Bill-payers need to be prepared to see their heating costs rise from the start of the new year, thanks to an increase in the energy price cap. So, these tips on how to stay warm without breaking the bank will definitely come in handy in 2025.
Ofgem revealed that between January 1st and March 31st 2025, the energy price cap will increase by 1.2 per cent from the previous quarter. While it is currently set at £1,717 for a typical household for the year, this will go up to £1,738.
Of course, this price could be even higher if you live in a larger-than-average house, your property has poor energy efficiency, there are lots of people living in your home, and how often your appliances are used.
Therefore, some families could expect to pay significantly more than this next year if they do not take action to reduce their heating bills.
Change the thermostat according to the weather
The weather in the UK is very variable, and one week the temperatures can dip to below freezing while the following week, it can feel relatively mild. Although you might turn the thermostat up during the cold spell, it is important to adjust it once the outside temperature has risen.
This can mean altering the settings daily and lowering it if you feel unnecessarily warm in your home. Just reducing the thermostat by one degree can save one-tenth on your energy bills, so it is certainly worth changing it depending on weather fluctuations.
Use smart thermostat controls
One way that makes it easier to do this is by having the thermostat controls on your smartphone. This enables you to control the temperature in your property even when you are not at home.
For instance, you might have left the heating on high when you left the house to keep your home from feeling cold or to prevent the pipes from freezing, if you are away for a long time. However, if you are aware that the temperature has increased, you can alter it from your phone, without having to be inside the house to do so.
You could also avoid keeping the heating on all day to have a warm house to come home to by simply turning it on with your device an hour or so before your arrival.
Having greater control of your thermostat means you can manage your heating more efficiently, and keep your bills low.
Fit thermostatic radiator valves
Another tip is to control the temperature in each individual room, so you are not heating the entire house to the same degree. You can do this with thermostatic heat valves, which allow you to keep the heat lower in the rooms that are not in use as often.
Power flush
Making your heating more efficient is also a great way to keep bills as low as possible. This could be draught-proofing your property, fitting insulation on to appliances, or power flushing your system.
This involves getting rid of the grime that builds up in the central heating system, enabling it to perform better, so you do not have to turn the thermostat so high to stay warm during winter.
