A British Gas engineer has warned people that they could be missing out on £1,700 towards their heating bills.
As temperatures get set to plummet and snow forecast in many parts of the UK, people up and down the country are considering the best way to heat their homes.
For millions of people across the country, the declining temperatures pose even greater peril following Labour’s removal of the winter fuel allowance.
British Gas service and repair engineer Dinesh Kumar warns that there are simple measures people can take to heat their homes, including checking eligibility for a cash sum of up to £1,700.
Mr Kumar said: “It’s always a good idea to see if you’re eligible for extra help with your energy bills before the cold weather arrives.
“The British Gas Energy Trust offers face-to-face advice, financial support, and grants of up to £1,700 (even if you’re not a British Gas customer).
“Many energy providers also have assistance funds to help with energy costs.”
Mr Kumar believes there are small things that every household can do to alleviate some of the burden of energy bills this winter.
Below are five of his energy saving tips to keep your house warmer this winter.
1. Bleed your radiators
Air can get trapped in the system, forming bubbles at the top of the radiators and reducing their efficiency. If you feel cold spots near the top, turn the radiators off and allow them to cool. Then, use a radiator key to open the valve at the top and release the trapped air.
2. Block out the cold
Checking your windows and doors are free from draughts could save you around £60 a year. Easy-to-apply self-adhesive foam strips around windows can help prevent cold air passing through, and draught excluders work wonders for gaps under doors.
3. Insulate your pipes
Frozen pipes are a common issue, often leading to cracks or bursts when water inside turns to ice. The best solution is to prevent freezing in the first place. Insulating your pipes with affordable materials from a DIY store can prevent heat loss, helping to avoid expensive repairs.
4. Optimize your thermostat
It can be tempting to crank up the thermostat on colder days, but what’s the right temperature? Set your main thermostat between 18°C and 21°C to save around 10% on your heating bills. For an average household, lowering the temperature by just one degree could save you about £115 a year.
5. Give your boiler some TLC
It’s often the case that many people don’t think about their boiler until it breaks down – but regular maintenance and servicing can help avoid future potential problems altogether. Some tasks like adjusting the boiler pressure you can do yourself but for servicing, broken boilers or anything you are unsure of, you should contact a qualified engineer.
