5 simple changes that save energy and winter-proof your home
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Colder weather means turning the heating on and preparing for higher energy bills, but they don’t have to get out of control. Here are five top tips that you can sort in minutes to make your home cosier and shrink your bills.
1. Bleed your radiators
Test your radiators before the cold weather really starts to bite. If the top of a radiator feels cool while the bottom is warm, trapped air is preventing the hot water from circulating properly.
To fix it, unscrew the nut at the top of the radiator just a little and let the air out. You can use a radiator key or a pair of pliers – and keep a cloth handy. Water will follow once the air is released, so be ready to close the valve quickly.
This simple check will help your central heating system operate as efficiently as possible, saving money and warming your home faster.
2. Stop draughts in windows and doors
Draughts around doors, windows and floorboards can make it harder to heat your home and increase your bills as your heating system struggles to keep you cosy.
Identifying these cold gaps is easy. Wait for a windy day, then use a small piece of thin paper or material to help spot where the draughts are coming from. If there’s a breeze or a cold spot, use draught excluders, sticky window seals or even temporary double glazing sheets to stop cold air getting in.
3. Check your boiler
Servicing your central heating boiler regularly will help to keep it running smoothly through the winter months. It also ensures it’s working efficiently, keeping your energy use and bills as low as possible.
There are two quick things you can do yourself to get the best out of your boiler:
Check the boiler pressure – make sure it’s within the range recommended by the manufacturer.
Adjust the flow temperature – the lower the temperature of the water in your radiators, the less energy you use. See what temperatures work for you – try 55 degrees to start - while still keeping your home warm and cosy. If you’ve got a boiler with a hot water cylinder, you must keep the temperature at a minimum of 65 degrees Celsius for safety reasons.
4. Don’t heat empty rooms
One of the most effective ways to save money on energy is by heating only the spaces you actually use.
Turn down radiators in spare or infrequently used rooms. Remember to keep internal doors closed so each space maintains its own temperature rather than leaking heat into cold hallways or rooms.
5. Master your thermostat
Everyone’s different so there’s no one temperature that’s best for saving energy. In general, people tend to feel comfortable somewhere between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. Try out a lower temperature for a few days and see how it feels – wearing warm clothes can also be a big help.
Set your heating to go off an hour before you go out or go to bed – the residual heat in the system will keep the house warm until you no longer need it.
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