A heating engineer has shared a simple trick that can help homeowners save money on heating this winter and significantly enhance energy efficiency- and all you need is some tin foil from the kitchen
As the winter season draws near, many households are growing increasingly concerned about their energy costs, particularly with the winter price cap set to rise from October 1.
Fortunately, taking proactive measures now can significantly enhance your home’s energy efficiency and, in turn, lead to substantial savings on your bills. To aid homeowners in preparing for the impending cold spell, financial experts at Moneyboat have collaborated with Stephen Day, a heating engineer from iHeat, to provide invaluable advice on essential home improvements.
One key strategy shared by Stephen involves placing tin foil behind your radiators, especially if you struggle to feel their benefits. He explained: “This will help to reflect some of the heat back towards your room and is cheaper than reflector foil, just make sure to use sturdy double-sided tape to keep it adhered to the wall. “If you’re in a real pinch, you can also use cut-up old crisp packets – just make sure to give them a thorough wash before using,” reports the Express.
Tin foil can be purchased on the high street for as little as £1, allowing you to spend a little but save a lot by avoiding the need to raise your thermostat. Stephen has also emphasized the importance of ensuring there are no drafts in your home, as this will reduce the temperature and potentially lead to an increase in bills as you turn up the central heating.
He advises: “Cracks and openings around doors, windows, and baseboards can easily let heat escape, but these can be easily remedied for a few pounds. For windows, you can use silicone-based sealant to repair any gaps in the seals around the frames, while for cracks in walls or baseboards, it’s best to use plaster or wood-based filler that you can lightly sand once dry.” Alongside this, insulating keyholes and letterboxes will also help prevent cold air from entering your property.
He said: “Small openings like keyholes and letterboxes can let in a surprising amount of cold air, particularly when the wind picks up, so look at covering them with insulating tape or use a letterbox brush. You can get these for less than £5 at most hardware stores, but they can make all the difference – especially if you have a front door that leads straight to your living room.”
