Is
it therefore any surprise that come the first sign of winter, many
households have the same debate rumbling on, whether to put the heating
on. But, did you know that by taking precautionary steps, you can reduce
your energy bills at the same time as keeping your home warm. Five top
tips we recommend are...
Make an Extra Layer Your First Choice:
Many
of us opt to switch the heating on the moment that we feel a chill in
the home. Automatically reaching for the heating will cause your energy
bills to rocket. Instead, your first option should be to make an extra
layer of clothing your first choice to keeping warm.
Have Your Boiler Serviced Annually:
As
with all appliances within the home, general usage can take its toll on
your boiler. This wear and tear will leave your boiler performing below
its optimum level, hindering its efficiency and costing you more in
energy bills.
To reduce the risk of wear and tear on your boiler,
you should have it serviced annually. Ideally the service should take
place before winter takes hold.
Along with getting your boiler serviced, it's also recommended to install a CO2 alarm next to the boiler.
Bleed Your Radiators:
If
you've put your heating on and found that the top of your radiator is
cooler than the bottom, then you'll need to bleed them. This isn't a
difficult task, nor is it time consuming. But it is one which should be
carried out at the earliest opportunity to save you money on your energy
bills.
To bleed your radiators, all you'll need is a radiator key and a towel.
With
your heating off, use the radiator key to turn the valve at the top of
the radiator to release any trapped air. Whilst doing this, hold the
towel just below the valve to catch any water which may trickle out. As
soon as water appears, close the valve.
Set TRVs Low:
Many
modern radiators come with TRVs, which enable you to set the
temperature of the individual radiator. Whilst many of us will turn the
TRV to six, this will cost you money without heating the room any
quicker.
To help save money on your energy bills, set the
TRV to its lowest setting, before gradually turning them up until you
find a comfortable room temperature. It's also recommend to keep the
TRVs on a low setting in rooms which aren't frequented often. This will
help keep the room warm without wasting heat.
Utilise Natural Heat:
OK,
so the sun isn't as strong during the winter months, it can still
provide the required warmth to naturally heat your home. To make the
most out of the natural warmth from the sun, leave your curtains open
during the day, and closed during the evening.
Along with closing your curtains during the evening, it's also a good idea to keep internal doors closed where possible.
These
five simple steps will help you to save money on your heating and
energy bills, at the same time as keeping the house warm. But, for those
who are looking for an additional heat source there are a number of
portable radiators available which will provide the heating requirements
you need.
How To Save Money On Your Heating Bills
Posted by CB Blogger
Blog, Updated at: 1:48 AM
