Talk Money Week – 5 super-easy ways to reduce your energy bill this winter
As the weather gets colder, there are simple and cost-effective steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your bills.
We asked the Hillcrest Energy Advice Team (HEAT) to share their top tips for saving energy this winter:
1. Turn down your boiler’s flow temperature
Many condensing combi-boilers burn more gas than necessary. If you have a thermostat, use it to regulate your heating and set the boiler’s flow temperature between 70–80°C. If your boiler doesn’t have a thermostat, it will operate more efficiently with the flow temperature set to 60°C.
For electric heating, it’s more cost-effective to maintain a slightly lower temperature over a longer period, rather than using short bursts of high heat.
Need help operating your heating system efficiently? Contact HEAT on 0300 123 2640.
2. Bleed your radiators
If your radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top, trapped air may be preventing it from heating properly. This forces your system to work harder and increases your energy bills.
If you notice this issue, call our repairs team on 0300 123 2640 and an engineer will fix it for you.
3. Turn down radiators or electric heaters in unused rooms
Lowering the temperature in rooms you don’t use often is a quick way to save money. Even reducing the temperature by just 3°C can make a noticeable difference. However, make sure room temperatures don’t fall below 15°C, as this can lead to condensation, damp, and mould.
4. Draught-proof windows and doors
Draught excluders help prevent heat from escaping by sealing gaps in doors and windows. A roll of draught excluder tape is an inexpensive and effective solution.
By keeping warm air in, you’ll use less energy to heat your home. Need help with draught-proofing? Call us on 0300 123 2640.
5. Switch to LED light bulbs
Energy-saving bulbs use less electricity while providing the same amount of light as traditional bulbs. According to the Energy Saving Trust, replacing a 60-watt bulb with an LED could save you up to £7 per bulb per year, and reduce your carbon emissions by up to 40kg annually.
Need personalised advice?
Our expert Energy Advisers offer free, tailored guidance to help you save energy and money.
To speak with a member of the team, call 0300 123 2640 or email customerservice@hillcrest.org.uk.