If you’re concerned about the rising cost of heating during storm Isha and Jocelyn, I have a simple and often overlooked solution that can help you save money on your energy bills. By making a small change in your home, you could potentially cut your bills by up to £120 a year.
The Overlooked Move
According to Nicholas Auckland, a heating expert at Trade Radiators, moving just one piece of furniture can make a significant difference. By moving your sofa away from blocking your radiator, you can save an average of £120 a year.
Sofas and other large soft furnishings have a tendency to absorb heat from the radiator, preventing it from properly circulating in the room. As a result, you find yourself turning up the heating to compensate for the reduced warmth. By making this simple adjustment, you can keep your living space warm without the need for excessive heating.
Tips for Furniture Placement
To optimize heat circulation and save on energy bills, Nicholas offers some helpful do’s and don’ts for furniture placement:
Do’s
- Leave gaps between heating sources and furnishings to ensure proper air circulation.
- Use open or slatted furniture that allows heat to pass through, especially if you need to place furnishings against radiators.
- Consider furniture with legs that elevate off the floor to allow heat to radiate more freely.
- Arrange furniture in a way that allows heat to flow around the room, placing larger pieces against walls without radiators.
- When building or renovating, keep radiators positioned away from doors.
Don’ts
- Avoid placing furniture directly in front of the entire radiator, as it hinders heat distribution and reduces efficiency.
- Don’t hang heavy curtains directly over radiators, as they trap heat and prevent it from circulating.
- Never block the thermostat; it should be clear at all times to accurately control the room temperature.
If rearranging your furniture isn’t an option due to limited space, consider purchasing furniture that allows for better heat flow. Slatted and open furniture is preferable to heavy and solid pieces, as it ensures successful air circulation. Additionally, opting for smaller furniture reduces the risk of blocking radiators and promotes better airflow.
Nicholas also suggests investing in a “radiator reflector” to enhance heat distribution in the room. Another important tip is to keep internal doors closed to trap heat and prevent it from escaping.
Other Ways to Save on Heating Bills
In addition to furniture placement, there are several other measures you can take to reduce your heating bills:
- Utilize draught-proofing techniques, such as using rugs, draught excluders, or thicker curtains to prevent heat from escaping under doors and between floorboards. This simple method can save the average household £45 a year.
- Regularly bleed your radiators to remove excess air and ensure efficient heat distribution.
- Increase the thickness of your hot water cylinder jacket to keep your water at temperature for longer, reducing the need for additional energy.
- Consider turning your thermostat down by just one degree, which can save you up to £100 a year on your energy bill.
By implementing these strategies, you can make a significant difference in your energy consumption and lower your heating costs.
For more energy-saving tips and information, visit F5 Magazine.
(Source: The Sun)