Adam Chapman, Founder of Heat Geek, says there are plenty of ways to potentially cut down your energy bills – and some hints aren’t as obvious as others.
Household energy bills to rise for winter as Ofgem lifts price cap
A consumer expert has shared ten ways to slash your energy bills as homeowners across the country struggle to cope with the crippling costs.
Adam Chapman, founder of Heat Geek, revealed that there are simple methods which can save you a significant amount on your bills. The advice comes as energy costs continue to mount, putting the UK on the path to becoming one of the most expensive places.
According to the expert, you can save a staggering 51 per cent from carrying out quick and simple tasks. His advice covers everything from pressing a button on your boiler to purchasing a draft excluder.
He stressed that some homeowners are spending a fortune due to simple mistakes that can easily be rectified within a matter of minutes. Heat Geek, which boasts over 57.4k subscribers on YouTube, shared the tips on the platform.
Below we have listed ten tips with the help of the Heat Geek expert.
Optimise your hot water
Adam suggested you should reduce your hot water flow, which could save you up to eight per cent on your hot water bills. “First look to see if you have a combination boiler or a standard boiler. You simply have to check to see if you’ve got a hot water cylinder typically you might have one up in an airing cupboard,” he said.
He continued: “Most combination boilers come pre-set with the hot water set to 50 degrees celsius, [ this ] may be helpful if you’re doing the washing up but if you’ve got a dishwasher you really don’t need water this hot.
“In fact, the average shower temperature is only 38 degrees. There is literally no point in heating hot water up to 60 degrees. By reducing your combination boilers’ hot water flow temperature down to 40 degrees, you’ll help move that boiler into condensing mode.”
Time your hot water
Adam said this third tip could save you up to a whopping 15 per cent on your hot water bill. The founder said: “You should time your hot water up for up to a couple of one-hour periods a day, leaving it permanently heated.”
He added: “If you have a combination boiler, make sure you turn off the hot water preheat function sometimes called eco mode which intermittently heats the boiler just in case you use hot water even when you’re out of the house.”
Use flow restrictors to shower
Adam explained you should use flow restrictors to shower and use aerators for taps. “As well as saving water, it will vastly conserve hot water heat and in turn gas,” he said. “You could literally save up to 35 per cent on your hot water bill.”
Make changes to your condensing boiler
For this trick, all you need to do is turn down your boiler’s flow temperature. “Simply turn your boiler flow temperature down until it reads 55 degrees,” Adam said.
“This should save around 9 per cent on heating. To save a further 9 per cent, keep on adjusting this boiler flow temperature throughout the year to the minimum you can get away with.”
Room control
The expert explained that if you haven’t already, you should turn your attention to your radiator valve. He said: “If you don’t have a condensing boiler, turn down unused rooms at the radiator valve and this could save up to 20 per cent on heating.”
Keep the heat in
He warned: “Don’t throw your heat out the window. Seal up your draughts and insulate if you have an open chimney.” He advised to get chimney balloons. He also advised to keep the curtains closed, to use draft excluders and to consider double glazing.
Look at timings
Adam said there is no point wasting energy when you aren’t even home. “If you have a non-condensing boiler, that’s one without the white pipe, you’ll only want to heat your home when you’re in and turn it off before you leave the home,” he said.
Add layers
The expert explained that this simple tip can bring your annual costs down. “Simply by putting on a jumper, you could save 10 per cent a year. in addition to this, perhaps consider getting your boiler serviced and cleaning down the back of your radiators to get good air flow,” said Adam.
Insulate hot water
The expert advised that whilst your already at the hot water cylinder, you may as well double-check its insulation. “Make sure it’s fully insulated,” he recommended. “Older copper ones might need some blankets or pillows, just to try and keep the heat in or use purpose-made insulation jackets. This could save up to 40 per cent on your hot water bill.”
Range rate your boiler
Adam stated that the majority of boilers are unnecessarily big. “This means they put way too much heat in, way too quickly and spend less time in the condensing mode,” he said. “Go into the menu and reduce your boiler output as much as possible.”
However, he said you “may have to go back in in the colder months to increase this to make sure the property gets up to temperature.”