Many households across the UK are already paying a lot for their energy and with the recent news that these prices are set to increase further, what can households do to manage these soaring costs?
As the majority of UK homes rely on gas for their heating and hot water, here are some of the best ways to reduce gas bills:
Boiler
One of the best ways to cut high gas bills is to replace an old boiler for a newer, more efficient type of boiler. Of course, this is going to require an upfront cost, which could be quite considerable but if you;re looking to make long term improvements and savings, an energy efficient combi boiler is the most effective thing you can install. For Boilers Gloucester, go to HPR
Lifestyle adjustments
For those who aren’t in a position to invest in a new boiler, there are some no cost ways to reduce gas consumption. A simple lifestyle change might be all that is required, such as lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees. This can lead to a £100 reduction in your annual bill alone. It might feel a little chillier but with a jumper, you’ll soon get used to the temperature with just an adjustment of warm to comfortable, for example.
Radiators
When you have spare rooms or rooms that don’t get used, consider turning off the radiators so you are not heating them unnecessarily. Sealing up any draughts in these rooms will also help to prevent heat escaping.
Doors
It can be tempted to close doors to seal in heat but internal doors should be left open to encourage the free movement of warm air around the property. When doors are kept closed, the flow of air is slowed down which then takes more energy to heat the home. It might seem counterintuitive, as you want to lock in the heat but it’s more economical to let it circulate.
An effective and low cost way to insulate your home better is to draught proof it. This could mean installing new weather stripping on windows, investing in a draught excluder for a door, hanging thick curtains with a thermal lining and considering a thick rug or carpet for preventing cold floors like lino or wood.
Smart thermostat
For homes with WiFi, a smart thermostat enables you to control your heating from a smartphone or tablet, for example. You can schedule your heating needs for times you are due home and ensure it is off when you are out and about. This helps with heating your home when it needs to be and avoids wasting energy at times when the home doesn’t need to be heated.
Insulation
This is a key way to lower energy bills whilst cooling your home in summer and keeping it cosy in winter. Cavity and wall insulation is recommended as is roof and loft insulation, as heat rises so this helps to prevent it escaping through the roof.
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