Energy prices are continually on the rise. In this climate, central heating is a fact of life and energy is one of life’s essentials. Though we’ve all heard encouragement to take steps to be more energy efficient, many of us are still paying more than we could.
Maintain your system
A well-maintained system is an efficient system. Don’t scrimp on having your system regularly serviced as not only can this keep things working efficiently, it also can prevent boiler meltdown.
Bleeding radiators can also impact performance of the system. Test each radiator to check that it feels uniformly warm rather than cold at the top and warm below. Those radiators that do not have a constant temperature across the entire surface are not performing at their best. This is caused by trapped air in the system and releasing this can bring things back into line. Radiators come with a tool which enables you to release the small valve at the bottom and let out the air. While an expert can usually do this without letting out water too, most homeowners can’t so always have an old ice cream tub under the valve to catch any liquid. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Cut out the draughts
It’s not a secret that draughts let in the cold and out the heat. Sealing these can cut your fuel bill enabling you to bring that thermostat down a notch. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. Seals of all kinds are available from DIY stores so give your home a draught audit and reap the benefits in your bank account.
Invest in new
These days many radiators are designed with energy efficiency in mind. So it might be worth looking at the radiators you currently have at home and seeing if replacing them will see long term benefits. Specialist companies carry a wide range of radiators that can ensure your home is warm without having to spend on excessive fuel bills. Though it is an upfront investment, in the long term the benefits will be felt.
So many of us spend time agonising over increasing fuel bills but there are things that we can do personally in our own homes to minimise the spend. Though these bills will never go away, knowing that you’ve done all you can to keep costs down should give you a warm glow inside as well as on the outside.
Katie O’Brien is a writer specialising in home improvements issues. She writes for a number of consumer publications and websites. She always recommends www.aelheating.com for anyone looking to upgrade their radiators.