Anyone who owns a home or rents living space has bills to pay, primarily utilities such as power, water, and centralised heating. Concerning the last item, a lack of preparation and proper maintenance of heating systems within the home could lead to some serious expenses in the winter months.
So, how do you keep heating costs down? Here are a few practical tips to help you save money even while keeping your home toasty-warm when the cold winds blow.
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Tip # 1: Let the Sunshine In
It may not be as warm or sunny in winter as it would be in summer, but ambient lighting is a great way to lower your heating bills in the daytime. You needn’t open your windows, but be sure to raise the blinds or open curtains and shutters to allow sunshine and solar heat into your home.
Not only will this save on heating, but ambient lighting also helps lower power costs by reducing your need for electrical lighting in the daytime. At night, however, keep those shades and curtains tightly shut to keep heat from escaping and ensuring that your living space is comfortably warm.
Tip # 2: Get Someone to Look at Your Heating Systems Before the Snow Starts Falling
You can never be too careful when it comes to your heating systems, and neglecting them during the warmer months ought to be a serious no-no. If you took out a boiler cover plan when you bought your boiler system, you are entitled to an annual check-up of your heating setup – use it.
A maintenance team can check for leaks and make the necessary repairs to keep heat from escaping through flues.
Tip #3: A Good Thermostat Helps
Putting in a smart thermostat is another prudent way by which you can keep heating costs down. Over time, the technology in the thermostat learns your habits and automatically adjusts the heat within spaces to suit your preferences and within certain time periods.
Tip # 4: Clean or Change Those Filters
This is especially important for those whose homes are equipped with forced-air heating systems. These filters can get clogged with a variety of internal pollutants throughout the winter, including dust and pet dander, among others. A clogged filter will keep your heating system from functioning properly and may even lead to serious damage to the machinery.
Therefore, be sure to replace your filter at the beginning of winter and clean it monthly.
Tip # 5: Consider a Combi Boiler
Especially for smaller homes in urban areas, the combi boiler is a godsend. Here are the best reasons. First, it is more compact, so it doesn’t take up much space. Second, it connects directly to your water mains, so you don’t have to install a separate tank or reservoir. Third, it is more sustainable as it uses considerably less energy than a conventional boiler.
Likewise, it is considered a safer way to warm your home. New-generation combi boilers are equipped with condensing technology that ensures heat is distributed evenly throughout the living space. It also ensures that combustible gases are safely contained within. The best boilers would always yield a ton of savings in the long run. Not only would you be saving money with your utility bill, you would also be saving money from the longevity of your heating system. You would be subject to less boiler breakdowns and your boiler would last much longer compared to other systems.
