As we move into the winter period, many Brits are concerned about how much their energy bills will be when they switch their heating on.
Due to rising costs in energy, many may be reluctant to turn on their heating until they actually need to in a bid to save money. For many across the UK who will likely be in this position, experts have shared some tips on how members of the public can delay turning their heating on, Hull Live reports.
Jordan Chance, a heating expert from PlumbNation said: "Turning on your central heating is notably one of the sure signs that winter has arrived. Although there is no single temperature at which you should turn your heating on, many aim for the time when clocks go back, falling this year on October 30.
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“There are, however, a series of ways to delay putting your heating on, keeping you warmer for longer and saving you those extra pennies. Using a draught excluder is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to keep your home warm, preventing cold air from entering and warm air from leaving under your doors.
“Keeping your curtains closed, or investing in a thermal curtain lining can likewise help to prevent warm air from escaping - this trick alone can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.
“It is also important to note that leaving your heating on low all day does not reduce your heating bills. Having the heating on only as and when you need it, is the best way to save energy.
"Using a thermostat with a timer offers a simple and speedy solution to controlling your heating effectively.”
Here are some ways in which you can save money on your heating bills.
Upgrade your thermostat
If you live in an older property and haven't changed your thermostat in a while, it may be time to look for an upgrade. This is because thermostats degrade over time, which can lead to delays in your boiler switching on, or your home being heated at much higher temperatures than is needed.
Upgrading your thermostat can also lead to improved accuracy in thermostat-to-boiler communication, preventing energy from being wasted and saving more money.
Stop draughts
Unwanted gaps in your home can lead to heat escaping, forcing you to leave the heating on for longer. One of the key ways to draught-proof your home is to identify the 'problem areas' which can include doors, windows, chimneys, and floorboards.
Homeowners can block the unwanted haps by using draught-proofing strips around windows and doors, or flexible silicone-based filler for floorboards.
Soft furnishings
Soft furnishing - such as curtains and rugs - can help boost insulation. However, for homes that have hard flooring, a good-quality rug can still help prevent heat from escaping.
Turn down the thermostat by 1C
By turning down your thermostat by a mere 1C, you can save up to 10 per cent on your heating bill. It's important to note that turning up the thermostat will not heat up your room quicker, therefore, it's a good idea to test how low you can go with your thermostat.
Regularly clean radiators
A buildup of dust can not only negatively affect your health, it can also prevent heat from escaping the radiator effectively, forcing your radiators to work harder to warm up a room. You should also avoid drying your clothes on the radiator as they can prevent the heat from escaping and heating the room while also leading to increased mould and dampness.
Check radiator cover
If you use a radiator cover, ensure that it is a good conductor of heat. Radiator covers made from poor-quality materials such as wood can prevent heat from being dispersed effectively.
Bleed your radiators
Bleeding a radiator can remove air that has entered your heating system, which may be preventing your radiator from working as efficiently as possible. One way to check if there is air in your central heating system is to feel your radiator - if it is warm at the bottom but cold at the top, then air is likely present.
Get your boiler services
An older boiler will not work as efficiently as when it was new. Defective boilers can have a massive impact on your heating bill because they need to work harder to warm up to the desired temperature.
It is generally recommended that your boiler gets serviced every 12 months to ensure the boiler is running efficiently and safely.
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