Down with gas costs
Down with gas costs
Cutting energy use is a popular theme in the press and TV. Improving the cost-efficiency of your heating boiler will help this and also help to cut your heating costs. Whilst central heating systems have become more cost-efficient in recent months they will typically consume up to 50% of all your energy costs. Below we have outlined some ways in which you can take simple actions two lower your present-day energy bills.
Only use boilers when and where you need it :
Gas central heating radiators are made to be switched on and off. Have a look at whether there are any rooms in your home which are not being used and turn off the metal radiator there. Reducing the number of rooms which are heated will trim your energy consumption. Ensure that you also closed the entrance door to the room to prevent airflow and chilly draughts.
Prefer the gas central heating in preference to using a fire :
If the room needs to be warmer use thermostatically manipulated metal radiator valves and increase the temperature setting. If you think about it the structure of a fire incorporates a chimney which allows heat to escape to the outside, the gas central heating is much more efficient for heating than an electric fire.
Draft proof where you have draughts
As cold drafts blow into your home money flows out in the opposite direction. DIY stores stock many insulation materials for use for this. You can get foam sealants which will rapidly close any air gaps that have developed between your door or window frames and the wall. These type of cracks happen often in aging homes as the foundations settle. If you are careful and use a candle flame you can detect where draughts are in a room.
A jumper or blanket might mean you don’t need to turn up the heating :
If you are reaching to switch up the heating thermostat stop and think whether it could be better to put on some additional clothing. You may not know it but a small 1° decrease in the room temperature can save a large 10% on your heating consumption.
Make best use on your curtains to control temperature :
The sun is very effective at heating your home in the winter, when shining, if you keep the curtains opened to allow it in. Outside temperatures drop at nightime and your home can lose a lot of heat through the windows. Closing the curtains provides an insulating layer which helps stop this, this can can save you real money in the longer term. Thin curtains are not as effective as thick ones at preventing this heat loss.
guidance around the home :
Insulate the hot water tank if your central heating system has one. The hot water cylinder can hold its heat throughout the daylight if insulated making water available for you whenever required.
Experts employ silver foil in the wall space behind a radiator to cut heat outflow to the outside.