The most significant impact on your heating and cooling bills will be achieved by replacing the windows, doors and insulation in older buildings, particularly. These projects are also the most cost-effective. If you don’t have the budget for major upgrades, there are still several inexpensive solutions that will make a big difference in your heating costs.
- Seal windows and doors
Sealing gaps around doors and windows is one of the best ways to reduce your home heating bills. Here are a few easy ways:
- Install weatherstripping: Use V-strip or adhesive-backed foam tape around window and door frames.
- Install Doorstops: Attach them to the bottom of doors to stop drafts
- Use window films: Apply a clear plastic film on the glass to reduce UV glare, and block solar heat gain.
- Seal small gaps and cracks: Use silicone caulk around windows and doors.
- Existing heating systems can be optimised
It is a waste of money to have your heating system turn on and off rapidly. This is due to a thermostat feature that anticipates heat and maintains a nearly constant room temperature. Most electronic thermostats with setbacks are programmed so that they will act when they detect a drop of 1 to 1.5 degrees. If the thermostat has been programmed at less than one degree, it may cause the heater to go into rapid cycling, i.e., every three minutes to maintain the temperature.
- Consider underfloor heating
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- Use sunlight through windows
You can use the sun to reduce your heating system’s workload by using it during the day.
- Open the curtains and blinds of windows facing south on sunny days
- Close your window coverings to conserve heat at night
- Trim any trees or shrubs blocking sunlight from your windows
- Reflective window film will bounce heat back into your room.
- Installing a programmable thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat can be a great way to save money on home heating. These devices can optimise heating schedules by “learning” your habits and offer precise temperature control. When used correctly, even the standard programmable thermostat can provide a significant improvement in energy efficiency.
- Do-it-yourself insulation upgrades
Improve insulation in your home by tackling the areas where pipes, ducts and windows penetrate solid surfaces. You don’t have to break into your walls for these projects.
- Window treatments: Thermal curtains and cellular blinds will improve energy efficiency
- Insulation of hot water pipes: Wrap hot water pipes in foam sleeves to reduce heat losses
- Attic insulation: It’s easy to do if you have an unfinished loft, but adding fibreglass batting can make a huge difference
- Recessed lighting: Replace old fixtures that leak with airtight recessed lighting, especially for cathedral ceilings.