While many of us are aware of the following tips and advice a lot of us haven’t taken steps to address or actively practice these measures. Implementing all of these consistently can make significant reductions to your annual heating & energy costs.

Boiler Servicing
You should have all your oil fired appliances serviced at least once a year to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability. Some particular boilers may require more servicing than others so it is always important to consult the manufacturer.

Larger Oil Tank
Installing a larger storage tank means you will require less refills and gives you greater freedom to monitor fluctuating oil prices and so order at the best possible time.

Oil Monitor
The simple installation of an Oil Watchman electronic monitoring system greatly reduces your risk of running out of heating oil and having to utilise costly temporary heating measures such as electric heaters.

Cavity Wall Insulation
Cavity Wall Insulation can retain as much as 33% of heat that would otherwise be lost, thus reducing your heating costs and often paying back the initial investment within just a few years. Generally houses built from the 1930’s onwards are likely to have cavity walls.

Loft Insulation
A relatively inexpensive & efficient way to reduce heat loss in your home. Around 25% of heat loss literally goes through the roof of your house, therefore, loft insulation can have a significant reduction on your heating costs.

Double Glazing
Windows are typically responsible for around 18% of heat loss in the home. Double glazing is a more costly approach to reducing your heating costs but none-the-less effective means of reducing heat loss in your home. It should be seen as a longer term investment but also increases your standard of living, reducing dampness & outside noise in the home.

Radiators
Ensure your radiators are not covered or blocked by furniture as these factors will have a detrimental impact on the efficiency of your heating system.

Windows
If your home constantly becomes too warm as a result of heating don’t leave windows open at the same time to cool it down. It’s better to turn down the settings on your heating system. You can also avoid heat loss through large windows by drawing curtains whenever possible.

Boiler Replacement
Consider replacing your older boiler as it may no longer make longterm economic sense to maintain it compared to installing a modern highly efficient boiler system.

Thermostat
Try turning your thermostat down by one degree – this can save around £40 a year. Try to keep temperatures to a minimum while remaining comfortable.

Lighting
Use energy-efficient light bulbs

Appliances
Turn off household appliances when not in use. Also try to use low-temperature settings on appliances where available.

Kettles
When using a kettle, only boil as much water as you need

Shower
A standard shower will use around 40% of the water a bath will use