As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, households across the UK are increasingly concerned about the rising cost of energy bills. In light of this challenge, Rob Nezard, Managing Director of UKRadiators.com, has shared expert insights on how to stay warm without straining your budget.
Nezard emphasises the importance of maintaining your radiators and heating systems. “The golden rule is to make sure your radiators and heating system are regularly maintained, checked, and repaired if necessary. If something is leaking or working inefficiently, it’s almost certainly going to be wasting money and increasing energy bills,” he said.
With extensive experience in the industry, Nezard offers several practical tips to help consumers manage their heating expenses this winter.
1. Bleed Your Radiators: Nezard advises homeowners to bleed their radiators every winter. “Air builds up in the system during the summer months, and if you don’t let it out, the radiators won’t perform well. Rooms will never reach the desired temperature, causing the thermostat to keep the boiler running longer than necessary, which leads to inflated bills,” he explained.
2. Rethink Furniture Placement: To maximise heating efficiency, he suggests avoiding placing bulky items, like sofas, in front of radiators. “An unobstructed radiator will heat the room more quickly, allowing the boiler to run for less time,” he noted.
3. Ditch Radiator Covers: Although aesthetically pleasing, radiator covers absorb heat. “They can cause the boiler to run longer than it needs to,” Nezard warned.
4. Avoid Drying Clothes on Radiators: Nezard reminds homeowners that radiators are designed to heat rooms, not dry clothes. Using them for this purpose makes the heating system work harder and increases energy costs.
5. Cavity Wall Insulation: Up to one-third of heat in uninsulated homes escapes through walls. Installing cavity wall insulation can save around £395 a year, and homeowners can typically recoup the installation cost within three years.
6. Turn Off Heating When Out: Nezard dispels the myth that keeping heating on low throughout the day is cost-effective. “It’s more economical to set your heating to come on only when you need it,” he stated.
7. Small Changes Make Big Savings: Lowering the thermostat by just one degree can save approximately £145 annually, according to Nezard.
8. Seal Draughts: Professional draught-proofing can save households up to £125 per year. Nezard insists that plugging draughts is essential to maintaining a warm home.
9. Check Your Chimney: An unsealed chimney can lead to around £90 being wasted on heating. Installing a draught excluder costs about £20 and is a simple fix.
10. Install Thermostatic Radiator Valves: These valves enable more precise heating control, saving an estimated £55 to £180 per year for an average three-bedroom semi-detached property.
11. Insulate Exposed Water Pipes: Insulating hot water pipes with clip-on foam is a cost-effective way to save on heating costs.
12. Upgrade Hot Water Cylinder Insulation: Increasing the insulation on your hot water cylinder can save around £70 a year, with jackets available for as little as £16.
For those seeking to reduce heating costs this winter, these practical tips from Rob Nezard could make a significant difference. For more information, visit UKRadiators.com.
