The lowest temperature recorded in the UK this year was in January, when the UK averaged 0.4 degrees Celsius. During this time, boilers in homes and buildings were undeniably on full blast. Inevitably, boiler, heating, and fuel bills skyrocketed during this time as well.
However, heating expenses do not need to cost a fortune. There a handful of ways to slash off a chunk from the bills during the winter, and even year-round. Here are some of them:
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Consider smart heating
Many appliance manufacturers offer intelligent programmable appliances, and this extends to heating as well. Having an intelligent programmable heating system helps to cut the costs because the system automatically adjusts the temperature in the home according to usage patterns and preferences.
This type of heating system reduces energy expenditure when needed, which directly translates to savings. Although this is, in fact, more expensive than ordinary heating systems, the amount it helps save trumps that.
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Wear more layers of clothes
Wearing warmer clothes or covering up with blankets, and then turning the thermostat down are easy and free ways of helping reduce the bills. Every degree lower your heating system is set is equivalent to a small saving, and if done daily, it can become a great deal of money saved.
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Reseal your home
Resealing your home is another way of reducing energy bills during the winter. Resealing can be as simple as checking for holes or air leaks in windows, doors, and other openings in the walls, like the chimney. Switching to insulated and air-tight windows is also effective.
In this way, you can keep cold air outside, and maintain a warm temperature inside the home.
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Maintain your boiler
Through time, the boiler can lose its original efficiency. The damage that is accumulated through constant use not only compromises the safety of the house, it also drastically affects the bills.
Mineral build-up, leaks, and corrosion, which are the leading side effects of poor maintenance, cause the boiler to use more fuel but not produce as much heat. Maintaining your boiler, so it does not end up in such a state is highly recommended. Otherwise, boiler replacement might be needed, which is costly.
Saving all the way
Boilers are generally inexpensive, as seen on websites like BoilerQuoteCompare. However, in the long run, they can cost a lot if they are used heavily, especially at colder times of the year in the UK. At best, using the appliance wisely can combat this. At the same time, maintaining your boiler by conducting regular inspections either on your own or by a professional also goes a long way. Keeping the boiler in check ensures one that it is in optimal condition and that it is producing heat as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.
Other money saving tips
While heating costs do comprise the majority of many energy bills, there are also other appliances that affect the swelling expenses.
Saving money on energy bills all year round can be done by using modern appliances that are Energy Star compliant. These appliances use energy more efficiently compared to older devices. Smart appliances, much like intelligent heating systems, are also preferable, as explained above because the artificial intelligence and programmable features of these devices help in reducing, if not eliminating, energy wastage.
Appliance maintenance, much like heating appliance maintenance, is also another investment that may cost at times but pays off in the form of more durable and efficient appliances and the assurance of safety in the household, the value of which should never be underestimated.