Whether you are trying to lower your home heating bills or simply trying to save money in general, there are several ways to do so, and during massive rises in energy costs, this advice cannot come soon enough..
If you haven’t already, you’ll want to make sure to replace any worn-out gas boilers and water heaters you have, and seal any holes in your windows and doors. You can also install a programmable thermostat to help you control your heating more efficiently.
Replacing worn-out gas boilers and water heaters should be your first long-term plan.
Having a newer, more energy efficient home heating system is a good way to keep your gas bill in check.
You should also take measures to improve insulation and weatherproof your home to reduce the heat loss associated with the coldest days of the year.
The most streamlined and energy efficient method of heating your home is to install a high efficiency gas boiler, although not cheap initially, the long term savings would be substantial.
Alternatively, you can go the propane or natural gas route and convert your old fashioned boiler, such as a back boiler, to a more eco-friendly fuel source. These systems are also a bit less expensive to run.
Despite the fact that a boiler is a large, complex piece of machinery, you don’t want to replace it too often. That is why it is best to get it checked out by a professional. A qualified technician will be able to tell you if your boiler is in need of replacement, repairs, or a simple tune-up.
Seal up holes in windows and doors
Getting rid of air leaks around windows and doors is an important step to reduce your energy costs. You can do this with filler, foam gaskets, and weatherstripping. Keeping your home sealed can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%. If you want to save more, you can also add insulation in your attic.
Adding storm windows to your windows can help you lower your heating and cooling costs. However, you can’t add them to casement windows. These are windows that have two or three panes of glass.
If you’re not sure where the air leaks are, get help from a certified contractor. You can also perform a visual inspection of your home.
The easiest way to fix draughty windows and doors is to install new weatherstripping. You can buy foam, rubber, or all-wool felt. This type of material is durable and inexpensive. It is best used on gaps less than a half inch.
Install a programmable thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat to lower home heating bills is a great way to save money.
By setting the right temperatures at the right times, you can make sure your boiler only runs when you need it.
Make sure, if you have central heating, that no air is trapped inside. You easily check by feeling each radiator for cold spots. If so, use a radiator key (below) to bleed air from your system.
Programmable thermostats are available in both digital and electromechanical models.
Some of them even have a remote control that you can use to set the temperature from your phone. This is a great way to save energy while keeping your home comfortable.
Some home energy companies promote the installation of smart meters although we have heard questionable claims about their accuracy in some cases.
While programmable thermostats may seem like a complicated process, they are actually quite simple to install. A professional installation company can cost you between £100 and £400, but a DIY job can be less expensive.
Before you begin, make sure you have all of the tools necessary.
To install a programmable thermostat, first determine what type of wiring you have. Most thermostats are direct-wired, meaning that they are connected directly to the power source so it is important to cut the electric at the consumer unit (fuse box) before you start
However, some are powered by batteries or require a wall plate.
Much heat in the home escapes from the walls.
It is a commonly overlooked problem in many homes, but it can be easily solved with an insulating energy saving exterior wall coating, which you will be pleased to know that we offer this system across all areas of England and Wales.
It is applied by our own technicians and is guaranteed for 20 years to weatherproof and protect your exterior walls, whilst providing insulation to the home, all of which is completely invisible, it soaks actually into the wall, keeping you warm and dry this winter.
It is also fully approved by the Energy Saving Trust.
It is also suitable for hard to heat listed buildings, where restrictions mean you cannot change the external appearance of the house, but with our coating, the only change you will notice is lower heating bills.
To find out more about how our wall coatings can benefit your home, and help lower your bills, get in touch by calling 0800 970 4928 or send us an email here.