Quick Wins That Cost Nothing
Before spending any money, there are several things you can do today that will make a noticeable difference to your heating bills.
1. Turn Your Thermostat Down by 1 Degree
Most people won't notice a single degree difference in comfort, but it reduces your heating bill by roughly 10%. If you're currently set at 21C, try 20C for a week and see how it feels.
2. Use Your Programmer Properly
Set your heating to come on 30 minutes before you wake up and switch off 30 minutes before you leave or go to bed. Heating an empty house is the single biggest waste of energy.
3. Close Curtains at Dusk
Windows are a major source of heat loss, especially single-glazed ones. Drawing curtains as soon as it gets dark creates an extra layer of insulation. Thick, lined curtains work best.
4. Don't Block Your Radiators
Furniture placed directly in front of radiators absorbs heat that should be warming the room. Pull sofas and shelving units a few inches away from radiators to let warm air circulate.
5. Bleed Your Radiators
If the top of a radiator is cold while the bottom is hot, there's trapped air inside. Bleeding it with a radiator key takes 30 seconds and lets the full surface area heat up properly.
Low-Cost Improvements
6. Draught-Proof Doors and Windows
Self-adhesive draught strips cost a few pounds and take minutes to fit. Focus on external doors, letterboxes, and any windows that let cold air through. Draught-proofing can save around £60 per year.
7. Insulate Your Hot Water Cylinder
If you have a hot water tank, a British Standard jacket (80mm thick) costs around £15 and saves roughly £35-45 per year. It pays for itself in a few months.
8. Fit Radiator Reflector Panels
Thin reflective panels fitted behind radiators on external walls bounce heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall. They cost around £20 for a pack and are easy to install yourself.
Bigger Improvements with Bigger Savings
9. Top Up Your Loft Insulation
If your loft insulation is less than 270mm deep, topping it up is one of the best investments you can make. It's cheap, quick, and can save up to £355 per year. You may even qualify for free loft insulation through government grants.
10. Upgrade to a More Efficient Heating System
If your boiler is over 15 years old, it's likely running at 70-80% efficiency. A modern condensing boiler runs at 90%+, and a heat pump can be 300%+ efficient. The upfront cost is higher, but the long-term savings are significant.
If you're on qualifying benefits, you could get a fully funded heating upgrade through ECO4.
Every Little Helps
You don't need to do everything at once. Start with the free and low-cost measures, and you'll likely see a noticeable drop in your next energy bill. For the bigger improvements, contact us for a free survey to find out what grants and funding you might be eligible for.