Achieve a reduced gas charge
Achieve a reduced gas charge
The news papers are full of reasons why we should reduce energy consumption. Gas expenses seem to be perpetually on the rise and it is therefore also financially helpful to make better use of the energy you buy. You may be surprised to acknowledge that up to half of your gas costs will be related to your gas heating system. If you want to cut your energy expenses read on as we have outlined some actions you can take.
Check where you are using the heating boiler :
If you have a spare bedroom that is not being used turn off the gas central heating metal radiator in the room. Cutting the number of rooms which are heated will cut your gas consumption. If you keep the entrance door shut to the room it will prevent the flow of cold air around your home.
Prefer the central heating system in preference to using a fire :
If the room needs to be warmer use thermostatically managed metal radiator valves and increase the temperature setting. The presence of the chimney means that a lot of the heat generated passes to the outside, an electric fire is nowhere near as cost-efficient as the gas central heating.
Eliminate drafts with insulation
Stop being cold air flowing into your home means that you do not have to pay for gas to continually heat the air. DIY stores stock many insulation materials for use for this. There can be gaps between the window and door frames and a wall which are easily filled with a foam based sealant. These type of gaps happen often in older houses as the foundations settle. Whilst draughts are unseen using a candle flame can help to disclose where they are.
Put on a jumper and warmer clothing :
If you are chilly in the room put on some more clothes before you move to increase the thermostatic temperature. Maintaining a 1 degree decrease on the thermostat can save up to ten% on your heating charges.
Temperature can be manipulated by using your drapes :
During the day if the sun is shining keep the drapes on the sunny side of the house open to heat the inside of your home. At night most of your home’s heat is lost through it’s windowpanes. Closing the drapes provides an insulating layer which helps prevent this, if you adopt this tactic over several months you can save large sums on your heating charges. Thick drapes are better at preventing heat loss than thin ones.
guidance around the home :
If your heating boiler has a hot water tank this must be insulated. Hot water will rapidly cool down unless retained in a well insulated cylinder.
The use of shiny foil on the wall by your radiator can be used to reflect heat into the room rather than out into the wall and the outside.