With many of us feeling anxious about their energy bills over the course of the coming months, people are actively exploring ways to reduce energy wastage and save money. Whilst the government have ruled out telling people to reduce overall energy consumption, it remains tight-lipped about ruling out rationing.
There are actions you can take now to prepare for the winter months. Experts from Utility Bidder have shared cost-effective ways to conserve heat in your home, with some tips as simple as rearranging furniture to maximise heat in the house.
Five ways to heat your home for longer
1. Utilise daylight
The UK often experiences spells of bright sun throughout the autumn and winter months, so it is important to use this to your advantage. Make sure all curtains and blinds are fully open so that the light projected by the sun can help to heat up different rooms in the house.
2. Strategically place furniture
It is unlikely you will be able to last all of the autumn and winter months without putting the heating on. To use as little energy as possible, make sure there are no items of furniture such as a sofa in front of the radiator.
Bulky furniture will absorb the majority of the heat which is energy wasted on heating your furniture, not the room. Instead, leave the radiators exposed in order for the heat to disperse more effectively.
3. Make the most of shower steam
When taking a hot shower, you will often find the bathroom becomes filled with steam which in turn produces heat. After showering leave the bathroom door open so that some of the steam and heat warms the surrounding areas of the home, which will hopefully leave you feeling warmer for longer.
4. Place curtains behind the radiator
When radiators in the home are turned on, it is important to not allow curtains to cover the radiator, as this will direct the heat towards the window. Instead, make sure the radiator is exposed by gently placing the curtains behind the radiator, which will help to heat the entire room.
5. Keep out any draughts
It may sound simple but any areas exposed to draughts can bring in cold air and let warm air out. With this in mind, make sure all doors have a draught excluder fitted at the bottom.
Letter boxes can also be fitted with a letterbox flap or brush. Just remember to measure your letterbox before you buy.
Chris Shaw, CEO at Utility Bidder said: “The UK is currently facing an energy bill crisis, with homeowners around the country waiting anxiously to see how the October energy price increase will impact them. With the colder months closing in, many people will be wanting to heat their homes.
"But with extortionate energy prices looming over our heads, switching the heating on isn’t as straightforward as what it once was. We wanted to share some small hacks homeowners can incorporate into their daily lives in the hope that they can heat their homes for longer, without seeing their energy bills increase drastically.
“Simple tips such as knowing where to place furniture in your home, leaving the bathroom door open when showering and allowing as much sunlight in as possible throughout the day will enable people to feel warmer for longer.
"With financially uncertain times ahead, simple changes around the home could potentially go a long way.”
