7 simple ways to save money & keep your home warm
On average, heating the UK's homes accounts for over 70% of household energy consumption. We have collated our top tips for keeping your home warm and helping you save money.
The most recent figures show that approximately 4 million households in the UK are in fuel poverty which means that almost 15% of British residents cannot afford to keep their homes warm.
1. Use your curtains
Heat from the sun is free so make the most of it! Open your curtains and let the sunlight in during the day to make use of this free heat. When it gets dark, shut your curtains, which act as another layer of insulation and keeps warmth in your rooms.
2. Move your sofa
Sofa, chairs or other furniture in front of the radiator absorb heat that could be warming your home. By moving them away from the radiator, hot air can circulate freely. The same applies to your curtains or drying clothes – keep them away from the radiator so that you can get the most out of your heat source.
3. Maximise your insulation
Around 25% of heat is lost through the roof and 33% through the walls of an uninsulated home. This can be easily reduced by installing 25cm of insulation throughout your loft and insulating your walls with cavity wall insulation. Installing loft insulation and cavity wall insulation could save up to £160 a year in heating bills. Give us a call on 0800 292 2554 or email [email protected] to find how you could benefit from insulating your home.
4. Use timers on your central heating
The Centre for Sustainable Energy advises that programming your boiler to turn the heating on a little earlier – such as 30 minutes before you get up in the morning – but at a lower temperature is cheaper than turning it on just as you need it at a higher temperature. This is because a boiler heats up at a constant speed whether you set your thermostat to 20°C or 30°C. Don’t make the mistake of leaving your heating on low all day – because then you’re just paying for heat when you don’t need it.
5. Turn down the dial
The World Health Organisation previously recommended a minimum temperature of 21°C in the living room, but Public Health England revised this to 18°C in 2014. And research shows that turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bill by up to 10%. So keep the dial at 18°C, save money and avoid the negative impacts of a cold home.
6. Block out any draughts
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that DIY draught-proofing your doors, windows and cracks in the floor could save £25 per year. Click here to find out more. Self-adhesive rubber seals around doors and windows and door draught excluders are relatively cheap and easy to install meaning you can do this yourself for very little cost.
7. Install thermostatic radiator valves
Recent research has shown that installing heating controls and thermostatic radiator valves results in energy savings of 40% compared to a house with no controls. These work by allowing you to programme your heating to come on at predefined times, so you only use energy when you need it. New smart heating controls can even be controlled via your mobile device so you can turn on your heating on the way home, ensuring it’s nice and toasty when you arrive!
Keep an eye on our social channels for more advice to help you stay warm and reduce your energy bills all year round!
Call the Evolve Heating team on 0800 292 2554 or email [email protected] for more information about the above and to find out if you are eligible for any of the home improvement grants currently offered by the government.
Hannah Jones
Articles: 65
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