January’s freezing cold weather conditions have posed a difficult conundrum for households up and down the country to consider – can they afford to have the heating on?
Keeping yourself warm during sub-zero temperatures is incredibly important, but due to the rising price of bills and the cost of living crisis, many Brits are having to weigh up whether they can turn up the thermostat.
It’s estimated that 78 percent of UK households rely on gas boilers to keep them warm over the winter months.
Catherine Storer, an insulation expert from construction training company, ESS, has shared some cost-effective changes that households can make to slash their bills.
The first thing Catherine suggests is to consider your thermostat settings and what temperature you should be setting them at.
“Setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature, typically between 18°C and 21°C, is a smart move. This helps cut energy costs without compromising comfort,” she said.
A common mistake that households make with their thermostats is turning them up when it’s colder outside, as this actually doesn’t speed up the heating process.
“Your home will reach the set temperature; it might take a bit longer on colder days. Consistent settings save energy,” Catherine explained.
She recommends using timers and programmable settings on your thermostat, as they can assist you in saving energy – and money.
“They ensure your heating system works when needed, reducing costs by efficiently managing energy usage when you’re in, as opposed to when you’re away from home.”
Another option Catherine urges households to consider is optimising their energy use with thermostatic radiator valves.
“They let you control heat room by room, minimising energy consumption in unused spaces which is cost-effective for heating your home,” she explained.
Sometimes to save money, you have to spend a little bit. Catherine suggests investing in smart heating controls that allow you to monitor them remotely and control them via your phone.
She said: “It’s not just convenient; it’s a quick and effective way to manage and reduce energy consumption for long-term savings.”
Getting an annual boiler service might seem like a mundane part of an adult routine, but it is incredibly worth doing if you are looking to save money on bills.
“It ensures peak performance, maximising efficiency and minimising energy waste. Regular maintenance is key to a reliable and energy-efficient heating system,” Catherine said.
