Staying warm while keeping your energy bills in check is a top priority for many Brits during the colder months. But with autumn starting, light fading, and the chill creeping in, that is easier said than done. Added to that is the fact that the energy price cap is set to rise by 10 per cent, making it potentially an expensive winter for Brits.
Gordon Wallis, a heating expert at Your NRG, offers valuable insights on how to keep your bills as low as possible. Chief among them is checking for draughts in the home. He says they are the ‘enemy of a warm home’, and Brits are practically throwing money away without being stopped. “Draughts are the enemy of a warm home. They let in cold air, making your heating system work harder than necessary,” he said.
“Use draught excluders to seal gaps around windows and doors and stop cold air from leaking into your home,” said Gordon. Don’t leave your heating on all-day. Gordon said: “Keeping your house warm whilst saving money means staying on top of a number of smaller things around the house. Firstly, resist the urge to leave your heating on all day. Instead, set your heating to come on when you’re actually at home and need the warmth the most. This can help you save significantly on energy bills without sacrificing comfort.”
Bleed your radiators. “One often overlooked step of a warm home is bleeding your radiators. Over the summer, air accumulates within your heating system, causing your radiators to distribute heat less efficiently. By bleeding your radiators, you can ensure they work at their full potential, keeping your home warm when you need it most,” he said. Don’t obstruct your radiators. Gordon said: “Make sure not to obstruct your radiators with furniture or curtains. Radiators need space to heat the area around them, so clear anything around them so they can do their job properly. About 12 inches of clearance is enough to allow proper airflow.”
Install a smart meter. “It might seem like everyone’s using a smart meter nowadays, but in fact only about half of UK households have a smart meter installed. If you’re one of the 50ish percent without a smart meter, consider getting one for yourself,” he said. They give you real-time insights into your energy consumption on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. This allows you to make informed decisions on how to keep your house warm, and how much of your budget is going towards heating.
“Another great thing about smart meters is that they remove the need for estimated bills. You’re billed based on actual usage, which means no more surprises or overpaying on your heating costs. It’s a transparent and cost-effective solution for keeping your house warm without breaking the bank.”
By following these simple yet effective tips from Gordon Wallis, homeowners can ensure their homes are well-prepared for winter, keeping warm without breaking the bank amidst rising energy prices.