The price of energy is notoriously volatile. And the cost of heating your home with natural gas or electricity has risen by 38% since 2010. But what exactly are you paying for? And how can you keep your heating bills down? Find out in this article.
Global wholesale prices of gas and power have prompted suppliers to increase their prices for providing energy. As a result, UK households are seeing their energy bills soar, with domestic energy costs predicted to go up by 45% to 50% in the spring. As the wholesale costs for gas and power continue to rise, it becomes imperative for consumers to know the various ways they can save on their heating bills.
6 Tips to Lower Your Heating Bills
  1. Make sure your home is well-insulated
Without proper insulation for your home, you can lose up to 35% of heat through your walls, roof and floors. Make your home more energy efficient by draught-proofing it. Seal air leaks by weatherstripping your doors and windows. Line your loft with loose fill or blanket insulation, and you can reduce energy bill costs by around £250 per year.
 2. Adjust your thermostat
Keeping the temperature of your home at a lower setting helps slow down the loss of heat. So by adjusting your thermostat, you can conserve energy and reduce bills at the same time. For UK households, the ideal temperature you should set for the thermostat is 18°C.
 3. Ensure that there’s space around your air vents
Blocked air vents can use up as much as 25% more energy just to circulate warm air in your home. Any furniture that’s blocking the vents can require them to work harder than what’s necessary, leading your energy bills to increase. To avoid this, make sure to clear the space, and move drapes or furniture away from your vents.
 4. Check your gas boiler for maintenance or replacement
Another tip to lowering your heating bills is to ensure that your gas boiler is working efficiently. Secure yearly maintenance checks for your boiler to avoid problems that can cost you more in the long run. You can also consider installing a new boiler. Replacing your old boiler with a new A-rated unit can save you up to £190 per year.
 5. Replace your furnace filters
Dirty filters require more energy to work properly, thus causing your bills to go up. Replacing your furnace filters is more energy efficient for your home and can lower your energy bills by around 15%.
 6. Insulate your water heater
If you have an older water heater, consider adding an insulation blanket or insulating the first three feet of its pipes. Alternatively, you can also opt to get a new water heater that’s more energy-efficient.
For your heating installations and to reduce your energy consumption costs, CentraHeat is here to help. Contact us today to learn more or get a quick quote.
