As a bitter winter grips the nation and energy prices continue their relentless climb, households across the UK are facing a difficult choice between staying warm and managing soaring costs. With forecasts predicting snow and ice, the temptation to crank up the central heating is strong, but experts warn this could lead to financially crippling bills, especially during the expensive Christmas season.
Expert Hacks for a Warmer, Cheaper Home
In response to this crisis, the specialists at MyBuilder.com have unveiled a series of practical and affordable strategies to help consumers fight back against high energy costs. Among their top recommendations is one remarkably simple item that promises significant savings.
Andy Simms, a plumbing expert from MyBuilder.com, acknowledges that major home improvements like insulation or new windows offer the best efficiency gains. However, he emphasises that immediate, budget-friendly actions can still make a substantial difference. "There are some really simple hacks that will make a difference without breaking the bank," Simms states. "Every little counts when the energy prices just keep rising."
The £20 Item That Saves You £200
The standout piece of advice from the experts is to invest in a boiler jacket. This inexpensive insulation wrap is designed to trap heat inside your boiler, preventing wasteful heat loss into the surrounding air.
Andy Simms explains the compelling economics: "DIY installation of a jacket starts from just £20, depending on the thickness of the material used." For those looking to maximise savings, he suggests also insulating any external pipes connected to the boiler for a similar outlay. The potential return on this small investment is staggering. "If you install a jacket you can reduce heat loss by over 75%, saving up to £200 per year," Simms reveals.
More Quick Wins to Reduce Your Bills
Beyond the boiler jacket, MyBuilder.com experts suggest several other low-effort, high-impact measures:
Bleed Your Radiators: This simple task can dramatically improve a radiator's efficiency. It involves opening a valve (typically located at the top) to release trapped air. Andy advises: "Release the valve with a tissue or rag underneath to catch any water after the air has stopped hissing out, and close the valve as soon as water starts to come out."
Consider a Portable Heater: Instead of heating your entire home with central heating, use a portable heater to warm only the room you are using. These can be purchased for as little as £20 and cost roughly 8p per hour to run.
Install Thermal Curtains: "Thermal curtains or blinds are great for temperature control," says Andy. They effectively keep warmth inside during the winter and block sun in the summer. They are relatively easy to install and can make a noticeable difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature during a cold snap.
By implementing these expert tips, UK households can take proactive steps to manage their energy consumption and protect their wallets during the challenging winter months ahead.
