Experts have shared their top tips to keeping your home warm for less that £10.
Merseyside has been plunged into freezing temperatures in recent days as a warning for snow and ice was issued. And wintery conditions are set to continue.
But as the cost of living crisis continues to grip households, many people will be looking at ways to save money. The severity of the cost of living crisis has become clear to most people in the region over the last 12 months.
READ MORE: 'School staff member' arrested on suspicion of child sex offences
Soaring inflation, rising energy bills, fuel costs and housing market turmoil are just some of the factors that have led to the country now facing the worst living conditions for 70 years. Many families are finding themselves facing a choice of eating or heating their homes.
Natasha Berthiaume, Head of Brand at Hometree, the boiler and home emergency cover provider, has shared five clever ways to keep your home warm and working for less than £10 per hack. Here are top five tips:
Radiator valve - £9.95
Radiator valves are ideal for controlling the temperature across different rooms in your home. They are very affordable and you can pick one up for just £9.95 on Amazon.
Alternatively, you could buy a smart valve, which is linked to your smart thermostat to control the temperature from one place, and helps save even more on your energy bills. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that you could save between £70 and £150 a year if you install thermostats and radiator valves in your home.
Door snake - less than £5
Also known as a draft excluder, is great for preventing drafts that come through gaps between the door frame and the floor, as well as retaining the heat inside a room. You can purchase one for as little as £8.23 on Amazon or even make your own.
Simply sew together a couple of sheets or scraps of fabric to make a long thin cloth sack, and fill it with dried peas or rice. Ideally something to give it enough weight to stay in place.
Make sure furniture is not blocking your radiators - £0
It may seem obvious to point out, but having any kind of furniture, such as a sofa, chair or bed in front of the radiator will block the flow of heat into the room, causing it to stay cold whilst wasting energy and money.
Reduce your thermostat temperature - £0
Turning your thermostat down by a few degrees can help save money. Many of us consider the ideal room temperature to be 21 degrees celsius, but reducing it by just a few degrees (to 18 degrees celsius) can make a notable difference to your energy bills.
Insulate your pipework- £6.99
Purchasing and installing pipe insulation is a quick and easy way to prevent excessive heat-loss and help reduce your home energy usage. It also helps prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting during the colder periods.
You can purchase foam tubes from most DIY stores, or online at eBay for as little as £6.99, and place them over your pipes yourself. This will help keep your water heated up for longer and prevent any blockages of ice.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT
Murderer behind brutal attack back behind bars after escape from prison
Killer ex-soldier battered with metal bar as he worked out in the gym
Nurse attacked by spiked teenager 'speechless' after charges dropped
Married dad sexually assaulted girl wearing her school uniform in shop
30 words and phrases you'll only understand if you're from Liverpool
