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How to Save on Your Heating Bills
You may have heard horror stories from your parents or grandparents about how they had to huddle round a lighted splint in order to keep heating bills down when they were young. And, while you might be keen to save yourself some money, you might not be willing to go to quite the same extremes. Luckily, there are a number of easy, accessible methods you can employ to keep your heating costs under control whilst staying warm (and sane). Here are a few of the best ones.
Get check-ups regularly
No, we’re not talking about nipping to the doctor’s every couple of months. In order to make sure that your heating system is doing as much as it possibly can for you, your house and your family, you should get it inspected regularly – at least once a year, if possible. There are lots of packages out there (such as the British Gas Central Heating Insurance policy) which allow you to make sure that your heating system is in tip-top condition. A surveyor or engineer may also be able to tell you whether or not you could do with updating your heating system.
Get insulated
If you haven’t already got insulation, you could be spending a lot more than you need to on your heating bills. Insulation comes in a few different forms, such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and hot water tank insulation, and helps to stop expensive and valuable heat escaping from your house into the outside world. Insulation is suitable for most types of houses, and although it may seem expensive and time-consuming, getting your home insulated could save you money year after year after year.
Get glazed
Double or even triple glazed windows are available nowadays, and these can work in a similar way to insulation to help save you money. According to online reports, as much as 18% of heat within your house can be lost due to non-glazed windows. Getting double glazed windows fitted helps you to keep cold air outside and hot air inside, meaning your house stays warmer for longer. Getting replacement, double glazed windows throughout your home can cost a fortune, but there is a method known as secondary-double glazing, which improves on your existing windows in order to make them more heat and energy efficient.
Article by Connor Sephton, 23rd September 2011. Content correct at the date of publication.
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