FEATURE: AUTUMN & WINTER PREP


EIGHT COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS TO INSULATE AND REDUCE ENERGY BILLS


Experts, Open Space Concepts, have compiled a list of ways to reduce energy bills this winter after many households are worried about continued increases in the cost of living.


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lthough energy prices are falling, the current price cap remains 60% higher than in winter 2021. This


has led to 7.8 million people borrowing money to pay their energy bills in the first six months of 2023 and many households are worried about the potential cost of their bills this winter, with 1 in 4 people saying their energy bill is the priority bill they’re most worried about. In response to these concerns, the founder of Open Space Concepts, Jamie Jones, offers a perspective on the ongoing crisis and said that simple tweaks such as furniture arrangement and cost-efficient DIY upgrades can substantially help households with the cost of their bills this winter.


He comments: “Although we’re seeing a reduction in energy prices, it would not be right to declare the energy affordability crisis over, especially in the current economic climate. Homeowners should remain vigilant and proactive. There are many simple yet effective steps individuals can take within their own homes to shield themselves from their energy bills skyrocketing.”


Place larger furniture along exterior walls Not only can rearranging furniture breathe new life into your living space but the strategic placement of furniture can make a significant difference in maintaining a well- insulated home. By placing larger pieces of furniture along exterior walls, such as bookshelves, you create a barrier that helps to block any cold drafts and retain heat. Beds and chairs, on the other hand, should snuggle up against internal walls to prevent the disruption of any cold air. Consider angling your furniture


toward the room’s heat source, whether it’s a fireplace or a radiator, to maximise the distribution of warmth. However make sure none are placed directly in front of radiators, as doing so will prevent heat from travelling around the room.


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you can ensure that your home is heated efficiently, reducing energy wastage.


Use draft excluders


Draft excluders, usually made of insulating materials like foam or fabric, act as barriers and are an affordable solution to keep cold air from entering your home through the bottom of doors.


Although they can be bought cheaply, anyone can make their own draft excluders using rolled- up towels, or filling fabric with padding from an old cushion.


Add rugs Rugs aren’t just stylish floor coverings, they are a great alternative for households that cannot afford underfloor heating. As an estimated 10% of all heat is lost through the floor of properties, especially those with wooden floors, rugs act as an additional layer of insulation, helping to trap warmth within a room.


Jones adds: “Opt for thicker, high-pile rugs for maximum heat retention and place them in areas where you frequently walk or sit, such as in the living room or bedroom, to prevent heat from escaping through cold floors.”


Install radiator reflectors When it comes to maximising the efficiency of your home heating system, radiator reflectors are an inexpensive solution that often goes overlooked. These simple, reflective panels can be easily installed behind your radiators, acting as a powerful tool to redirect heat into your room instead of being absorbed by walls. Radiators placed against external walls tend to lose heat to the outdoors, so by fitting them with reflectors, you can bounce the lost warmth back into the room. This not only makes your space warmer but also reduces the workload on your heating system, resulting in lowered energy consumption and heating costs.


Upgrade your doors and windows


Older doors and windows are often the culprits behind significant drafts


and heat loss in all homes. Investing in modern doors and windows with high-quality insulation materials and double glazing can prevent cold air from entering, reduce heat loss, and lower your energy bills in the long run.


If a full upgrade isn’t feasible, inspect your existing doors and windows for gaps and cracks, sealing them to keep the cold air at bay. An easy way to spot gaps is to hold a candle near windows and doors to see if the flame begins to move.


Make use of curtains


Heavy curtains and blinds can help to keep the cold air at bay and lock in the warmth by acting as an additional barrier against chilly outdoor temperatures. During the day, open the curtains to allow natural sunlight to enter and warm your home. Then, as the sun sets and the temperatures drop, close them to create a cosy, insulated room. For added effectiveness, place the curtains snugly against the window frame to minimise heat loss or invest in thermal curtains for additional insulation.


Bleed radiators


Over time, air can gather in your radiators, causing cold spots and causing them to take longer to heat up your room. Bleeding radiators involves releasing this trapped air, allowing hot water to circulate freely and evenly, which in turn maximises the radiator’s heat output. By bleeding radiators at the beginning of the colder season,


Use timers on your central heating


Making use of timers on your central heating system is a smart way to manage your energy consumption effectively. Aligning the timings with your daily routines, ensuring your home is warm when you need it most. For example, you can program the heating to come on before you wake up in the morning and to turn off when you leave for work, then have it kick back in just before you return home. This level of control not only saves energy by preventing unnecessary heating during hours you don’t need it but also keeps your home cosy when you’re present. Some modern thermostats even offer remote control through smartphones, making it easy to adjust your heating schedule on the go. By using timers intelligently, you can strike a balance between comfort and energy savings, making your home more efficient and cost- effective to heat during the winter.


About Open Space Concepts First established in 2018 Open Space Concepts is built on the strong foundations of 25+ years of industry experience, creating and installing the vast majority of structures available today from all over the world. With innovative, bespoke all- weather solutions for domestic and commercial properties, Open Space Concepts prides itself on producing the highest quality structures - each proven to last in the hottest summers and the harshest of winters. See www.openspaceconcepts.co.uk for more information.


SEPTEMBER 2023 DIY WEEK 11


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