During the colder months, heating costs are a particularly big part of your monthly outgoings, so it may be useful to identify ways to save money on heating bills that are easy to implement. Here are our top tips to do just that.
1. Work with your radiator, not against it
When it comes to arranging furniture, it’s vital that you keep the radiator clear. It does not take a brain surgeon to work out that if you block the radiator in a room by placing, say, a sofa or cupboard in front of it, the room will struggle to get warm because the air cannot circulate. Equally, if you want your central heating radiators, electric panel heaters and convection heaters to work at their most efficient, it’s best to keep the door in which your heating appliance is located closed. That way, the warm air is trapped, keeping the room warmer for longer.
2. Turn the thermostat down and put a jumper on
It may go against the grain to turn the heating down when it’s cold outside, but it makes total sense when you think about it. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save up to £75 a year by turning your central heating thermostat down by just one degree centigrade. Chances are you won’t even notice the difference in temperature in the home, but your wallet will thank you over time. And if you do feel a little chilly, what’s wrong with putting a jumper on?
3. Think about fitting thermostatic radiator valves
While a thermostat will control the overall temperature in the house, you may find that some rooms get hotter than others. By fitting thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), you can control each radiator individually, adjusting the temperature as required so that no energy is wasted. For example, you may want your bedroom to be cooler to aid good sleep, but your living room to be nice and toasty. By tweaking the TRV settings, you can make the most efficient use of your central heating system.
4. Turn off your radiators.
Simple yet such an effective way of saving energy. All you have to do is make sure that you’re only using the radiators in your home in the rooms that are being occupied. By twisting your thermostatic radiator valves to the 0 mark in the rooms that aren’t being used you can save plenty on energy bills every month. Or even by turning your radiators down a couple of degrees, this will still save you money and will prevent overheating in your rooms.
5. Insulate and draught proof your home.
Did you know that about 20% of the heat in your home is lost through draughts and poor ventilation? Basic draughtproofing measures around the doors especially external doors and windows especially old sash windows should save you a ton of money. Ask your local DIY shop for advice about foam, sealant and adhesive draught proofing strips that you can fit yourself. Better still, invest a bit more into your home by insulating your loft, walls and floors and save up to 15% on your heating costs. Or go for the gold standard fully double-glazed windows.