Consumer Experts Unveil Simple £5 Fix to Warm Homes and Cut Energy Costs
As March approaches, many parts of the UK continue to grapple with persistent cold weather, leaving households vigilant about soaring gas and electricity expenses. In response, consumer experts from Which? have pinpointed six prevalent heating errors that inflate energy bills and provided straightforward, often inexpensive solutions to rectify them.
Preventing Heat Escape with Affordable Insulation
Which? highlights that allowing heat to seep through gaps in doors, windows, floors, and loft hatches can make homes feel unnecessarily chilly, forcing heating systems to operate longer to maintain comfortable temperatures. The organisation emphasises that poor insulation exacerbates this issue, causing rapid heat loss and wasted energy.
The good news is that significant improvements don't require costly renovations. Low-effort measures such as installing letterbox brushes, which cost around £5 on platforms like Amazon, blocking unused chimneys, and adding thick curtains or rugs can effectively retain heat. These simple steps help create a warmer living environment without breaking the bank.
Optimising Thermostat Settings for Maximum Savings
Which? clarifies a common misconception: turning up the thermostat does not heat a home faster but merely extends the heating duration. For most central heating systems, the thermostat sets the target temperature rather than accelerating the heating process.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, increasing your thermostat by just one degree can add approximately 10% to heating costs, depending on your home's characteristics. Conversely, reducing it by a single degree can yield noticeable savings. Which? advises finding the lowest comfortable temperature as a regular setting, while cautioning against letting homes drop below 18°C, as recommended by the NHS, or 16°C for older or less mobile individuals.
Efficient Radiator Management and Room Heating
Heating unoccupied rooms wastes energy and drives up bills. Which? recommends turning down radiators in unused spaces to prevent them from drawing unnecessary heat from the boiler. Investing in smart radiator valves, which allow room-by-room control via smartphone apps, can further enhance efficiency.
Blocking radiators with furniture, curtains, or cabinets impedes air circulation, the primary method by which radiators heat rooms. This obstruction forces heating systems to run longer to achieve thermostat settings, resulting in wasted energy and higher costs. Keeping radiators clear, even by moving furniture slightly away, improves heat distribution and comfort without increasing energy use.
Additionally, fitting radiator reflector panels behind radiators, available for around £20 on Amazon, can help reflect heat back into rooms, boosting efficiency.
Selecting and Using Electric Heaters Wisely
Which? warns that not all electric heaters are created equal. Some models tested by the group prove expensive to run and mediocre at heating rooms, potentially elevating energy bills despite low initial purchase prices.
To use electric heaters frugally, experts suggest operating them alongside central heating rather than as a replacement. Maintaining a low, steady baseline home temperature and using electric heaters only in occupied rooms during the coldest periods can be more efficient. Starting heaters on lower settings and increasing heat only when necessary also helps minimise running costs.
Maintaining Boiler Pressure for Optimal Performance
Low boiler pressure can hinder radiators from heating properly, leading to inefficient operation and higher energy bills. Which? notes that many boilers have a pressure gauge on the front unit, typically reading between 1.0 and 2.0 bar when the system is cold, though manufacturer instructions should always be consulted.
If pressure falls below 1.0 bar, repressurising may be required. Which? advises contacting the boiler manufacturer or a qualified heating engineer if uncertain, and recommends annual boiler services to maintain efficiency and detect potential issues early.
By addressing these common mistakes, households can enhance warmth, reduce energy consumption, and achieve significant savings on their heating bills.
