As Britain shivers through the winter months, heating bills inevitably rise – and for many people rise sharply. Nobody likes the thought of a big bill at the end of the quarter, but keeping warm in winter is a necessity. Luckily there are ways and means to get the most out of your boiler and radiators in the winter time, both in terms of energy-efficient methods and in terms of energy-saving. Here are five more tips for success:

Consult an engineer. A qualified boiler engineer is well worth talking to, even before the winter sets in, and especially if you are having a boiler replaced. They will be able to tell you if your current boiler is the right one for your home, or what new boiler is best for you. They will also advise if you need new or replacement radiators, heating controls or other devices to ensure a comprehensive energy solution.

Keep your radiators warm at the right times. Contrary to what many people think, it is not efficient to have the heating on all the time in the winter. This does not make it easier to maintain a home at the right temperature, it merely means you are spending money heating empty rooms. Far better to have a programmable heating system that allows you to heat your radiators at the right times of the day. This brings us to…

Invest in intelligent controls. With technology such as wireless programmable thermostats now available, radiators and hot water can be set to kick in at different times of day, whether together or separately. The “smart” thermostats communicate with the boiler and and regulate the flow of water to the boiler based on a room’s temperature. This enables a householder to manage their heating as efficiently as possible.

Try thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). TRVs allow every radiator to be controlled independently, further increasing energy-efficiency.

Give your boiler an annual ‘MOT’. An annual boiler maintenance check can stop any potential winter problems in their tracks. Ensure that your check-up is carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, who will be able to tell if it is working at peak efficiency and spot any faults in the system. An annual service also maintains the manufacturer’s warranty for many boilers and is a legal requirement for landlords renting out properties.

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