You may also want to make a change to your radiators
Adjusting your boiler settings could help reduce your energy bills. With the winter months approaching, many families will be concerned about rising heating costs. However, experts at waterproofing supplies brand Stormdry have offered some advice on how to keep your energy bills in check as you crank up the heating.
Hudson Lambert, an energy expert with the group, highlighted a quick method to trim your expenses. He said: “You can start saving money at the source by making some changes to your boiler.
“If you have a combi boiler, try lowering the flow temperature to 50C.” He explained the reasoning behind making this adjustment: “This returns water to your boiler at a lower temperature, which won’t affect how warm your radiators feel, but means that more energy is extracted from the gas that is burnt to heat the water.”
Get a smart meter installed
The expert also suggested another cost-saving step – getting a smart meter installed. He said: “You can get a smart meter fitted for free by your energy provider.
“This puts the power back into your hands to know how much you’ve spent on your energy.” One advantage of a smart meter is that it displays your energy usage in real time, helping you to identify which appliances are the biggest energy guzzlers and what adjustments you can make to reduce your bills
The consumer expert said: “For example, you could make savings by turning off appliances like washing machines, TVs and computer monitors, rather than leaving them on standby, or by only using them at off-peak times, such as on Sundays or in the evenings.”
A major source of heat loss
It might also be beneficial to carry out some simple DIY tasks around your home. Hudson recommends addressing any draughts around doors or windows as these can be a “major source of heat loss”.
There are simple methods to seal these gaps. Hudson suggested: “A quick and inexpensive solution is simply to buy a roll of self-adhesive foam draught excluder to cover the gaps in culprit doors and window frames, which help to keep the heat in. Another quick tip you can do is to insulate radiators and pipes.
“For example, sticking radiator reflective foil behind radiators helps prevent heat loss by reflecting heat back into the room.”
Insulation improvements
Another cost-cutting factor to consider is your insulation. Hudson said: “Porous masonry materials such as brick, stone, concrete and mortar are worse insulators when they are wet.
“One tip that isn’t common knowledge – but well worth the time – is to waterproof the exterior of your home to reduce heat loss.” According to the heating expert, waterproofed walls have been shown to lose 4C less heat compared to those without waterproofing.
A knock-on effect of upgrading your walls in this way is it will bolster your existing insulation measures, ensuring they work at peak efficiency in preventing heat loss.
Hudson outlined the step-by-step approach to strengthen your walls. He said: “Firstly, check the masonry joints of the wall for cracks and repoint if necessary.
“Next, you’ll want to dry the external wall and check the weather forecast for a rain-free day. Once dry, remove any loose mortar, dust and debris using a masonry brush.” The following stage involves applying a coat of breathable waterproofing masonry cream to your walls.
This lines the pores of the brickwork to create a water-repellent barrier, helping preserve the wall, safeguard your current insulation and prevent heat loss through water absorption. Hudson said: “Waterproofing your walls is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home and protect your insulation investment.
“It’s also ideal for older homes where insulation measures are a challenge to add.”
