Beat the energy prices this winter with financialadvice.co.uk
14/11/2013
The financialadvice.co.uk poll question for the month of November is “Will recent rises in the cost of household energy make you switch provider?” With five out of the six household energy providers increasing their prices, here at financialadvice.co.uk we’ve looked into ways that you could possibly tackle those energy prices increases this winter.
We’re pretty sure that at some point over the past 12 months you have either spoken to someone or seen an advert promoting the benefits of upgrading your boiler, double glazing and insulating your home. All these methods could save you money in the long run on your energy bills but they are quite costly. So are there any cheaper, quick win alternatives that could keep you, your home and your family warm this winter.
1. The Power of Tin Foil
According to Readers Digest Tin Foil can be used to improve the efficiency of your radiators. By simply placing tin foil between your radiator, shiny side facing outwards, and the exterior wall you create a ‘heat reflector’. The heat is reflected off the tin foil back into the room instead of being absorbed by the wall. Alternatively you can buy specialist foil sheets that are designed for this purpose and they can be bought for as little as £10.
2. Curtains to the rescue
Another cheap’ish alternative is looking into replacing any old and thread bare curtains. The Natural Curtain Company advises that a good, thick and lined pair of curtains can insulate a room nicely. If buying a new pair isn't an option you can look at lining them yourself by using some fleece, black out material or even an old shower curtain!
But don’t forget to open those curtains! Having those thick curtains closed during the night keeps your room warmer but they can also keep the daylight sun out, so don’t forget to open those curtains in the morning and let the sunlight in.
3. Chimney heat loss
Most of us will live in a house at some point in our lives that has a chimney, whether it is decorative or functional. Hypnotic as a lit fire place can be, when not in use an amazing amount of heat can be lost through a chimney. To help prevent this there are various products on the market that can decrease the amount of heat loss such as ‘chimney balloons’. A chimney balloon can be sourced fairly easily online or by contacting your local chimney sweep.
4. Mini-draughts can be mini-beasts
A letterbox, a key hole or a cat flap can become a ‘mini-draught’ unless it is tamed. Most modern front doors have a letterbox that is fitted with a brush, but if you don’t have one it is worth investing in one, not only will it stop draughts they are the bane of many a junk mail leaflet deliverer. Key holes can also be covered from the outside with a circular cap (key hole cover) and cat flaps can be covered with pieces of blanket.
5. Shut that door
By simply closing doors of unused rooms can change the temperature in a room dramatically. Keeping a door closed will prevent cold air moving into the rest of the house and contain the heat that you've generated in a smaller area.
We hope that you have found our ‘Energy saving’ tips useful. If you have any more please get in touch either by email or by visiting our Facebook or Twitter pages.
Our financial advice support team are on hand Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm should you wish to discuss any financial questions, worries or concerns that you have. Simply get in touch with them by asking a question, by email or call.
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