Plumbing expert reveals 7 ‘simple actions’ to slash heating bills by £708 a year
A PLUMBING expert has revealed 7 “simple actions” to slash your heating bills by £708 a year.
Plumbworld boss Eleanor Potter said the quick fixes can make a big difference to your wallet.
She told the Express: “Simple actions like a quick radiator bleed or a small adjustment to your water heater temperature can make a noticeable difference.
“It’s all about making your home work better for you, without needing to be a DIY expert.”
Here are Eleanor’s seven tips for cutting down on your winter heating bills.
1. Regular maintenance
Properly looking after your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) can improve its efficiency by up to 15 per cent.
If your average annual heating bill is around £1,200, that would add up to a yearly saving of £180.
2. Insulate pipes
Insulating pipes can cut down on the energy needed to heat your water.
Plumbworld experts said that pipe insulation reduces heating bills by up to four per cent.
This would slash a £1,200 bill by £48.
3. Check your boiler
Eleanor said that a boiler in good nick runs 15 per cent more efficiently than a rusty one.
Maintaining your boiler properly could knock £180 off a £1,200 bill.
4. Seal draughts
Draught-proofing could save you around 10 per cent on your heating bill.
That would mean a saving of £120 on a £1,200 bill.
5. Clean drains
Drains and gutters might not seem to have anything to do with your heating.
But keeping them clean could stop water seeping in to your walls and flooring.
Repairing water damage costs around £500 – money which you could save if you look after your drains.
6. Bleed radiators
Bleeding your radiators can make them 5 per cent more efficient.
This quick fix would knock £60 off a £1,200 bill.
7. Lower water heater temperature
You can save up to five per cent on your energy bill by lowering the temperature of your water heater by 10C.
Hot water costs the average household around £400 a year, so this tweak could save many families about £20.
It comes as thousands of households can get extra £150 vouchers to help with the cost of living from today onwards.