Seven common heating mistakes that can make energy bills soar

11/05/2023

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Winter is getting closer and us Brits are already starting to feel the chill of the colder weather.

As well as worrying about wrapping up and staying warm, our minds are also turning to the price of rising energy bills. Google searches for "help with energy bills" have doubled within the last month alone, so it’s clear that Brits are desperate to bring energy costs down.

But some homeowners may not realise the mistakes they’re making that are causing their monthly bills to soar. Saving money may be more about being savvy rather than being skimpy with your heating allowance.

READ MORE:Martin Lewis urges Brits to make five energy checks ahead of winter

Read all the latest lifestyle stories by the Daily Star team

St. Modwen Homes, a leading housebuilder of energy-efficient properties, revealed the common pitfalls that lead to higher energy bills. It's said certain mistakes can lead to people coughing up more cash.

So, to ensure your bills stay low, here's how to avoid overspending on keeping warm this winter. There are ways to keep toasty without breaking the bank – you just have to be clever. Adopting these simple tips and tricks will help you out a lot.

Heating on low, or no?

Everyone has probably heard that leaving your heating on low all day will save you energy, but that’s actually a huge myth. To make best use of your heating in the long run, you should only turn it on when you need to.

It’ll save you more energy which, in-turn, will benefit your bank account.

Ignorance isn’t always bliss

Hearing terms like "insulation", "cavity wall" and "air-tight" can make many of us instantly switch off. But ignoring these crucial elements can cost you dearly.

Inadequate insulation is a major culprit in energy waste, and neglecting proper insulation means that your heating systems must work overtime, resulting in skyrocketing energy costs.

Don’t be an idiot sandwich

In the famous words of Gordon Ramsey, don’t be an idiot sandwich. Preheating ovens for too long, using oversized pots and pans and forgetting to use lids can result in energy wastage when you’re cooking up a storm.

If you’re looking to save money when cooking, using appliances like microwaves and air fryers can help conserve energy quite significantly.

Out with the old

Outdated appliances guzzle electricity and gas. So, if you’ve got an old fridge, oven or washing machine, upgrading to new energy-efficient models can lead to substantial long-term savings.

Although it may be costly upfront, you’ll thank yourself in years to come.

It costs watt?

Leaving on lights, appliances and electronic devices when you’re not using them can cost you more than you realise – hundreds of pounds a year, in fact.

Implementing energy-saving practices in your daily life, such as switching off your lights when not in use, can make a significant difference.

Hot stuff

On a cold winter's day, there’s nothing better than a hot shower or bath. But taking a long time in the tub and using excessive hot water can cause an increase in your bills.

Cutting down on the time you spend in the bathroom, or even installing low-flow showerheads, can make all the difference.

Shut the front door

Closing internal doors and isolating specific rooms or areas within your home can keep your body heat up and your energy bills down. This is especially useful in larger homes or multi-story properties.

By closing doors to rooms that you’re not using, you can prevent the heat from escaping into unoccupied areas. So, now you know the mistakes you may be making that are causing your energy bills to surge, what heating products and appliances are best value for money, and what are the worst?

How much are your heating products and appliances costing you?

Electric blanket – £5.83 per month
Towel rail – £29.16 per month
Air source heat pump – £64.80 per month
Fan heater – £162 per month
Oil filled radiator – £162 per month
Panel heater or electric fire – £162 per month
Immersion heater – £194.40 per month

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