Every year, come winter, people are trying to find ways to save on their utility bills. Heating a home in the dead of winter is a costly affair, but it is something that you cannot forego in the UK. Everyone needs to warm their homes, but not everyone is equally smart about it.
There is no need to pay exuberant bills at the end of each month. Rather, what one can do is invest in saving money by applying some smart principles. Instead of paying more for your heating, there are several things you can do to save money. Here are a couple of tips that will get the ball rolling.
Switch your heating source
When it comes to heating and technology, there is no need to get stuck on what you have in your home. When a house is old, the chances of it having an outdated heating system is pretty good. Take out a bit of cash and replace the old radiators in the house and install energy-efficient radiators.Â
Look at the energy rating on the radiators and choose one that will suit your needs. These radiators are highly programmable, which allows you to regulate the temperature with more accuracy.
See where the energy loss is
Everything might look good in the house but as time goes by, things deteriorate. A heat audit will tell you if and where there are spots in your home where heat is escaping. These technicians have special thermal cameras that pick up the cold spots in the house and then evaluate the condition of the walls.
They will also be able to evaluate the energy efficiency of the appliances in the house and be able to make recommendations. Most of these companies offer the audit as a free service or charge a small fee. Either way, it is a great way to determine the state of your home’s energy efficiency and give you a starting point for change.
Insulate
When it comes to insulation, there are two ways to go about it. If money is not a problem, hire a professional contractor and get your home sealed from top to bottom. This is a long-term investment and well worth the money. On the other hand, if funds are a bit tight, doing the insulation yourself is always an option.
The internet is full of tutorials on how to insulate a home and details every aspect of the process, from windows to doors, walls, vents, and ceilings. It will cost a fraction of the price, but it is going to take you awhile to do it yourself.
Be smart about your heating systems
Everyone loves a fireplace, but it is an invention that has run its course in terms of efficacy. While a fireplace does wonders for ambience, it is the least effective method of heating a home. If you have a fireplace, then you should use it wisely.
The cold air sneaks in through the shoot when the fireplace is not in use. This is why the damper and flue should always be closed. Space heaters are also not the greatest choice either. Although they cost less to run than the furnace, they only heat a single room, but they tend to dry out the air.
Use the humidifier
During the summer months, we want to get the humidity out of the air, but during winter, humidity is your friend. Water holds heat better than air, which is why pumping the air full of evaporated water is a good idea during winter. As the furnace heats the house, the humidity in the air keeps the heat for longer, resulting in the furnace not having to work so hard.
Use some common sense
They say that common sense is not so common anymore. By just taking note of what you do during the day, you could make small adjustments to your routine to save some money. While indoors, try and wear some heavier and warmer clothes.
This will heat your body, which means that the furnace does not have to work so hard. Roll out the carpets during winter as they are much warmer than wooden or tile floors. Lastly, close the doors to every room in the house to conserve the heart.