THE HEAT IS ON! Seven super tips to keep your bills down as winter drags on forever

VIVA Team | 5th March 2020

Still got the heating on? VIVA has and that’s why we’ve got some top tips on how to keep the bills down.

 

After all, Ofgem says that the average household £104.50 per month, or £1,254 a year, for gas and leccy and that amount soars depending on how big your home is, how often you put the heating on (VIVA could go on).

 

And it’s not just money (although it’s a hefty part of VIVA’s monthly pay packet) it’s also the cost on the environment.

 

As you may have noticed winter is showing no signs of calming down any time soon as named storms, flooding and snow drench our battered isles

 

So, what are some of the most effective methods that can help reduce the heating and (finger’s crossed if the sun ever comes out) even cooling costs in your home?

 

 

  1. Proper annual services

 

One effective way to ensure that your heating or A/C systems are not the cause of those high bills is to make sure they ‘re well serviced.

 

Finding gas safe registered heating engineer is the first step towards that. You should be doing this at least once a year, not only to make sure your central heating or air conditioning is working effectively, and saving you much needed wonga, but also from a safety perspective too.

 

  1. When the sun shines – use it!

 

At the moment it may all be a bit grey, but when the sun does shine, open your curtains and blinds and let the natural heat from it give you some free warmth – it also makes you feel good.

 

And when we get Summer (VIVA is optimistic) then keep your window coverings closed to keep rooms cool without whacking the A/C on.

 

  1. Keep the thermostat settings the same

 

Try and keep your thermostat settings the same. That’s because the more you keep changing them, the more energy you’ll waste.

 

You need a programmable thermostat if possible, that will adjust the temperatures automatically in real-time.

 

You should also make sure that the temperature is set in a way that the system runs low at night when people are asleep or when you are out of the house.

 

When done properly, this can help reduce energy bills and save you money. And if you’re feeling the cold, resist the urge to change it. As our parents used to shout at VIVA, ‘put a jumper on’.

 

The heat is on: Seven super tips to keep your bills down as winter drags on forever!

 

  1. Vent properly!

 

VIVA likes a good vent (who doesn’t) but you may not realise how your home’s ventilation system is a vital part of your central heating or air conditioning.

 

The ventilation system comprises of ductwork, registers, vents, and connectors. And, to ensure that it’s in a proper functioning state, you must get it inspected by an HVAC professional, who can identify potential blockages or leaks.

 

Leaks in the ductwork lead to loss of air, while blockages stop the proper circulation of air, which could cost you a small fortune on your bills if they are not working efficiently.

 

  1. Use things early in the morning or late in the evening

 

This is a cool tip and one which hadn’t occurred to VIVA, as some of the things we use daily from hairdryers to ovens can add heat – which is great for winter but not so good in summer.

 

So, use these heat making devices in the morning or evening when it’s cooler in summer to avoid your A/C working harder and adding to the bills. Similarly, in winter if you do the same, then it helps to heat up your home. Simples.

 

  1. Ensure that your home is airtight

 

This makes perfect sense. If you have draughts and no installation, you’re basically paying to warm or cool the whole neighbourhood, so make your home airtight.  Use simple draft-proof materials such as weather strips or window films.

 

  1. Old boilers

 

Is either your central heating or A/C older than ten years? Then it might be a good time to consider replacing it with a new one. Getting new and up to date equipment ensures that you enjoy the latest technology, which may offer more efficiency.

 

The more energy-efficient the equipment is, the lower the utility bills that come to your door every month and the better for the planet, which may help the weather calm down a bit (VIVA hopes).