Heating costs can be slashed by up to £255 a year with four ‘small’ changes | Personal Finance | Finance
As the weather turns colder and energy usage increases, an expert has revealed the four simple changes that could make a difference to heating bills across the country. From October 1, the cost of gas and electricity is going up by around 2% for homes in Great Britain in line with the Ofgem energy price cap.
It means that households who use both gas and electricity on a standard variable tariff and pay for their energy bill by Direct Debit will pay an average of £1,755 per year for their energy. For a typical household, energy bills will increase by £2.93 a month or £35.14 per year.
Joanna O’Loan, knowledge manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: “We understand that energy costs are a real concern, especially heading into the winter months.
“We’re here to support you in finding practical, manageable steps that work for you and your home.
“Even small changes at home, where possible, can help reduce energy bills and make you more comfortable during the colder months.”
However, Ms O’Loan believes that making just four simple changes could save households between £200 to £300 a year on energy bills.
Draught-proof to save £40 a year
Draughts let warm air out and cold air in, meaning your heating system has to use more energy to keep your home warm. If your home is draughty, installing inexpensive draught-proofing strips around windows and doors is a quick and easy DIY task that could save you around £40 a year on your energy bills. Just be sure not to block any intentional vents, as these are essential for allowing fresh air into your home.
Top tip: If you have an open chimney, fitting a chimney draught excluder could save you a further £60 a year.
Bleed radiators and install reflector panels – save £25 a year
From time to time, air can get trapped in radiators, causing cold patches and meaning your heating is not as effective. Bleeding your radiators releases that air so hot water can flow through them better. Radiator reflector panels cost around £30 per pack from your local DIY store. Installing these behind radiators on external, uninsulated cavity or solid walls helps to reflect heat away from the wall and out into the room and could save you around £25 a year.
Top tip: Keep any furniture away from the radiators. If possible, keep your radiators completely unblocked so they distribute their heat into your rooms more easily.
Choose central heating over electric heaters
If you have gas central heating, it’s usually cheaper to use this instead of plug-in electric heaters. To heat just one room, turn the radiator valve up in that room and down in the rooms you’re not using. This helps reduce energy use and keeps you comfortable where you need it most.
Top tip: Keep doors between heated and unheated spaces closed, to help reduce heat escaping from the places you want to stay warm.
Keep your hot water tank cosy – save £40 a year
Most modern hot water tanks have plenty of insulation, but an older tank might only have a small amount. You can add extra insulation with a hot water tank insulation jacket – these cost about £20, are widely available from DIY retailers and could save you around £40 a year on your energy bills.
Top tip: Insulating exposed hot water pipes is also an easy DIY job. Inexpensive pipe insulation is available from most DIY stores and fitting it could save you a further £6 a year.
Manage the thermostat – save around £90
According to the World Health Organisation, the lowest comfortable temperature for most people is between 18°C and 21°C so if you’re warm enough, try turning your thermostat down by one degree, which could save you around £90 a year.
Top tip: If you’re popping out for a few hours, switch your heating off and set it to come back on for when you get back. It usually costs less to set your heating to come on when you need it and just in the rooms that you are using, rather than keeping it on low while you’re out.
