5 Ways To Bring Down Heating Costs
Are your heating bills too high? Now that it’s winter, many of us will be starting to see an increase in
heating costs. Here are just a few ways in which you can bring down these costs whilst keeping your
home warm.
heating costs. Here are just a few ways in which you can bring down these costs whilst keeping your
home warm.
Switch provider
If you’ve been with the same energy provider for a few years, you may want to consider the idea of
switching. Many energy providers provide exclusive deals for new customers – by switching provider
every couple years, you can keep taking advantage of these deals. You may have to pay an exit fee,
but in most cases you’ll still save money in the long run. Use comparison sites to find the best energy
price.
switching. Many energy providers provide exclusive deals for new customers – by switching provider
every couple years, you can keep taking advantage of these deals. You may have to pay an exit fee,
but in most cases you’ll still save money in the long run. Use comparison sites to find the best energy
price.
Change your payment method
A lot of people pay a fixed tariff, but if you’re economical with your heating use and only rarely reach for
the thermostat, it could be worth switching to a meter. Smart meters allow you to see exactly how much
money you’re spending on your heating as you’re using it. By being more aware of your heating use,
you’re likely to cut down your usage and find it easier to budget.
the thermostat, it could be worth switching to a meter. Smart meters allow you to see exactly how much
money you’re spending on your heating as you’re using it. By being more aware of your heating use,
you’re likely to cut down your usage and find it easier to budget.
Service your boiler
If your boiler is over 15 years old, it could be worth upgrading to a new one. Boilers tend to become
less energy efficient with age – in fact a 15 year old boiler is likely to be 70% as efficient as a new one.
Arrange an inspection and see what a professional advises. Replacing a boiler isn’t cheap – however
you’ll make your money back in the long run by not wasting as much energy heating it.
less energy efficient with age – in fact a 15 year old boiler is likely to be 70% as efficient as a new one.
Arrange an inspection and see what a professional advises. Replacing a boiler isn’t cheap – however
you’ll make your money back in the long run by not wasting as much energy heating it.
Upgrade your radiators
You may also want to look into upgrading your radiators. Like your boiler, radiators over 15 years old
are likely to be less energy efficient (many will become furred up on the inside). A
plumbing and heating company will be able to replace your radiators. Make sure that you’re also
bleeding your radiators on a regular basis as this will help them to produce more warmth – this involves
using a radiator key to open the valve so that trapped air can be ‘bled’ out (if your radiators are cold at
the top of making gurgling sounds, it’s generally a good sign they need bleeding).
are likely to be less energy efficient (many will become furred up on the inside). A
plumbing and heating company will be able to replace your radiators. Make sure that you’re also
bleeding your radiators on a regular basis as this will help them to produce more warmth – this involves
using a radiator key to open the valve so that trapped air can be ‘bled’ out (if your radiators are cold at
the top of making gurgling sounds, it’s generally a good sign they need bleeding).
Invest in insulation
Insulation can help to keep heat escaping from your home, allowing your home to stay warmer longer. There are lots of different types of insulation including cavity-wall insulation, loft insulation and double glazing. You can also insulate pipes to prevent heat being lost through these. Installing insulation can be expensive, but you’ll make back the money in the long run by not having to turn on the heating as often. If you live in rented property and can’t make permanent improvements, you may still be able to use insulation tricks such as placing insulating film on windows and using draft excluders on doors.
