Get efficient heating

Space heating and hot water account for about 60% of the average fuel bill. On the one hand, we want to keep as much of that heat as possible in the house through insulation. On the other we should generate it as efficiently and cheaply as possible. There is a third hand - we can install and use our heating controls better.

Get rid of old boilers!

A gas heating system is the most efficient way of heating your home and these are rated like fridges and cars on an A-G rating system - A is best. If your boiler is 15 years or older you should consider changing it. Moving from G to A could save around £235 off annual heating bill. All new boilers are now high-efficiency condensing boilers. The best of the best are accredited by Energy Saving Trust www.energysavingtrust.org.uk  

Control your heating better

• Make sure the timer programmer is set to match your lifestyle.
• Try turning down by 1°C – this will save 10% on fuel bill (£55)
• Leave the thermostat set at 21°C - do not use it to switch your heating on and off
• Install and use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). Your hallway radiator and one in a spare bedroom might not need to be on full.

• Make sure is set to 60°C (140°F) maximum
• An insulation jacket is cheap and simple to install and gives a £35 a year saving on heating - less than a 1 year payback