I'm a first-time homebuyer near London, and we've just gone through our first winter in the house. I found it quite cold, and turning on the radiator for just a few hours is costing us about £10 a day. During the home survey before we bought the place, there were no major concerns about insulation. However, I suspect that some radiators are too small for their respective rooms and some are quite old. I've heard about getting a heating survey done—do you think that's worth it? I'd really appreciate any suggestions or advice on how to keep the house warm without spending too much. Thanks!
3 Answers
Have you looked into weatherization? Insulation and air sealing can really make a difference in your heating costs and comfort level. Plus, if you upgrade to larger radiators, they might use more BTUs, but given the right fuel source costs, they could be cheaper than running electric heaters all the time.
Consider getting a thermal camera for your phone. Once you learn how to use it, it can help you identify where heat is escaping. That way, you can address those specific issues and make your home more efficient! It's a good investment if you're serious about lowering heating costs.
It really varies depending on your location, but one key thing to check is the fuel source for your radiators. What do you use, and how much does it cost? If you're using gas, make sure you're not burning it for longer than necessary. I’ve also found that using portable electric heaters can help keep rooms warm without cranking the radiator all day. Just use them when you need to!
Yeah, I have a gas boiler too, and I feel like it just runs forever trying to warm up the rooms. Those portable electric heaters are a good idea; I might check them out!