. While it is not practical to switch off the heating system entirely, lowering your indoor thermostat by just one degree can cut heating costs by about 5%.

Avoid making frequent thermostat adjustments, as they can cause indoor climate fluctuations and reduce the efficiency of your heating system. Instead, try to maintain a steady temperature and make use of room-based controls – this way, you can fine-tune the temperature in different rooms according to need.


2. Choose an electricity package that suits your consumption habits

Everyone should choose an electricity package that suits them based on their risk tolerance and consumption habits. A fixed-price package is particularly suitable for those who value predictable costs and want to avoid potential price spikes. An exchange package can be a suitable choice for those who are prepared to accept temporarily higher invoices during the winter months and who are able to shift their consumption to cheaper hours.

If you value stability and want to plan your budget in advance, a fixed-price package is a good choice. A fixed package provides peace of mind during periods when the price of electricity on the market may fluctuate. The best time to lock in your electricity price is now, just before winter, when electricity prices are lower.

Those who prefer a variable exchange-price package must be prepared to manage their consumption according to the exchange price. Users of an exchange package should also be prepared for higher invoices during the winter, as average exchange prices are higher in winter than at other times of the year.

It is not possible to say definitively whether fixing the price or choosing an exchange package will result in a lower price, as this depends primarily on the consumption patterns of the individual household. For example, a household that consistently consumes the most electricity during morning and evening peak-price periods will quite probably benefit from choosing a fixed price.

In addition, the average exchange price may not always remain lower than the fixed price offered. For example, last winter, the fixed price remained lower than the average exchange price due to the cold winter months.


3. Check the energy efficiency of your electrical appliances

Older household appliances and lighting often use much more electricity than today’s energy-efficient models. Review the energy class of your larger appliances, such as the refrigerator, washing machine or dishwasher, and consider whether replacing them could be a worthwhile long-term investment.

In addition, check whether you still have old incandescent bulbs at home. Replacing them with LED lights, which last longer and use far less energy, can cut your lighting costs by up to 80%.


4. Switch off appliances completely

A simple rule for electrical appliances: if you are not using them, turn them off and unplug them. Many appliances, such as chargers, coffee machines and microwaves, still consume energy in standby mode. This hidden energy cost can account for up to 10% of your annual electricity invoice.

It is important to remember that to fully stop the power consumption of the appliance, you need to unplug it from the wall socket.


5. Consider renovating and investing in the energy efficiency of the building

If simple measures, like lowering the thermostat or replacing appliances, do not achieve the desired savings, it is worth assessing the energy efficiency of your entire home.

In homes with higher consumption, significant improvements can be made through actions such as insulating the façade and roof, upgrading windows or modernising the heating system. Although this is a bigger investment, it often pays for itself within 5–10 years.

It is especially wise to plan renovations when state or local subsidies are available – this can lower your out-of-pocket costs and prevent extra expenses or repeated work later. Beyond saving money, an energy-efficient home is more valuable and better protected against energy price fluctuations.


Small changes, noticeable impact

Energy savings begin with small but conscious choices and habit changes. Fortunately, most everyday household tasks offer opportunities to save. Here are some more useful tips:

  • Keep radiator and heat pump vents clear – avoid blocking them with furniture or curtains.
  • Seal gaps around windows and doors, and use thick curtains at night to retain heat.
  • Ventilate briefly but intensively, instead of leaving windows ajar for long periods.
  • Use lower temperatures when washing clothes. Lightly soiled clothes can also be washed clean on a 30-degree programme, which can provide energy savings of up to 30%.
  • Instead of putting wet laundry in the dryer, hang it on a drying rack. This way, clothes get dry with zero energy consumption.
  • When using household appliances, select economical or energy-efficient modes that reduce electricity consumption and extend the lifespan of the appliance.


If you do not know where to start – ask for advice

Enefit is here to help. Whether you want to assess the energy efficiency of your home, need guidance on choosing the right electricity package or have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we will find the best solution for your home!

Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], calling at 777 4040 or submitting a consultation request via our website.