Heating and hot water comprise more than half of what the average household shells out for energy bills, making it vital to prepare your heating system ahead of winter to curb costs. The UK Government has released new advice stressing that "many low and no cost actions you can take to save energy and money over the winter period".
'Get ready for Winter' tips suggest households could save upwards of £90 during the chillier months through a range of straightforward measures. Key recommendations include bleeding radiators, moderating radiator heat in unoccupied rooms, lowering the temperature of your hot water, and draft-proofing.
Many of these tips will not only save you money throughout the winter, but will also ensure that your home is heated properly, making the colder months that little bit more comfortable, reports the Daily Record.
Diminish heat in unused rooms - potential savings of up to £40 annually
Keep radiator thermostats reduced but not switched off in empty spaces. Completely turning off radiators leads to less efficiency because your boiler must exert more effort heating a colder room from scratch.
Plus, fully turning them off might contribute to dampness and mould problems.
People over 65, children under 5 and those with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to the effects of cold temperatures. It's crucial to ensure your home is adequately heated, maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 18 Celsius - typically setting 2 or 3 on your radiator valves - to stay healthy and comfortable.
Lower hot water to 60C - saves up to £10 a year
Lowering your hot water to 60C could save you up to £10 annually. If your heating system includes a separate hot water cylinder (as opposed to a combi boiler), consider reducing the cylinder's temperature to avoid unnecessary heating.
The control for your hot water cylinder is usually located a third of the way up the tank. However, don't reduce the temperature below 60C, as this can encourage the growth of legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires' disease.
Repair any draughts coming into your home - saves up to £40 a year
Draught-proofing your home can save up to £40 a year. This inexpensive and effective measure can prevent heat from escaping and reduce your energy bills.
Seal any unwanted gaps around windows, doors and floors that let in cold air and let out warm air. Be careful not to block any intentional ventilation, such as extractor fans, underfloor grilles or airbricks, wall vents or trickle vents.
Window film, a form of temporary secondary glazing, can help prevent heat loss through glass. Available at hardware stores and online, it can be installed by yourself or a professional.
Bleed your radiators
Bleeding radiators can make your home warmer and potentially lower your energy bills. This is achieved by eliminating air pockets that decrease the pressure in your radiator, meaning you don't need to crank up the heat as much.
In order to bleed your radiator you should ensure that your heating is first turned off for around 30 minutes. You should also have a bucket or something similar to put underneath the pipes in order to prevent water from pouring out onto your floor.
After this, you need to locate the valves on either side of the radiator then turn them clockwise. After this, simply inset a radiator valve key at the top of the radiator and turn anti-clockwise - if all has gone to plan you will begin hearing a hissing noise (this is the trapped air escaping).
To finish off, simply reopen the valves on either side of the radiator and turn your heating back on with its restored efficiency.
Regularly service boiler
Faulty boilers can pose a serious risk. During your boiler service, a Gas Safe registered engineer will check for leaks and problems, ensuring your boiler is functioning correctly, which could save you money on future repairs.
