Reduce your Heating Costs this Winter with these Small Changes
Even the slightest adjustments can have a substantial impact on your energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, lowering your thermostat by just one degree can result in a 10% reduction in your annual heating expenses.
1. Layer Up
This might seem obvious, but it's worth reiterating. Adding layers such as sweaters, blankets, and thermal wear can keep you warmer without relying solely on heating.
2. Insulate Your Cavity Walls
Cavity wall insulation can lead to significant savings, with EDF Energy suggesting it could reduce heat loss by up to 33% and save you around £455 annually. Some providers even offer free insulation; check if your home qualifies.
3. Optimise Loft Insulation
British Gas may provide free loft insulation for your home. Simply answer a few questions to determine eligibility, and an installer can insulate your loft in a day.
4. Use a Smart Thermostat App
If you have a thermostat compatible with mobile devices, consider using apps like Hive or Nest. They allow you to monitor and adjust your home's temperature remotely. Plus, they automatically activate frost mode when the temperature drops below five degrees Celsius.
5. Program Your Heating
Set your heating to turn on and off at different times throughout the day with an automatic timer. This flexibility allows you to customise temperature settings for each day of the week, optimising efficiency.
6. Foil Your Radiators
Placing foil between your radiator and the wall reflects heat back into the room. Whether you use regular aluminum foil or specialist radiator foil, this simple trick can conserve energy and reduce costs.
7. Utilise Radiator Boosters
Radiator boosters, which act like small fans, disperse warm air that often gets trapped behind the radiator. These devices can raise room temperatures by up to three degrees and are available for around £20-30.
8. Keep Radiators Clear
Ensure unobstructed airflow around your radiators by moving furniture and other items that might block the heat circulation.
9. Install Radiator Shelves
When correctly fitted, radiator shelves can deflect heat back into the room, particularly if your radiators are placed under windows. This prevents warm air from escaping between the curtain and the window.
10. Upgrade to Brass
Radiator Keys When bleeding your radiators, use brass radiator keys instead of steel ones. Brass is less likely to break during use.
11. Start Thermostatic
Radiator Valves (TRVs) on a Low Setting Setting TRVs to the maximum doesn't heat your room any faster. Instead, begin with a lower setting and gradually increase it until you reach a comfortable temperature.
12. Maintain Minimal Heating
During Holidays If you're away for the holidays, keep your heating on a low setting to prevent pipe freezing and avoid potentially costly repairs.
13. Block Draughts
Seal cracks and gaps with sealant, polyfiller, or draught excluders to reduce draughts, making your home more energy-efficient.
14. Close Internal Doors
Ensure internal doors are closed to keep heat inside and prevent cold air from circulating through unoccupied rooms.
15. Upgrade to Double or Triple Glazing
Double-glazed and triple-glazed windows retain more heat, reducing the need for higher thermostat settings. They also provide better noise insulation.
16. Open and Close Curtains
Smartly Use curtains strategically; open them during the day to let in heat from south-facing windows, and close them at night to trap warmth.
17. Get a Free Home Energy Check
Visit the Energy Savings Trust website for a free home energy check. You'll receive a detailed report with energy efficiency improvement suggestions.
18. Switch Energy Suppliers
Shopping around for the best energy tariff can result in substantial savings. Find a competitive deal, as the average cost for the cheapest tariffs currently stands at around £850 per year.
