Gas central heating is used to warm the home, it’s needed for hot water, and sometimes to cook, so how can you bring down the bills when all of these are essential?
HomeOwners Alliance have put together top tips to save you money on your gas bill.
Layers
If you have the heating turned all the way up and you’re walking around your home in bare feet and a T-shirt during winter, that’s a key area where you can save money.
By putting on warmer clothes at home, such as cosy jumpers or cardigans, you can then turn down the thermostat and save yourself some money.
“Putting on a jumper may seem obvious, but it’s also very effective,” noted the HomeOwners Alliance.
Be choosy
For those who can’t face the prospect of a cold home, think about putting the heating on in those rooms that you spend the most time in.
If, for example, there is a certain room where you work from home, then it would make sense to have the radiators on.
However, if the radiators are on in different rooms that you don’t use much, you could cut your gas bill by turning the radiators in those rooms on a lower setting or off completely.
“Alternatively, invest in a heated blanket and wrap yourself in that,” the HomeOwners Alliance added.
Turning down the thermostat
Dialling down the thermostat by only 1C is enough to save you up to £145 off your gas bill.
Move furniture
Another tip is to make sure there is enough of a gap between radiators and furniture.
This will ensure that the heat given off the radiators can effectively circulate around the room.
“And make sure curtains aren’t hanging in front of radiators either,” the HomeOwners Alliance added.
Heavy curtains
Speaking of curtains, it could help to warm the home by having heavy curtains that are closed once the sun goes down.
Tackle draughts
Making the house draft-proof will help the home keep the cold out and to keep the heat inside.
DIY draft excluding foam strips are available at home stores that can be put around draughty windows and doors.
Draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you around £45 a year, according to Energy Saving Trust.
