Brits are being urged to examine their house to save money on heating (Image: Getty)
Brits are being encouraged to look at their home’s layout for potential savings by simply rearranging furniture.
While wholesale energy rates significantly impact bills, consumption is also a key factor – and there are ways to reduce energy usage that can help stave off unwelcome bill hikes. This will be particularly beneficial for those no longer receiving the extra £200 – or in some cases £300 – support from the .
However, it’s crucial to find a balance. Reducing usage should not mean sacrificing comfort at home.
Therefore, it’s vital for households to identify where they might be wasting energy unnecessarily.
Nicholas Auckland, managing director at , highlighted that Brits could use more efficient thermostatic radiator valves or even just move some furniture around to help save on costs. Below, we look at his advice.
Thermostatic radiator valves
Your central heating system may have a thermostat that turns off the boiler at a certain temperature, but further savings can be achieved. A thermostatic radiator valve is essentially a mini thermostat that prevents hot liquid from reaching a radiator once it has reached a specific temperature.
This can save energy in more than one way, as it will stop a radiator that may be too powerful for the room it’s in from consuming all the hot water from the central heating system, and additionally, it can allow the same amount of energy output to be distributed more evenly.
“There are reputable studies that show these cost-effective appliances can save energy by 18% on average,” stated Nicholas.
“The amount that you save on your bill will of course depend on your tariff, but it’s a worthwhile investment regardless as you’ll eliminate unnecessary overconsumption.”
Double-check your energy contract immediately
The energy price cap is set to increase on October 1, 2024 from £1,568 to £1,717. Nicholas advises that while wholesale costs may rise, there could still be a significant difference between utility providers, and encourages people to check their contract end date immediately.
The heating expert suggests contacting your utilities provider before your contract expires, as this is when costs can dramatically increase.
Nicholas advised: “I’d recommend keeping the end date of your contract in your calendar.
“If it’s going to end before the winter chill sets in, reach out to your provider well before the end date. Use comparison sites and speak to other providers to negotiate a good deal.”
The one foot rule
Nicholas highlights a common error: furniture – whether it’s curtains, sofas, or even bookshelves – blocking a radiator.
The expert estimates that amounts going into three figures (around half of the ) can be wasted each year as heat struggles to navigate around bulky furniture.
During the colder season, it’s wise to focus on practicality rather than style by adopting Nicholas’ cost-cutting “1 foot rule”.
“While a few inches is all that is needed, I would recommend pulling furniture at least a full foot away from your radiator,” he advises.
“The heat will more easily rise up, and this could save you up to £100 per year.”
The heating expert also suggests: “Having furniture a little closer together also makes for a cosier setup. Add in some soft furnishings and the freed-up heat will then get trapped where you need it, rather than behind the sofa!”