Caitríona Redmond: Stay warm without burning money this winter

It’s all about using as many tricks as possible to keep warm, despite the cold outside

Caitríona Redmond: "Open all your curtains during the day and especially in south-facing rooms. The sun will heat the house."

I don't think Irving Berlin quite accounted for dark Irish winters when he was writing White Christmas — the song goes “may your days be merry and bright” but it’s more like ‘short and sweet’ around here. We are firmly in winter so it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep the house and the family warm.

I have a love/hate relationship with my boiler. On one hand, I luxuriate in a cosy home with plenty of hot water and snuggly blankets... but I’m very aware of how much heating costs and resent spending excessive amounts on the home heating. I have tried to reach a happy medium of staying warm and keeping the energy bills low. Maybe some of my tips may help.