With energy bills set to soar by 10% next month, households across the UK are bracing for a tough winter, faced with the dilemma of either saving money or staying warm. But there's a glimmer of hope as one expert shares his savvy tips, aiming to help people achieve both warmth and cost-efficiency.
Boiler Cover UK's heating specialist, Mark McShane, has revealed how a simple crisp packet can significantly boost your radiator's performance, potentially leading to a warmer home and lower energy costs. The trick begins with cleaning a crisp packet and securing it with double-sided tape.
Position the packet behind the radiator with the shiny side outwards. Mark explains: "By placing a reflective material, such as an empty crisp packet, behind your radiators, you can bounce the heat back into your room instead of letting it escape through the walls. It's an easy, cost-effective way to make the most of your heating."
Although summer's warmth is just fading, September threatens to usher in a chill, with many regions already experiencing a stark transition to cooler temperatures. These areas could benefit from adopting these thrifty winter tips sooner rather than later. Among other suggestions, the expert also advises leaving the oven door open after cooking.
This allows the residual heat to spread through your kitchen, rather than being wasted inside the shut oven. He also recommended using bubble wrap on windows as an inexpensive insulator and suggested wearing extra layers indoors to stay warm without cranking up the heating. Mark advised UK residents to hold off on turning on their heating until at least the end of October.
He said: "Turning on your heating at the end of October is a good strategy, as it allows you to prepare for the colder weather ahead while also avoiding the risk of frozen pipes. Maintaining a minimum thermostat setting of 10C can protect your pipes from freezing, which can lead to costly repairs."
The heating specialist urged Brits to ensure their heating systems are in tip-top condition and mentioned that upgrading your thermostat could help prevent energy waste. He also highlighted the importance of draught-proofing your home to keep the warmth in during the chilly winter months. By taking these steps in autumn, you could reduce your heating usage come winter, and Mark pointed out that lowering your thermostat by just 1C could cut your heating bill by up to 10%.
