In the UK, people typically switch their central heating on in late September/ October time and use it daily until March or April. This corresponds with the clocks going back and the continuous drop in temperature.

Heating homes accounts for over 70% of household energy consumption. So, reducing this figure – while keeping homes nice and warm – not only cuts energy bills, but helps meet the carbon reduction commitments that the UK government is legally required to deliver.

The most recent figures show that 13% of English homes, 25% in Scotland, 12% in Wales, and 18% in Northern Ireland cannot afford to keep warm during the winter. But while the scale of this problem is significant, not all the solutions need to be complex and costly – and we prove this claim in today’s blog. Here are 7 simple tips for keeping your home warm for little or no extra cost.

Use timers on your central heating

We recommend programming your boiler to turn the heating on a little earlier – such as 30 minutes before you get up in the morning – but at a lower temperature as its cheaper than turning it on just as you need it at a higher temperature. This is because a boiler heats up at a constant speed whether you set your thermostat to 20°C or 30°C. But don’t make the mistake of leaving your heating on all day, even if it is on low – because then you’re paying for heat when you don’t need it.

Maximise your insulation

Give or take, about 25% of the heat produced by your boiler will escape through the roof of your home. This can be easily reduced by installing 25cm of insulation throughout your loft. It’s also worth seeing what’s going on in your walls and around your windows, as around 35% of the heat can escape through the walls and through gaps, in and around windows and doors. Although it’s not as cheap to install as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation could save up to £160 a year in heating bills. It’s also worth checking with your energy supplier to see if they have any insulation schemes running – which can sometimes mean cheap or even free installation.

Use your curtains

Heat from the sun is FREE so make the most of it. Open your curtains and let the sunlight in during the day to make use of this free heat. At night or when it gets dark outside, shut the curtains as this acts as another layer of insulation and keeps the room warm. You should also make sure you don’t have any gaps so that the warm air can stay in and the cold air stays out. This will also help to reduce condensation. Yes, it doesn't usually forecast sunshine during the colder months but you would be surprised how much warmth you can get from just a little bit of sunshine.

Block out the draughts

Ever heard of a draught excluder before? The little item that blocks a draught from coming underneath the door and helps keep the warmth in the room. Some come in the shape of dogs and other small furry animals - very cute accessories for a room. It's estimated that DIY draught-proofing your doors, windows and cracks in the floor could save £30 per year. You can do this yourself for very little cost - door draught excluders are relatively cheap and easy to install. So it’s worth getting those doors and windows sealed before winter kicks in.

Upgrade your boiler

If your boiler is more than 10 years old, it's time to replace it with a new, more efficient model. Depending on your old boiler type and house, you could save up to £350 with a new A-rated condensing boiler. Plus, if it’s new, you’re less likely to have any issues going into the winter season, so no need to worry about breakdown fees or emergency call-outs.

Reflect the heat

Radiator panels are great ways to keep your home warm - they're relatively cheap, easy to install, and ensure that heat from your radiators warms up your room and not your walls. They simply work by reflecting the heat back into the room - nothing complicated about it.

Install thermostatic radiator valves

Installing thermostatic radiator valves results in energy savings of around 40% compared to a homes without. These work by allowing you to programme your heating to come on at specific times – so you only use the energy you need. New smart thermostats can also be controlled via a mobile phone, even more convenient for you.

If you need a heating or plumbing expert call Assett Plumbing today for help or advice on 01604 372395.