Saving energy and reducing your energy bills

Bleeding your radiators can make your home warmer and reduce the cost of your energy bills by removing air pockets.

• Get a radiator key, insert it into the groove in the valve, usually located at the top of your radiator.
• Using a tissue / cloth to protect your hand, slowly turn the key in an anti-clockwise direction, and listen for a hiss (this is the air escaping).
• When the hissing stops, turn the key clockwise again.
  After this you will need to check the boiler pressure, and if you need to increase the pressure you can do this by filling valve / loop (to about 1 - 1.5 bar).

Please note: This should only be done if you feel confident and competent to do so. If you are unsure or in doubt please contact us

Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways that you can take to stop the heat escaping and reduce your energy bills by approximately £70 per year:

• By blocking unwanted gaps around windows, doors and the floor that let the cold air in and warm air out, you’ll use less energy to heat your home. Energy Saving Trust provide advice on how to draught proof your property
• Window film is a form of temporary secondary glazing. By installing window film on your windows, you can help stop heat escaping through the glass. You can buy window film at most hardware shops and online and install it yourself or with the help of a professional.

Did you know that if you sign up with the Priority Services Register with your energy suppliers (gas and electricity) you could get extra help. For example, if there is a power cut, someone can check up on you and provide hot meals. You may also want someone to check your meter regularly or move your prepayment meter.

To get this extra help, you can apply to be added to your electricity network priority services register. Find out more here: Priority Services Register

Checking your boiler before the cold weather sets in can help us get it fixed in time for when you really need it.

• Turn on the heating via the room thermostat and the time clock.  In normal conditions, the room thermostat should be set between 18 to 21 degrees.
• Check that all your radiators get hot to the top (if not, it might mean that they need bleeding with a radiator key). 
• Check the pressure gauge on the boiler is above 1 and not above 2.

We understand you may be avoiding putting your heating on, but a cold house can affect your mental health. 

It is important for older people or those with health conditions, such as asthma, to stay warm.

Try to keep at least one room, such as your living room or bedroom, warm.

Tips to stay warm

• Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts. Tuck your curtains behind the radiators to help keep heat inside
• Food helps to keep your body warm, so have regular hot food and drinks
• Wear several layers of warm clothes to trap heat between the layers (instead of just one chunky layer)
• Wearing a hat as well as a scarf around your neck and mouth can help protect you this winter. Breathing in cold air could increase your chance of chest infection and increase your blood pressure
• Keep moving if you can, as this will help keep you warm. Try not to sit for more than an hour, get up and walk around, make a hot drink and spread housework throughout the day
• If you’re sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide a lot of warmth. Try to keep your feet propped up, as the air is cooler at ground level. Hot water bottles are also very good at keeping you warm, but please use a cover and place over a blanket on your knees
• Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains
• Use a timer and heat your main living room to around 18 to 21ºC (64 to 70ºF) and the rest of the house to 16ºC (61ºF).