How to Winter - Proof Your Home on a Budget
Thursday, 10 November 2011
The nights are drawing in, and as temperatures fall some may be torn between the temptation of switching the radiator on and basking in its warm glow and the daunting prospect of expensive gas and electricity bills flying through the letter box.
Energy prices are on the rise but there are ways you could save money on your bills this winter; these involve making your home more energy efficient and cutting down on unnecessary energy usage. Here are some tips to winter-proof your home without breaking the bank.
Check your central heating system:
Most homes are heated by radiators that are connected to a central heating system, so as the winter approaches, it is advisable to arrange for an engineer to check that the system is functioning efficiently. It's also a good idea to bleed your radiators regularly; this helps to remove air from the pipes and ensures that heat is distributed evenly.
If you do not have central heating and use portable electric radiators, you may be in for a shock when your bills arrive, as stand-alone radiators are a very expensive means of heating a room; although putting in central heating will involve a substantial initial investment, it will save a lot of money in the long-run.
Insulation, insulation, insulation:
Insulation is one of the best ways to save money on your winter bills; a significant amount of heat can be lost through walls and roofs, especially if you live in an old house, so adding extra insulation will always be beneficial. Shutting out drafts using draft excluders or specially designed insulation products will also help to keep your home warm. Covering radiators with reflector foil is a very simple and inexpensive way of maximising the efficacy of your radiators; insulation foil reflects the heat, keeping your home warmer for longer.
According to research by English Heritage, hanging heavy curtains can help to reduce heat loss through windows by 41 per cent; if you want to save even more money, make sure your curtains are not covering your radiators, as this can prevent heat from circulating around the room.
Warm up your bathroom, as well as your towels:
The towel radiator has become very popular in recent years, due to its aesthetic appeal, practical advantages and increased energy efficiency. Towel radiators are an ideal solution for heating the bathroom; they are sleek and stylish and they dry towels very quickly, as well as keeping your bathroom lovely and warm.
Keep an eye on your energy usage:
You may be surprised by how much energy you use, especially when your itemised bill arrives, so make an effort to cut down on the amount of water you use, fill the washing machine or dishwasher completely before you use it and turn the lights off when you leave a room. Small changes can produce big savings.
The winter months are fast approaching and panic about energy bills may have already set in; however, there are some very simple ways of saving money, so keep calm, check your heating system, bolster your home insulation and get ready to enjoy cosy evenings, without the worry of costly bills.
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