Heating a home is rarely cheap and, with global energy prices on the rise, it's more important than ever to consider how to make our homes more energy efficient. 

This is easier in newer properties as they're more likely to have been built with efficiency in mind, with double-glazed doors and windows and thermal insulation throughout. 

Older and period properties are another matter altogether, with many lacking those same features. And their period nature often means that adding insulation can be costly. (Here's how to tell if you're buying an energy-efficient house.) 

But there are plenty of other ways you can heat your home in a more cost-effective way, and many of them won't cost you a thing. I've put together some of the top tips that I use in my own 1860s home in Scotland -- a building where any improvements I can make to its efficiency go a long way. You can also check out more tips on how to save money on your heating bill this winter, and a simple ceiling fan hack that can keep your home warmer.