Simple Ways To Save On Heating Costs 2024

Top Tips for Saving on Heating Costs

Get ready for winter with these money-saving tips! As temperatures drop, so does our bank account when it comes to heating and hot water bills. But do not despair, there are simple steps you can take to keep warm without breaking the bank. Discover how to take control of your energy usage and save on heating costs.

Say goodbye to high heating bills and hello to a warm and affordable winter.

Use Heating Controls

If your house is heated by radiators with hot water from a boiler you have central heating. Did you know that heating and hot water can consume over half of a household's energy bills? That is what the Energy Saving Trust reveals!

So, controlling that heating is vital to stop a hole burning in your back pocket.

The way your central heating is controlled might be:

• A thermostat to set your home's desired temperature.
• Set a timer or schedule for your heating to turn on or off.
• Controls to adjust single radiator temperature.

You can easily use these central heating controls to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, without overheating. This will not only save energy but also help you reduce your bills.

Heat Your Home Only When You Need It?

Save energy and money by only heating your home when you need it. Don't waste energy heating an empty house. Take advantage of the timer and programme functions on your thermostat to create a schedule that aligns with your daily routine.

Beware of the myth that cranking up the thermostat will warm your house faster. It has no effect on the temperature of the water flowing through your radiators. It only prolongs the time your heating system stays on, resulting in higher gas usage and increased costs.

Maintain Clean Radiators for Optimal Performance

Ensuring cleanliness and sludge-free water in your system (the water that circulates in your pipes and radiators) is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of your heating system.

Moreover, it helps your boiler and central heating system last longer. By maintaining a clean and well-functioning system, you can enjoy both enhanced performance of your central heating system and extended lifespan of your heating equipment.

Your Boiler Type and How to Save on Heating Costs?

If you have both a boiler and a separate hot water tank, it is likely that you have a standard boiler. Your hot water tank can typically be found either in an airing cupboard or in your loft.

Energy Saving Tips for Homes with a Hot Water Tank and Boiler?

The temperature of your boiler's flow directly impacts the temperature of your tap water. It is possible to reduce the boiler flow temperature to 65. However, it is crucial not to set the temperature below 65°C as this is necessary to eliminate harmful bacteria in the water. By maintaining this balance, you can ensure both safety and efficiency in your water heating system.

How to Reduce Heating Costs with a Combi Boiler?

The heating flow temperature refers to the temperature at which your boiler heats water before distributing it to the radiators. However, this setting is often too high for most combi boilers to operate at their peak efficiency. By adjusting this temperature, you can optimize your boiler's performance and ensure maximum energy efficiency, saving those valuable pounds.

A more efficient combi boiler can be achieved by lowering the flow temperatures. By simply reducing the flow temperature from 80°C to 60°C, the average household could potentially save up to £112 per year**.

How to Keep Heat in Your Home?

There are easy and cost-effective ways to keep the heat you've paid for in your home.

In addition to controlling your heating system, there are simple ways you can keep heat from escaping your home and reduce the need for constant heating.

Here are some tips:

• Insulate your walls and attic: Good insulation is key in keeping the warmth inside your home. By properly insulating your walls and loft, you can prevent heat loss and save on heating costs.

• Seal any leaks and draughts: Check for any gaps or leaks around windows, doors, and letter boxes. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal them and prevent heat from escaping.

• Close your curtains at night: Closing your curtains can help keep the heat in, especially if you have thick curtains with thermal lining.

• Make use of natural sunlight: During the day, open your curtains and let in the sunlight.

Use Heated Throws or Blankets

To stay warm without cranking up your heating, consider using heated throws or blankets. They consume electricity, but the cost is minimal, around 3p per hour of usage. However, it's important to prioritize safety when using any heated throw or blanket. Always check the label to ensure it bears a safety mark, guaranteeing its suitability for use.

Electric Heating

A fantastic way to save money on heating is by changing your traditional gas heating to energy efficient heating using electric.

There are many benefits to electric heating, including:

• Cost Savings: Electric heaters can be cheaper to purchase and install compared to gas boilers.

• Energy Efficiency: Electric heating systems offer greater control over individual room temperatures, allowing for more efficient use of energy.

• Environmentally Friendly: Electric heating produces zero emissions and is therefore considered an environmentally friendly option.

• Easy Installation: Electric heating systems do not require complex installation processes and can be easily installed in any home.

Types of Electric Heating

There are many types of electric heating that can be used in your home. These can be used on their own or in addition to your current heating system. They can really help to save money on heating with gas prices on the increase.

Here are some common types of electric heating options:

• Electric Radiators: These work just like traditional gas radiators but use electricity instead. They can be wall-mounted or portable and come in varied sizes to fit your needs. View Our Top 10 Electric Radiators blog here!

• Underfloor Heating: This type of heating is installed under the flooring and uses cables or mats to heat up the floor, offering a comfortable and energy-efficient way to heat a room.

• Panel Heaters: These are slim, wall-mounted electric heaters that can be used to heat individual rooms or supplement your current heating system. They come in many sizes and designs to fit any space. View our Top 10 Panel Heaters blog here!

• Oil Filled Heaters: These are portable electric heaters filled with oil that heats up and circulates air in a room. They provide long-lasting heat and can be used to supplement your current heating system. View our Top 5 Oil Filled Radiators blog here!

• Convector Heaters: These are portable, electric heaters that use a heating element to warm up the air and circulate it in a room. They come in a range of sizes and can be used as a supplement to your main heating system.

• Fan Heaters: These are small, portable heaters that use a fan to blow hot air into the room. They are best for small spaces and can also be used for quick heating of a room.

Whether you have a traditional boiler or an electric heating system, there are always ways to save money on heating and make your home more energy efficient. By following these energy saving tips and exploring different options for heating, you can keep warm without breaking the bank. So why not start making these changes today? Your wallet (and the environment) will thank you.