IT’S turning colder by the day.
And while you might be getting out your thick socks and fleecy sheets, there’s another way you can help keep your house warm – without pushing your bills up.
Keeping the house, and yourself, warm is getting harder & more expensive by the day[/caption]
One expert said all you need to save up to £250 a year is a tube of caulk – which you can pick up for just 89p[/caption]
According to one expert, all you need is a tube of caulk, which you can get for as little as 89p from DIY stores.
Energy pro Robert Quinton explained that the sealant can help stop draughts coming through unsealed windows, doors and skirting boards – which could be leading to £250 worth of heat escaping every year.
“Most people don’t realise how much heat slips away through the smallest gaps – it’s like leaving a window open all day,” the Construction Megastore expert said.
“A few tubes of caulk or sealant can make a big difference.
“If you’ve got draughts around windows, under doors, or along floorboards, sealing them up can make your home feel instantly warmer, and save you up to £250 a year depending on how much heat you’re losing.”
The quick and easy method suggests using the flexible sealant on windows and skirting boards, while expanding foam is a better option for bigger gapes around pipes or floor edges.
But you should also be careful not to seal up any essential ventilation points – such as boiler vents, air bricks or extractor fans.
“It’s one of those rare fixes that’s cheap, simple, and gives you an immediate return,” he added.
“Even just an hour spent sealing draughts can make your home feel warmer and save real money on your heating.”
And caulking isn’t the only quick DIY job you can take on to help with your bills.
According to energy efficiency expert Jamie Burns, from reliability firm Ailsa, there are some easily fixable mistakes that make the world of difference.
Cranking up the thermostat is one such error, as is heating unused spaces.
You should also bleed your radiators to get rid of trapped air and ensure your heating system is working as efficiently as possible – and check that the hot air isn’t being trapped against the wall by incorrectly placed sofas or curtains.
Don’t forget your boiler either – check the pressure isn’t too low, and don’t leave it on a high flow setting all winter.
“Lowering the flow temperature to an efficient setting can cut consumption while keeping rooms comfortable,” Jamie said.
“Most of us think we’re being smart with our heating, but a few small bad habits can quietly waste hundreds of pounds each year.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
“Getting to know how your system really works can make a huge difference to both comfort and cost.
“It’s not about big, expensive upgrades, it’s about being smarter with what you already have.”
