Tips to Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter

During the winter months, it's easy for our heating bills to rack up, but there are some simple ways to save money without completely switching it off. Our customer services manager, Lydia, shares her ideas...

1. Turn your thermostat down

One of the most important elements is reducing the thermostat temperature. Most people put it up really high to get a quick boost, but this wastes a lot of energy, so set it on a slightly reduced heat. For example, if you constantly have your heating on 21, try it on 20 instead. This will save energy and 1 degree doesn't feel much different.

2. Set the timer

Use the programmer to set when your heating comes on and clocks off. Have it come on 30 minutes before you get up and return home - and turn it off before going to bed.

3. Adjust the radiator thermostats

Use the radiator thermostats to reduce waste. Some people believe that all thermostats need to be on the same setting, but this is incorrect. For rooms that get colder or ones you use more, turn each radiator up to 3. For other rooms, keep it at 2. The difference you feel won't be massive, but it will save energy and cost. Realistically they never really need to be on 5.

4. Consider radiator locations

If you're installing new radiators - or thinking of moving radiators - then you can take advantage of better positioning, which can make a big difference. In new houses, radiators are often installed under windows as it's usually a vacant space, but you then lose a vast amount of heat straight out of the window. It is much more efficient to have radiators on internal walls.

However, if your radiators are on external walls, consider adding insulation behind them. There are different insulation and foil kits you can install behind radiators to prevent heat escaping through the walls.

5. Replace your radiators

If your radiators are getting old and tired, they may not be as efficient as they used to be. Sometimes, it may be worth upgrading your radiator to one with a high output, than it is to stick with an old, inefficient one.

There are several factors which can affect the amount of power you’ll need your radiator to have, such as room dimensions, heating levels and types of window.

If you’re buying a radiator for a master bathroom then it’s wise to go for a radiator with a high output, to ensure it’ll heat the room fully. If it’s a big bathroom then you may require more than one. If you're looking for the best radiators for a small bathroom, we have many options.

Before buying a radiator, we suggest using a BTU calculator which will work out the heat requirement for your room, and recommend the number of radiators you will need to comfortably heat it.

Here are our six tips for buying a new radiator.