THE HEAT IS ON
As the temperature drops, we are inclined to cosy up and get the heating on but with energy costs rising it’s time to get smartfl We’ve compiled 10 top tips on how to keep cold out and the warmth where you need it, helping you save money on your bills too. 01 SILVER LININGS
Good quality, thermal-lined curtains offer temperature control by preventing the cold air from seeping into your home through your windows or doors. Both thermal and blackout linings will help to keep a room warm and increase energy efficiency. You can even buy clip-on thermal linings for your existing curtains, which is perfect if you don’t want to replace your window dressings.
02 AIRFLOW ADVICE
Always move a sofa or armchair away from a radiator. Large items of furniture will soak up the heat in a room, preventing the warmth from radiators circulating properly around the room. This means that you’ll end up heating your room for longer, which only increases energy bills.
03 STOP GAPS
Heat is easily lost through gaps around windows and doors in the house. Draught-proofing is a cheap but incredibly effective way to save money on your gas and electric bills. Draught-proofing solutions are usually adhesive, they come in various sizes and are easy to fit.
04 1 FOR 10
By simply turning the thermostat down by one degree on central heating systems you can potentially slash heating bills by as much as 10 per cent. This is a quick and simple change to make and the chances are that you probably won’t even notice the tiny temperature difference.
05 THE APP OPTION
Every additional room you heat adds a substantial amount to bills, so if there are spaces that you don’t spend much time in consider turning the radiators off when you’re not using them. This could cut bills by as much as a third. Consider investing in a smart, appcontrolled multi-room heating system that will allow you to create individual time and temperature schedules for each separate space.
06 ROOM TO REFLECT
Reduce heat loss and cut bills at the same time by fitting reflectors behind your radiators as this will direct warmth back into the room. Heat reflectors are easy to install, can be cut to size and are invisible once in position.
07 LOFTY AMBITIONS
Loft conversions often fluctuate greatly in temperature, becoming too hot in the summer and chilly in the winter.
It’s worth considering fitting blackout blinds to the windows. These will provide an even temperature all year round improving insulation by 25 per cent.
08 PROTECTING PIPES
Unlagged (uninsulated) pipes will allow heat to escape easily, so cover them to maximise efficiency and prevent burst pipes in the winter. Pipe lagging is inexpensive, easy to fit and it’s available to buy from good DIY stores.
09 SHUTTER SENSE
A great way to insulate windows and improve energy efficiency in your home is by installing shutters. They act as a barrier keeping chills out and, when closed, reduce heat loss by over 50 per cent.
10 RADIATOR CARE
If you have cold spots at the bottom of your radiator when the heating is on full this could mean you have a build-up of sludge in the system, stopping the hot water circulating properly and the radiator performing efficiently. By giving your radiators a good clean and a bleed you will improve performance and reduce energy wastage.
By turning down the heating by one degree you can potentially slash your bills by as much as 10 per cent