The Hidden Cost of Snow Days: 5 Tips to Save £1,337 This Winter

As winter temperatures plummet and snow continues to fall across the UK, many families face unexpected winter costs. From sudden snow days that leave parents seeking childcare solutions, to heating bills that soar as cold temperatures settle in, the cost of winter can quickly add up.

As families seek to balance work, home life and snow day chaos, Aseem Munshi, Our Founder at Updraft, offers five simple tips to help Brits navigate these challenges and keep their finances in check during the colder months.

1. Combat the ‘heating spike’

During the UK’s colder months, the average household typically faces heating bills between £100 and £150[1], leading to an increase in costs as temperatures fall. With snow days causing more people to stay at home, this puts extra strain on heating systems, further driving up costs. Consequently, it’s essential to manage your heating costs effectively during the winter.

Aseem Munshi explains:

“If you’re seeing a rise in heating costs, try closing doors in unused rooms to trap heat where it’s needed the most. Additionally, using radiator thermostats or smart meters to lower the temperature when you’re out can save up to £150 on heating bills, without sacrificing comfort whilst you’re at home.”

2. Work from home to avoid car damage costs

Travelling during snowy or icy conditions can increase the risk of car damage, accidents, and costly repairs. Cold air causes tyre pressure to drop, leading to uneven wear and the possible need for replacements. Replacing tyres costs around £110 per wheel[2], making working from home a safer, cost-effective alternative to a dangerous commute.

Munshi comments:

“When possible, working from home during snowy spells can significantly reduce the risk of car accidents, breakdowns and repairs, potentially saving up to £110. For those who must drive, it’s essential to ensure your car is winter-ready, including checking fluid and tyres are adequate, to keep safe on the roads.”

3. ‘Parent swap’ to split childcare duties

Particularly heavy snow days can cause schools to close, forcing parents to quickly rearrange their childcare schedules. This can often cause financial worry, costing parents between £50 and £60[3] per day for unexpected childcare.

However, with many other parents possibly experiencing the same issues, a great solution is to find a local school friend or neighbour to share the responsibilities with.

Munshi explains:

“A ‘parent swap’ schedule, where each parent alternates childcare duties, can help keep the family balanced. It allows both parents to focus on work or other household duties while ensuring that children are properly cared for during snow days. This is a great way to keep snow day costs low, saving up to £60, and relieving parents’ stress.

4. Avoid stockpiling

Wintery weather can often lead to families being stuck at home for days at a time, increasing grocery costs as they opt for the most convenient option. A typical family of four spends £121[4] weekly on groceries (£17.28 per day) – a cost which only increases during snow days. However, many Brits overlook the solution: utilising the food they already have.

Munshi comments:

“When snow is forecast, many families react by panic buying essentials such as bread, eggs and milk. However, these products often have a short shelf life and can perish when inside for an extended period of time. The smart way to cut down food shopping costs as snow begins to fall is to use the ingredients already available in pantries and freezers.”

“These typically contain long-lasting products, such as soups, pasta and frozen veggies, perfect for creating warm, comforting meals on cold evenings. What’s more, they offer a significant financial benefit, saving around £17.28 on a snow day.”

5. Handle immediate emergency expenses

In winter months, urgent and unforeseen expenses, such as frosted pipes or snow removal, can quickly emerge. In particular, colder weather increases the risk of frozen or burst pipes, costing families up to £1,000[5] to repair, making immediate action necessary.

Munshi explains:

“If you suspect that pipes are freezing or cold weather is damaging your house, address the issue quickly. Open under-sink warm cabinets to allow warm air circulation and let the tap drip to keep water moving. These are simple, effective ways to limit long-term damage to your pipes and prevent spending £1,000 in repairs.”

Munshi concludes:

“While wintery showers and snow days bring unforeseen challenges, taking simple and practical steps can help families to manage immediate costs and risks. These five effective tips can help Brits to save up to £1,337 on a snowy day, allowing you to focus on keeping your home and loved ones safe during the winter.”