THOUSANDS of households will be using gadgets like portable heaters to keep themselves warm and save on energy bills.
But this could be a costly mistake when temperatures plunge below freezing.
1
The advice comes after snow and ice blanketed much of the country over the weekend as the UK continues to brace for bitter temperatures.
And the cold snap can be bad news for boilers and billpayers, especially if you’re being cautious about putting your heating on.
The best way, and most cost effective way, to keep your home warm is to have the heating on only when you need it.
A timer’s best, as your thermostat turns your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you set.
READ MORE IN MONEY
But Andy Kerr, founder at BOXT Boiler, said it’s especially important to be mindful of what temperature your thermostat is at in the winter to make sure your heating system is running properly.
He said: .”As the weather turns frosty, there is a chance the water in your boiler system could freeze if it’s not being used at all, causing a lot of damage to your heating system.
“It’s generally advised to keep the thermostat set to a minimum of at least 10°C to avoid the risk of your pipes freezing.”
You can set your thermostat to come on a just 10°C if you’re worried about having your heating any higher.
Most read in Money
This could help you to avoid a bill of up to £440 for emergency pipe repair, according to Checkatrade.
Andy added: “Another consideration to bear in mind is whether your system has weather compensation controls.
“This technology takes into account the external temperature as well as the temperature inside your home and modifies the boiler operation accordingly, which may result in the boiler running more often on a lower setting.
“This is likely where the misconception around leaving your heating on continually being more efficient comes from.”
But these systems are pretty rare in the UK, according to Andy.
This means that for the majority of homes it will be more efficient to only set your heating to come on when you actually need it.
A good way to do this is by investing in a smart thermostat.
The gadgets recognise the best temperature setting for your home to prevent you from wasting heat and money.
They do this by only altering the temperature by four or five degrees.
But this comes with an upfront cost that you’ll have to factor in, ranging between £150-£250.
More ways to save on your energy bills
Close your curtains in the evening as temperatures drop to help insulate your home and stop heat from escaping.
This means you are less likely to need to turn the heating on.
Make sure you open the blinds in the morning, especially on sunny days, as the glass will act like a greenhouse to help warm your property.
It’s estimated a sizeable chunk of electricity used in homes is from appliances that are sitting in standby mode.
Read More on The Sun
This equates to as much as £80 on a bill of £500.
Most people know about the TV but switching off your microwave when it’s not in use can make a big difference to bills.
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
