Outside temperatures here in Cardiff have been up and down over the last week – but with heavy frosts and lows of -1 some mornings I’m sure that, like me, you’ve had your heating on.
With energy bills rising by 12.5% last autumn (the fastest rise since 2014) it’s in everyone’s interests to try and conserve fuel – not to mention better for our planet.
Half the people who responded to an Energy Saving Trust survey said they turn their thermostats up when it’s colder outside; however, as it’s the thermostat’s job to maintain the same internal temperature, whatever the weather, this is unnecessary.
Some of the best ways to conserve heat are the simplest:
draw curtains or blinds – this really does keep the heat in, reducing heat loss by as much as 17%;
bleed your radiators regularly; ensure that large items (such as sofas) aren’t positioned in front of radiators where they block the heat; turn your heating off if no-one is at home. You could also use a heating app to control the thermostat when plans change.
Our best tip?
By turning your thermostat down by just one degree it should be possible to reduce your energy bill by at least 2% - and often by as much as 10%. The average room temperature in a UK home is 18°C, and central heating thermostats are generally set to around 20°C – while the World Health Organisation’s standard for warmth is 18°C for suitably dressed healthy people. (Bedroom temperatures should be set a little lower, at about 15°C or 16°C, to ensure a good night’s sleep.) The Energy Saving Trust suggests potential savings of £75 a year for a typical three bedroom home, when you turn your thermostat down by one degree.
You can contact us at info@penarth.co.uk or on 029 2070 3328.