How to Save on Heating

There are several different contributing factors to the heat of your home. Making the right choice of boiler and radiators can ensure that you manage to keep the whole house reliably warm. There are also many other ways you can save money and keep the house warm cheaply. You should also consider environmental impacts and your own personal cost. Bad heating choices can cost you hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year.

Gas vs. Electric

There are several differences between gas and electric boilers — the two main choices for UK homes.

Gas boilers can be found in about 80 percent of all homes in the UK. They burn natural gas, usually LPG, which can be drawn from a reserve on-site or communal or municipal gas reserves.

Electric boilers convert electricity into heat, providing central heating that can be circulated around your radiators to keep the house warm. They don’t rely on being piped into a gas supply.

There’s no denying the fact that gas central heating releases harmful greenhouse gases into the environment. However, it’s usually more affordable to heat the whole home using a gas boiler. Electric boilers are quieter and generally environmentally friendly, though there is an extra cost attached as electricity costs more to heat your property.

Ways to Save on Heating

Most homes are probably not as efficient with their heating and energy as they could be. However, there are plenty of ways to save some money on your heating costs and be more of a friend to the environment in the process.

Dress for the Weather

This is probably the sort of thing your parents would have said to you when you were a kid complaining about the cold. One way to get away with heating your house less is to wear the appropriate, warm clothing. That way, you won’t be as tempted to crank the heating up.

While this tip is not rocket science, it can be very effective.

Insulate Your Home Properly

Insulation can keep the precious heat in your home. With the right insulation, you need less heat generated from your boiler.

The government provides many grants for insulation or draught-proofing doors and windows. Home energy grants of up to £10,000 are available for some houses. With that much money up for grabs, make sure to do some research to see if you qualify.

Boiler Maintenance

Getting your boiler regularly serviced can ensure it is running at its optimum output and providing you with the most efficient heating possible. Otherwise, you might be throwing money away as your boiler uses more energy than it should require.

Most companies agree that an annual boiler service is enough.

Let Some Light In

Solar heat is totally free. If you live in a home that sees plenty of sun during the day, open up the curtains and let the light pour in. A properly insulated house can retain the heat after sunset.

Although the gains might be relatively small, these little changes can add up to a lot more heat in the long run.

Get the Best Rates by Shopping Around

One way to save without using less energy or gas is to negotiate with your supplier or use comparison websites to find the best deals on gas and electricity. Many people switch suppliers regularly as a way to save some money and take advantage of introductory offers.