IT won’t be long before the autumn chill sets in and you’ll struggle to resist firing up the heating.
But a price cap increase means families face paying £35 more a year for their energy bills from this month. There are, however, ways to claw back the cost.
Joanna O’Loan, “knowledge manager” at the Energy Saving Trust, said: “Even small changes can help reduce energy bills and make you more comfortable during the colder months.”
Here are some easy, low-cost changes that can add up to big savings, according to the non-profit organisation . . .
DRAUGHT DEFENCE: Cracks and crevices in your home let warm air out. Try draught-proofing strips around windows and doors to save around £40 a year on your energy bills.
If you have an open chimney, fitting a chimney draught excluder could save a further £60 a year.
RAD IDEA: Air trapped in radiators causes cold patches and stops your heating working as effectively. Bleeding the system releases the air. It is easy to do and takes minutes.
There is a step-by-step guide available at toolstation.com.
After bleeding the system, fix reflective radiator panels or just some aluminium foil to help reflect heat away from the wall and back into the room.
Move furniture away from radiators to avoid blocking the heat, and turn the radiator valve up in rooms that you are using and down in those you are not. These moves save around £25 a year.
THERMO-SAVE: Turning your thermostat down a degree saves about £90 a year. The lowest comfortable temperature for most people tends to be between 18 and 21 degrees.
Modern hot water tanks have plenty of insulation, but older tanks could be lacking. A hot water tank insulation jacket, around £20, knocks about £40 off bills each year.
And insulating exposed hot water pipes is another £6 a year in your pocket.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
Deal of the day
Save cash by purchasing the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet at Very[/caption]
CHILDREN can download games, books and music on the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet, reduced from £149 to £69 at Very.
SAVE: £80
Cheap treat
INDULGE your sweet tooth with these Moi red fruit mini-beignets, £3.50 from Ocado.
What’s new?
WHY wait until December for turkey? Tuck into Fray Bentos’ new tasty festive pie now for £2.50, available from B&M.
Top swap
Grab this Le Creuset pumpkin casserole dish for £50[/caption]
Or head to Argos for a cheaper version[/caption]
ADD a fun look to cooking with the Le Creuset pumpkin casserole dish, £50 from John Lewis.
Or pick up the £12 Argos version.
SAVE: £38
Little helper
GRANDPARENTS can get £30 off their bill at Bella Italia today, but only when dining with their grandchildren. Offer valid when ordering at least one main or kids’ meal.
Shop & save
GIVE your skin a pampering with this mini Sol de Janeiro three-piece set, down from £30 to £25 at The Original Factory Shop.
SAVE: £5
Hot right now
CO-OP members can buy two pizzas, one side and one drink for £10, making a saving of up to £7.50.
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