Slash your energy charges

Gas charges seem to be perpetually on the rise and it is therefore also financially helpful to make best use of the gas you buy. You may be surprised to know that up to fifty percent of your gas costs will be related to your heating boiler. If you want to reduce your energy charges read on as we have outlined some actions you can take.

Check where you are using the boiler :
Turn off the radiator in any rooms which are not used such as the guest room or utility room. If an area of your home is not used frequently it really doesn’t need heating. Also close the door to these rooms when not in use.

Use the boiler not the fire :
The fire is not as efficient as the gas boiler and it will not heat the rest of your home. A lot of the heat generated by a fire goes up in the flue to the outside, modern central heating systems are much more efficient in heating your home than using an electric fire.

Cut down on draughts by use insulation
Stop being chilled air flowing into your home means that you do not have to pay for energy to continually heat the air. The first place to look will be your doors and ensure that any visible gaps are blocked off. Use a foam based sealer to close off any cracks between your entrance door frame and the window frames where these meet the exterior wall. These type of gaps happen often in aging homes as the foundations settle. Just light a candle in each room and watch how the flame flutters to trace down causes of drafts.

Ensure you are wearing warm clothes indoors :
If you are reaching to turn up the heating thermostat stop and think whether it would be best to put on some extra clothing. You can save up to 10% on your heating charges just by cutting the thermostat by 1°.

Temperature can be managed by using your curtains :
The sun is very effective at heating your home in the wintertime, when shining, if you keep the curtains opened to allow it in. At night as the external temperatures drop a lot of heat can leach outside through your windows. Drapes can be an incremental form of insulation and this time and trim heat loss if they are closed, you can save a considerable amount of money over time with this tactic. Thin drapes are not as effective as thick ones at preventing this heat loss.

Some guidance for other parts of your heating system :
Check your gas boiler system and whether it has a hot water cylinder as this should be insulated. The hot water tank can retain its heat throughout the daylight if insulated making water accessible for you whenever required.

Don’t heat the walls of your house immediately behind the radiators, silver foil can be used to reflect the heat pruning this energy loss.