BILL BLOW

Boiler expert sets record straight on common MYTH that is raking up heating bills – save cash & stay warm the simple way

Scroll down for more ways to save cash this winter and the cheap gadgets that will keep you warm

IF you’re worried about rising costs and are looking for ways to save cash, you’ve come to the right place.

It turns out that many of us are making a very popular mistake, which is raking up our annual energy bills.

Advertisement
For those looking to cut costs without needing to freeze in winter - you've come to the right placeCredit: Getty
Thanks to a boiler installation guru, here are some simple hacks to help you save cash and keep warm this winterCredit: Getty
Andy Kerr revealed the "best way to save money on your bills" - and it's not leaving your heating on low all dayCredit: Getty

So if you fancy pocketing some extra pounds, you’ll need to take notes.

According to a boiler expert, making one simple change can make all the difference and will cut costs this winter - and it’s all to do with a common myth. 

The question on everyone's lips is whether it’s more purse-friendly to keep the heating on a constant low or to only switch it on when required.

Andy Kerr, a boiler installation guru at has offered his professional insight, to ensure Britons use their central heating effectively.

Advertisement

Andy, the founder, shared: "The idea that leaving your heating on low all day will save you money is a myth.”

Instead, Andy shared that if you want to save cash and stay warm this winter, it’s all about keeping it simple.

He added: “The best way to save money on your heating bills is to only use your boiler when you need it so that it does not continually use energy."

Andy continued: "By only using your boiler when you want warm water or heating, you minimise the energy your boiler uses in the long term."

Advertisement

Most read in Fabulous

LILY'S STRUGGLE
Lily Allen 'checks into trauma centre' after David marriage collapse
PURE EVIL
My evil ex set me on fire & threw our girls out in the snow, I will never recover
MYSTIC MEG
The Jupiter effect on words can mean they come out wrong
UNPLUGGED
My sons feared they'd be bullied when I banned phones, the effect was eye-opening

And the justification is straightforward - burning fuel at a constant rate will result in the continual use of energy and energy loss.

Andy provided some more crucial guidance for homeowners, as he advised: "It is more energy-efficient and cheaper to only use your boiler when you need it and to adjust your thermostat to ensure your home is heated to the desired temperature."

means you warm yourself instead of turning on the heating and heating the whole house.

This can save money on your heating bill and means you don't have to sit in the cold.

  • USB gloves - initial cost £10, cost to run less than 1p an hour
  • Heated insoles - initial cost £10, cost to run less than 1p an hour
  • USB hand warmers - initial cost £15, cost to run less than 1p an hour
  • Electric gilet - initial cost £50 (including battery pack), cost to run less than 1p an hour
  • Microwaveable wheat bag - initial cost £4, cost to run less than 1p per hours
  • Reusable hand warmers - initial cost £5 for a pair, cost to run less than 1p per hour

But just as overusing your heating in winter can be costly, Andy also warned against leaving the boiler completely unused during summer.

He reinforced: "You might be tempted to not use the boiler at all during summer, however, it's always a good idea to run your heating from time to time to stop components seizing up."

For those with modern combi boilers, he revealed: "If you have a modern combi boiler, when you run hot water the majority of your boiler components are still being used during the summer, although it is still a good idea to turn your heating system on periodically to check your thermostat operation and prevent the wider system from seizing up."

And to avoid boiler seizure due to inactivity, Andy recommended setting thermostats to at least 10C or using the boiler's heating controls and timings. 

Advertisement

The idea that leaving your heating on low all day will save you money is a myth

Andy Kerr

He pointed out that most boilers allow you to set your timers and schedules, while smart thermostats help control your boiler's temperature more accurately.

He shared: "Those with a smart thermostat can often control the temperature inside their home without needing to be at the property, making these devices perfect for those travelling throughout the year."

Not only this, but Andy suggested that for those concerned about energy loss, "making home improvements to improve insulation can save you money in the long run".

Advertisement

Stressing the importance of insulation, he commented: "Having wall, floor and roof insulation installed can reduce the amount of energy lost from your home, and reduce the time it takes for your boiler to heat and maintain the temperature in your house."

5 Money-saving tips for autumn/winter

1. Draught-proof your home

It takes time and money to heat up your home, so it’s important that you do as much as you can to keep in the warmth. Close your doors and windows, and fill any gaps with a draught excluder.

2. Dial down your thermostat

According to Energy UK, turning down your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, and save you around £85 per year. Plus, if you don’t have a thermostat, installing one could save up to £70 per year!

3. Move furniture around

Make sure not big, bulky furniture like sofas are blocking radiators.

4. Wash clothes on a lower temp and add an extra spin

Unless it's bedding, towels or really dirty items, dial down the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees, and do a double spin to remove excess water.

5. Heat the person not the home

There's not point heating up a room that no one is sitting in, so be mindful about which radiators are on.

Topics
Advertisement
machibet777.com