What is the most economical way to use central heating?

With the temperatures dropping down rapidly, and our snuggly coats finally out of the dark closet, it's time to admit it - the winter is almost here.

You might have turned the central heating on already, or trying to brave it until the latest possible moment but one thing is certain, we all dread seeing the heating bill at the end of the winter.

The good news is there are a few economical ways to use central heating and save up on those hefty utility bills.

Service the Boiler

If your boiler is not performing to its full capacity it can cost you a hefty sum. A full boiler service will check for any leaks and issues with its performance, as well as clean the magnet filter, if your boiler has one. While the best time to have a boiler service is in the summer, it's still not too late to book one now!

Adjust the Settings of Your Boiler

First of all, before adjusting the boiler settings, do make sure that you don't lower it too much, or you're risking Legionnaires' disease. The temperature should always be above 60 degrees. Now that you know that, you can adjust the settings of your boiler to a bit lower temperature, and still enjoy your warm house and shower.

Replace the Boiler With an Energy Saving One

If your boiler is older than 15 years, it might be time for a change. Most boilers above these age are G-rated, and replacing them with a new A-rated or A+-rated condensing boiler, and a set of heating controls, will have a positive impact on your annual heating bill. And, in certain cases, you might even be eligible for a free boiler.

Adjust your Thermostat

We all love to feel toasty-warm, but let's be honest, do we really need to walk around the house in a T-shirt in January? Instead, put on a comfy jumper and a pair of fluffy socks and lower the termostat down a few degrees. Even down to 18/19 is completely acceptable, and it will save you a good chunk off the bill, once the winter is over.

Bleed the Radiators

If you've been cranking up the thermostat and the radiators are not getting any warmer, it might be time to bleed them! Don't worry, it's not difficult at all, though if you have a few in the house, it might take a day. But you'll thank us later!

Prevent draughts

One of the main reasons your house has trouble warming up, is insufficient insulation and draughts. Sometimes you can fix window and door gaps with a simple filler from the DIY store, but if your insulation is old, or your windows are not double-glazed, you might be looking at a longer renovation project. And yes, that will cost you, but also it will lower the annual bills massively!

Install TRVs

No, it's not some secret code for expensive new tech. Thermostatic radiator valves are an affordable solution for a big house, if you want to take control of your radiators. Installing a simple TRV will allow you to control the flow of hot water through the radiator, essentially allowing you to have one room warmer than the other. Dream!

Switch Your Energy provider

You have the freedom to switch your energy providers, when your contract is up, just make sure you know exactly when this is. Do your research, or use sites like Compare The Market to find the best energy deal possible. But don't go solely for the lowest price - make sure you look at the standing charge rates, as well as the customer service reviews. You don't want to end up tied to a contract, without any option to even speak to a human, right?

Need help with your home maintenance? At Rightio we can help repair heating, plumbing, drainage, locksmith and electricity issues. To find out more about our products and services that could save you money visit visit the Rightio home page and explore what we can offer you.