CHILLY days are just around the corner, so now is the time to prep your home.
With a few simple tweaks, you could save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills.
Here’s what to do before winter really sets in . . .
BLEED RADIATORS: If air is trapped in your radiators, the system will need to work harder to heat your home, which will push up bills.
It’s a good idea to bleed your radiators once a year, which can save the typical household £90 a year, according to Greig Millar, energy expert from provider Ovo.
He says: “A tell-tale sign of a radiator that needs bleeding is if it’s warm at the bottom but cold at the top.”
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To release air you’ll need a radiator key. Then you can just follow a step-by-step online video tutorial.
ADJUST VALVES: In lesser-used rooms, turning down the radiator valves by three degrees can make a big difference to bills.
Before switching the heating on, check each room and adjust the radiators accordingly.
This can reap savings of £136 a year, according to innovation foundation Nesta.
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You should also keep a gap between your radiators and furniture, and make sure curtains don’t hang over them.
TURN DOWN BOILER: Many combi boilers burn more gas and cost more to run because the temperature is set higher than necessary.
Greig says: “These boilers should be set to a flow temperature of 60C to increase chances of them running at their optimum efficiency.
“Turning down the temperature will make your boiler work more efficiently, saving around £65 a year on average.”
PLUG DRAUGHTS: Buy draught-excluder tape for less than £5 on Amazon and block gaps in doors and windows to stop heat escaping.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates this can lead to savings of £50 on bills.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
THERE are half-price deals on selected fragrances at Boots.
DKNY Women eau de toilette is down from £42 to £21 in the offer.
SAVE: £21
Cheap treat
BUFF away flaky lips with Revolution’s Sugar Kiss scrub, £4, from lookfantastic.com.
What’s new?
GIVE your home a seasonal scent with Yankee Candle’s new winter jars.
Choose from white spruce and grapefruit or silver sage and pine, £24.99 (medium size) from yankeecandle.co.uk.
Top swap
KEEP your morning brew steaming hot while on the go.
This Chilly’s insulated coffee cup is £30 from John Lewis. Or try the Siip ceramic travel mug for £12 from Dunelm.
SAVE: £18
Leah’s little helper
MAKE DIY a doddle, as tools and power gadgets land in middle aisles at Lidl this week.
This 37-piece screwdriver set is £12.99.
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