Stay Cosy and Save Energy This Winter — Together!

As the evenings draw in and the air turns crisp, many of us start thinking about how to keep our homes warm and our energy bills manageable. This time of year can be challenging, but small, practical steps — taken together as a community — can make a big difference.

Here in Overton, we’re all in this together. Whether you live in an old cottage or a newer home, there are lots of ways to make your house cosier, your bills smaller, and your carbon footprint lighter. And you don’t have to do it alone — support, advice and even free local tools are right here on your doorstep.

Start by Seeing What’s Really Going On

Ever wondered where your home might be losing heat? You’re not alone — most homes have draughty spots or hidden leaks. The good news is, they’re easy to find! You can borrow a thermal camera from Sustainable Overton to spot exactly where the warmth is escaping. It’s a simple but powerful way to understand your home — and it can even be fun seeing your walls and windows glow in technicolour!

Once you’ve found the problem areas, even small fixes like sealing gaps around windows and doors can make your home warmer and save you money.

Little Habits, Big Savings

When it comes to saving energy, the small things really do add up — and they don’t cost much (if anything) to do.

• Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C — it can save around £90 a year without sacrificing comfort.

• Take shorter showers (four minutes or less) to save both water and energy.

• Switch to LED bulbs, which last longer and use far less power.

• Close curtains at dusk to trap heat and stop draughts sneaking in.

Even remembering to switch appliances off at the wall can make a real difference over time. These are small, steady habits that anyone can adopt — and collectively, they really add up across a village like ours.

Give Your Home a “Thermal Hug”

If you’re ready to take the next step, think about insulation — it’s one of the most effective ways to keep heat in and energy bills down. Loft insulation, pipe lagging, or a simple hot water tank jacket can all help your home hold onto warmth for longer.

If you’re not sure where to start, Basingstoke and Deane’s Green Team offers free one-hour energy surveys. They’ll visit your home, show you where improvements could help most, and advise on grants or local schemes you might be eligible for. It’s a brilliant way to get personalised guidance.

Learning from Local Stories

Some of our neighbours in Overton have already taken the plunge with bigger upgrades. Martin, for example, swapped his old gas boiler for a heat pump — and was surprised by how straightforward it was. Others, like Caroline, have fitted solar panels and batteries, cutting their energy use and generating clean power even on cloudy days.

You can watch their stories on our YouTube channel — they’re full of practical tips and local experience. It’s all about finding what works for your home and your budget.

Support Is Out There

If energy costs are making things tough, please remember there’s help available. The Environment Centre offers free advice across Hampshire and can guide you through the different grants and schemes designed to help households stay warm and healthy. No one should have to choose between heating and other essentials — and reaching out can make a real difference.

Check Your Home’s Energy Rating

If you’ve moved into your home in the last ten years, you might already have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It’s a great way to see how energy efficient your home is — and where improvements could pay off. You can look up your home’s EPC for free on GOV.UK.

Every small improvement helps move your home up the scale — and that means lower bills, less carbon, and more comfort.

Let’s Keep Each Other Warm This Winter

Saving energy isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s about caring for our homes, our planet, and each other. When one household makes a change, it inspires others to do the same. Together, we can make Overton a warmer, greener, more resilient community.

So this autumn and winter, let’s share what we learn, swap tips, and help each other stay cosy. Because when a village pulls together, everyone feels the warmth.