With winter temperatures set to drop later this week, many households are expected to reach for the thermostat for the first time since spring

Cost of Living: Keep warm and save big by avoiding 10 common heating mistakes this winter

07 Nov 2024, 01:18 by Emma McMenamy · Irish Mirror

Most households in Ireland have not had to switch on their heating yet with the country experiencing a very mild November. For the last few weeks temperatures have remained high for this time of year instead of the freezing cold conditions which normally grip the country.

But with winter temperatures set to drop later this week, many households are expected to reach for the thermostat for the first time since spring, marking a mass switch on of boilers across the country. From Friday, temperatures are set to drop to as low as 6 degrees with rain also forecast.

As people start turning their heating systems back on, households across Ireland are expected to need help with getting their heating and hot water systems back up and running in the coming weeks.

To help the country get ready for the change in weather, Head of Consumer and Business Services at Bord Gais Energy, John Cussen, is offering advice to help avoid any issues.

Mr Cussen said simple tasks like increasing the pressure on your boiler and having it serviced can help to ensure the system is running effectively as well as bleeding radiators in the house.

He said: “As the temperatures start to drop, more people will be turning to their heating systems once again to keep them warm in the months ahead. It’s important to make sure central heating systems are running smoothly and are prepared to withstand the winter weather.

“Keeping your boiler in good check is key to this, while making a few simple changes around the home can help save on bills and make sure you aren’t using more energy than you need.”

Here are the top tips:

1. Bleed your radiators.

Air can become trapped in radiators, forming bubbles at the top which reduces their heating efficiency.

If you notice cold spots near the top of your radiator, turn it off and let it cool, then use a radiator key to open the valve and release the trapped air.

2. Seal out the cold.

Keeping your windows and doors draught-free could save you up to €55 a year.

Simple self-adhesive foam strips around window frames can block cold air, while draught excluders are ideal for gaps under doors.

3. Position furniture for warmth.

Arrange furniture to allow heat to circulate freely. Positioning your sofa directly in front of a radiator may feel cosy, but it absorbs most of the heat that could otherwise warm the rest of the room.

4. Turn off radiators in unused rooms.

Save on heating costs by turning off radiators and closing doors in rooms you aren’t using.

5. Insulate your pipes.

Frozen pipes are a common issue, often leading to cracks or bursts when water inside turns to ice.

Avoid this by insulating your pipes with affordable materials from a DIY store, to retain heat and prevent freezing, which in turn, helps to avoid expensive repairs.

6. Set your thermostat wisely.

While it’s tempting to raise the thermostat on colder days, aim to keep your main thermostat between 18°C and 21°C, which could save you around 10 per cent on your bills.

7. Prepare your heating for bedtime.

Programme your heating to turn on 15 minutes before you wake up and turn off 30 minutes before you go to bed.

This can reduce energy costs and even improve your sleep.

8. Consider a smart thermostat.

Winter brings higher energy costs, so take advantage of smart technology like programmable thermostats. Installing a Hive Thermostat provides customers with control over their heating.

9. Maintain your boiler.

It’s often the case that many people don’t think about their boiler until it breaks down – but regular maintenance and servicing can help your boiler run more efficiently, potentially saving you 5 per cent on heating costs.

10. Check for energy support.

Before the cold weather arrives, see how the energy provider can help with your energy bills.

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