WHEN IT COMES to heating our homes this winter, there’s a few key issues that spring to mind. Keeping warm, of course, is important. But we can’t forget how much it costs to heat our homes these days, and because of this many of us will be trying our best to reduce bills and keep costs down where we can.
It’s important to keep your heating system in good condition throughout the year, but particularly heading into the colder months, it’s crucial to have your boiler or heat pump serviced annually, depending on the system you have. If your boiler is over ten years old, it’s also recommended that you consider replacing it for a more modern and efficient boiler which will save you money in the long run. Get in touch with your energy provider to find the best service to suit your needs.
If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove for additional heat purposes, it’s not too late to get them serviced. It’s recommended, depending on your usage, that an annual chimney inspection and clean will set you up for the months ahead. You can find a list of certified chimney sweeps across the country here.
Another key point, that will ultimately save you money on heating bills, is to bleed your radiators. It’s a simple task that helps them work better and improves their overall performance. If your radiators have cold spots or are taking a long time to heat up and warm the room, this will cost you in the long run.
If you use timers and thermostats in your home, it’s important to get to know the system and how it affects the temperatures throughout your residence. If it’s very cold, set the timer to switch the heating on earlier, rather than turning the thermostat up to warm your house quickly. If you have individual thermostats on your radiators, make sure they’re set at the right temperature in the rooms where you spend the most amount of your time.
According to the HSE, a few ideal temperatures to keep in mind can be found below:
Insulation is another key point when it comes to understanding temperatures in your home. Insulation provides resistance to heat flow and ultimately lowers your heating and cooling costs, so it’s not to be dismissed. Considerations when it comes to insulation should include air quality impacts, life cycle costs, recycled content, embodied carbon, and ease of installation, especially if you plan on doing it yourself. Some insulation definitely requires professional help, but there are also strategies that can be easily handled by a homeowner.
You can find out more information on insulating your home and maintaining energy efficiency here.
It’s understandable that people are concerned about bills during this time, but it’s also important to heat our homes effectively, did you know that for some people there’s a scheme that can help you keep your home warm? The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme installs safety measures in your home, at no cost to you if you’re eligible, which includes; draught-proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot-water tanks, low energy light bulbs, and cavity wall insulation.
Energy advice is also provided through this scheme and you may be eligible if:
To find out more information on this scheme and to check your eligibility you can L0-Call 1800 250 204.
Ultimately, knowledge when it comes to heating your home is what will see you through the winter months. To find out more about central heating systems and how to protect your house during the winter months you can check out this Allianz blog on taking care of your boiler and central heating.
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