Martin Lewis is the founder of Money Saving Expert – and there’s a few tips and tricks that could save you cash
Financial gurus from Money Saving Expert (MSE) have urged people to turn their radiators down to save money, and if they haven’t already, install a valve that costs around £10. MSE, which was founded by Martin Lewis, explained: “Make sure you control which rooms you heat, so you’re not wasting cash heating empty rooms.
“You can simply go round the house and turn down the radiators in the rooms you don’t want to heat. Smart Energy GB says you could save around £40 a year turning radiator valves down to the midway point, in rooms you don’t use.”
In its money-saving tip, it further explained that thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) let you control the temperature in each room (except the one with your main thermostat). When a room warms up past the level set on its valve, the valve reduces or stops the flow of hot water to that radiator. The boiler can still heat other rooms, but it uses less energy overall.
By fitting these valves and using them alongside your main thermostat, you can control your heating room by room and potentially save around £40 a year on your energy bills. MSE warned that there could be an upfront cost, as the valves are about £10 each plus installation.
It added: “Most thermostatic radiator valves have a frost prevention setting – usually a snowflake symbol. So when the valve is fully turned off, it’ll still let a small amount of hot water through to prevent pipes from freezing. If your radiators don’t have TRVs, be careful not to turn them off completely, as this could result in burst pipes in very cold weather.”
Make it a habit
If you work from the office, try to remember to turn down the dials before 9 am, the typical start time for many people in the UK, so you’re not heating your bedroom once your day begins. Even if you work from home, it’s still a good habit to follow. If your desk is in your bedroom, however, consider layering up so you can stay warm while still saving money and have the dial turned down ever so slightly.
In a warning to people who turn the dial down, MSE have noted that “in some homes, colder rooms could lead to more condensation, which can increase the risk of mould. Also, be aware that fridges and freezers generally can’t function properly if room temperatures drop too low (typically below 10°C).”
Should you paint your radiator black?
If you’re thinking about painting your radiators black, stop. The financial experts concluded that “according to the Energy Saving Trust, this is simply a myth and not worth the time, money, or paint.”
