British households can achieve a significant 12 per cent reduction in their energy bills through a straightforward, no-cost adjustment to their heating systems, according to findings from an extensive 18-month scientific investigation. This revelation comes at a critical time, as research from Barratt Homes indicates that nine out of ten people are apprehensive about affording their energy costs throughout the winter months.
Expert Insights from Energy House 2.0 Collaboration
Oliver Novakovic, the innovation lead at Barratt Redrow, who works closely with scientists at Energy House 2.0—the United Kingdom's largest energy research initiative based at the University of Salford—has provided actionable advice on curbing expenses. His recommendations span from immediate, simple fixes to more substantial long-term investments, all grounded in rigorous testing of various heating systems.
Adjust Your Boiler's Flow Temperature
The study highlights that most boilers operate with a default flow temperature between 70°C and 80°C. By simply lowering this setting from 80 degrees to 60 degrees, households observed a 12 per cent decrease in gas consumption dedicated to heating. This minor tweak requires no financial outlay and can lead to substantial savings over the colder seasons.
Prioritise Regular Boiler Maintenance
Maintaining your boiler's efficiency is crucial; even a slight 5% drop in performance can add an extra £87 to annual energy expenditures. A standard combi-boiler service typically costs around £90, making it a worthwhile investment to prevent inefficiencies and higher bills.
Address Insulation and Draught Issues
Novakovic emphasises the stress caused by poorly insulated, older homes as winter approaches. Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that 60 per cent of homes in England have wall insulation rated as "average" or better, with figures rising to 69% in Scotland and falling to 52% in Wales. To combat heat loss, he advises locating draughty areas using tools like a smoke pencil draught detector, available for under £50, which helps identify air leaks effectively.
Older properties with hardwood front doors are particularly susceptible to draughts due to expansion and contraction with temperature changes. Solutions include installing draught exclusion runners along door bottoms and applying gap sealer around frames to block cold air ingress.
Utilise Curtains and Blinds for Added Insulation
In full-scale test environments, curtains and blinds were shown to reduce heat escape through windows by 10 to 30 per cent. They function by creating a stationary air pocket between the window and room, acting as an additional insulation layer without any modification to the property.
Consider Upgrading to Heat Pump Systems
For those contemplating more significant upgrades, heat pumps present an efficient alternative. On a typical winter day, they can cost as little as £1.84 to heat a home and outperform traditional gas boilers in efficiency by maintaining a consistent temperature rather than intermittent bursts of warmth.
Insulate Plumbing to Prevent Heat Loss
Novakovic notes that insulating pipes is an affordable do-it-yourself task. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive, though higher-quality options may cost more. Most insulation comes as foam tubes that slide onto pipes, with insulating wraps available for awkward bends. It is essential to measure pipes and water tanks accurately before purchase and avoid flammable materials.
These evidence-based strategies, derived from prolonged scientific analysis, empower UK residents to take control of their energy usage and mitigate financial pressures during the challenging winter period.
