Households throughout Britain are bracing themselves for a challenging winter as energy bills continue to soar following this week’s energy price cap announcement. Ofgem’s cap increased by 2% on October 1, meaning typical dual-fuel households paying by Direct Debit will fork out £1,755 annually.
Whilst this development may prove concerning, there are several measures you can put in place to soften the financial impact. You may be surprised to discover that one such strategy could involve purchasing an unexpected item from B&Q.
Retailers even claim that utilising this product could cut domestic heating loss by ‘up to 50%’, potentially allowing you to slash your long-term energy usage. The aluminium ‘Diall Radiator reflector’ foil is on sale for £14.97.
The 5m2 reflective material is designed to be cut to the perfect size behind your radiators. It works by reflecting heat back into the room, minimising heat loss through inadequately insulated walls.
“Cut the product to size (using scissors or cutter), taking account of the incisions for the radiator brackets,” B&Q retailers advise, according to the Express. “Apply adhesive on the polystyrene side. Slip the product behind the radiator & press on carefully.”
Please note that the product can only tolerate temperatures up to 60°C, but it boasts a strong consumer approval rating of 4.4/5 stars and a Green Star claim as well. Nevertheless, if you’re not completely convinced by the Diall Radiator reflector foil, there’s a plethora of options available online.
Screwfix is providing a steal on their insulating foil, with a 195mm x 500mm roll costing merely £10.99, whilst The Range also stocks various insulating sheets, including one at £11.69.
Draughtproofing is considered one of the simplest methods to cut costs on energy bills. According to the Mirror, Karen Lawrence, a senior researcher at Which?, previously explained: “Draughtproofing is the cheapest and easiest DIY fix and can typically save around £35-£50 a year on energy bills.
“But it’s not just about savings; draughts make you feel chilly, so eliminating them will make your home feel more comfortable at a lower temperature (and you won’t need to pile on the blankets).”
Which? encourages Brits to use its Home Energy Planning Service to determine their best options.