Affordable warmth
Heating and hot water account for two-thirds of your fuel bills.
Savings are made by adjusting the set temperature.
- A comfortable and economic setting is 18°C to 22°C.
- Turning down the room thermostat by 1°C is equal to turning it off for two hours.
- Turning up the room thermostat will not heat up a room faster.
Also, draught proofing can cut heating bills by up to 10%.
Effective use of heating
Turn off heating when it is not needed, at night or if the home is empty. In very cold weather, keep on a constant low heat to prevent frozen pipes.
Use economical settings
- Set heating to come on just before you get up or get home from work.
- Set it to go off before you go to bed.
Keep to reasonable temperatures
- Turn down radiator thermostats.
- Keep heat low but constant.
- Control hot-water temperatures.
In spring, keep adjusting settings to come on for shorter periods. Turn heating off on warm days, turn down the thermostat and turn down radiators that don't need to be on.
Preventing heat loss
Draw curtains when it gets dark
- Use thick curtains with linings.
- Tuck curtains behind radiators.
- Tuck the bottom of curtains onto the cill to prevent draughts.
Fit:
- a flap over the letterbox; and
- draught strips around outside door frames.
Close doors to prevent heat loss. Before opening outside doors, close all doors leading onto the hall.
Lagging
- Use a good underlay with carpets.
- Contact us if your hot-water cylinder is not already insulated, or you need lagging around hot-water pipes in the loft.
Gas and electricity companies also have energy advice services.
Controlling costs
Make adjustments to your routine
- How often do you need hot water?
- Do you need all the radiators on?
- Do you need the water so hot?
- Could you reduce room temperatures?
Use appliances wisely
- Bar fires and fan heaters use up a lot of electricity.
- Set thermostats and timers for the best use of energy.
Check how much fuel you use
- Check your meter reading against your bill regularly, especially when it is estimated.
- Does your supplier have an economy tariff, or can you get a better deal from another supplier?
- Prepayment meters are expensive because of high standing charges.
