With UK energy prices still elevated this winter, many discerning households are looking for practical ways to reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort. The good news? Your household staff – housekeepers, chefs, nannies, and house managers – are perfectly placed to help. At Marshall Harber, we’re seeing more clients ask us to place candidates with strong energy-awareness skills. Here are the most effective, staff-led strategies that deliver real savings right now.

1. Heating Habits That Actually Work
* Lower the thermostat by just 1 °C (saves ~£100–£150 per year).
* Use programmable or smart thermostats and train staff to set “away” and “night” schedules.
* Close curtains at dusk and ensure doors are kept closed – simple habits that can cut heat loss by up to 20 %.

2. Kitchen & Laundry Efficiency
* Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full and on eco settings.
* Boil only the water needed in kettles (staff can mark fill lines inside).
* Batch-cook and use lids on pans – reduces oven and hob energy by 30–50 %.

3. Lighting & Small Appliances
* Switch to LED bulbs throughout.
* Create a nightly “power-down” checklist: unplug phone chargers, turn off standby devices, switch off unnecessary lights.

4. Draught-Proofing & Maintenance
* Housekeepers can quickly fit draught excluders, brush strips, and chimney balloons.
* Regular bleeding of radiators and cleaning of filters keeps systems running efficiently.

Why Energy Awareness Is Now a Core Skill
More and more of our clients are listing “energy-conscious” as a non-negotiable requirement when briefing us for new placements. Candidates who arrive with proven habits (such as always closing internal doors, using appliance eco-modes, or understanding smart-heating zones) instantly add value. In an era of persistently high energy prices, these small, daily disciplines are no longer optional extras; they are part of the professionalism expected from top-tier household staff.

How We Help

When placing new staff, we can now include energy-efficiency awareness in our vetting and can provide a short “Winter Savings Checklist” for existing teams. Small changes, consistently applied by trusted staff, add up to significant savings.
Make this winter warmer for your household budget – get in touch if you’d like us to match you with energy-conscious professionals.

As autumn fades and winter approaches in 2025, UK households need to prepare for colder months. From managing heating to handling holiday demands, household staff—nannies, housekeepers, or chefs—play a crucial role. At Marshall Harber, we help clients build a winter-ready team. Here’s how to strategize for the season ahead.

Key Winter Staffing Roles
• Heating and Maintenance: Housekeepers can oversee boiler checks and insulation, ensuring warmth and safety.
• Holiday Prep: Chefs and staff can plan festive menus and decorations, easing holiday stress.
• Childcare Adjustments: Nannies can adapt to indoor activities and shorter days, keeping children engaged.
Early planning prevents winter disruptions.

Practical Strategies
• Schedule Flexibility: Adjust hours for holiday events or snow days, ensuring coverage.
• Training: Equip staff with winter-specific skills, like safe de-icing or energy-efficient practices.
• Wellness Focus: Support staff with warm breaks to combat cold weather fatigue.
These steps keep your home running smoothly.

Benefits and Considerations
• Benefits: A prepared team reduces stress and enhances home comfort.
• Considerations: Increased workloads—mitigate with clear communication and temporary support.
Marshall Harber ensures your staff are ready for winter’s challenges.

Trust Marshall Harber
Our vetting process matches you with a team tailored for winter demands. Let us help you create a resilient household this season.