Despite all the picturesque postcard scenes of snowy mountains and frozen lochs shimmering in crisp winter sun, the transition from summer can be a challenging time for many. And with Christmas preparations and colder nights just around the corner, the chance to save some money on energy bills is always welcome.
So, by cutting down on wasted energy elsewhere, you don’t need to think twice about putting on the radiator. Here are easy ways you can save energy this winter, helping you to keep the bills down, the temperature up, and perhaps save a penny or two for the festivities!
All rooms are not equal: One of the simplest tips on the list, but it’s still incredibly effective. If you know you are going to be spending most of your time in the living room then does the bathroom radiator really need to be set at the same temperature? Does the bedroom radiator need to be on all day if you’re going to be watching TV next door? By setting the radiators to different temperatures based on how you use your home you can drastically cut down on wasted heat!
Timing is everything: Almost all thermostats come fitted with a timer that could lead to big savings on your bill. If you know you’re going to be in bed between 10pm and 7am, then there is no point having the heating blasting through the night. Instead set the timer to come on at 6.45am meaning you wake up to a toasty room and the knowledge you’ve saved money while you slept!
Bleed the radiator not your bank account: Bleeding a radiator is a lot easier than you’d think, and the only special piece of kit you’ll need is a radiator key that can be bought for less than a pound! By releasing air that has built up in your radiator you can make it hotter and more efficient. Just make sure to do so when your heating is switched off and the radiator is cool.
Foil old Jack Frost: It’s easy to forget the heat that comes out the back of our radiators but this shouldn’t be wasted! Foil radiator reflectors help the heat sent toward the wall bounce back into the room rather than being lost. Available to buy in most hardware shops, these can be a real money saver. If you’re looking for an even cheaper option though, regular kitchen foil placed on the wall behind the radiator can have a similar effect.
Shut the door on wasted energy: By simply shutting the doors to each room in your house you can keep heat in and bills down! Heat gets lost circulating around the home, especially when heating isn’t needed in some rooms. Making sure the doors are closed to keep heat in is so simple but so effective.
Natural Heat: Your curtains, much like doors, can have a huge impact on the warmth of your home. Natural heat might not be what we usually think of in winter but by opening the curtains when there is sunlight you can make the most of the Sun’s heat. Then, when the sun goes down, closing the curtains helps trap heat in your home through the long nights!
Shop around!: shop around regularly to make sure you are on the best tarriff and supplier for your budget
