In winter, bills for electricity and heat go up. Part of the cost can be cut without sacrificing comfort. Here are eight tips worth trying.
1. Do not cover radiators
Curtains hanging right over the radiator, furniture pushed up against it and decorative screens stop heat from entering the room. Leave space around the radiator.
2. Insulate windows
Draughts steal heat. Seal gaps with tape and replace the seal. Close thick curtains at night.
3. Lower the temperature where nobody is
A bedroom and a storeroom can be cooler than the living room. If your radiators have thermostats, they help you control the heat in each room.
4. Switch to LED bulbs
LED bulbs use much less electricity than incandescent ones and last longer.
5. Switch off standby appliances
TVs, chargers and set-top boxes in standby also consume energy. An extension lead with a switch lets you turn them all off at once.
6. Fill your machines
Run the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads, and choose economy modes and low temperatures where possible.
7. Do not dry clothes on radiators
Damp air heats up less well and needs more energy, and dampness also harms walls and health. It is better to use a drying rack in a ventilated room.
8. Ventilate briefly
Instead of an hour with the window ajar, open the windows wide for a few minutes. The air is renewed quickly while the walls do not have time to cool.
Use heaters and other appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not overload sockets and extension leads.
