Heating your home this winter can be a worry, as energy bills remain high.
If you’re looking for an easy way to save on your bills, you might want to think about thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).
If your central heating system doesn’t have a timer or form of control to manage the energy output to different rooms, these devices can work a treat.
At Screwfix, you can pick some up from just a tenner – and they are easy to fit yourself.
But once you’ve made the investment in TRVs, you need to ensure you are using them correctly.
If not, you could find they are actually costing you extra, according to home expert, Laura de Barra.
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The ‘queen of She-IY’ has teamed up with Energia to help people heat their homes efficiently this winter.
She told The Sun: “Used in the right way, these devices can be a handy way to prevent heat from being wasted in rooms which are not in use.
"But most people are using TRVs incorrectly which costs them more money in the long run.”
Poor understanding is part of the problem, according to Laura.
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She said: “The key to optimising their effectiveness lies in understanding that TRVs are not about the temperature of the radiator, but crucially, about the temperature of the room.”
The DIY pro explains that with settings ranging from ‘one’ to ‘five,’ TRVs continually monitor the room temperature.
“They then adjust the water flow through the radiator to maintain the selected temperature,” she said. “In spaces you don’t want to heat, the ‘frost setting’ is useful.”
According to the home hack supremo, settings ‘one’ to ‘three’ – with temperatures ranging from around 10 to 20 degrees – are sufficient for most rooms.
Laura said: “What you’ll find is that settings ‘four’ and ‘five’ – around 25 to 30 degrees – are rarely necessary.”
Experts claim that using TRVs correctly could potentially half your bill.
Under the current energy price cap, households face bills of £1,834 a year.
So, based on this, if you use TRVs in the right way, you could easily save several hundreds of pounds.
The price cap is due to increase to £1,928 from January 1, a rise of £94, on average, but the exact amount will depend on usage.
Laura added: “Use your devices correctly and they will save you money – and lower your heating bill this winter.”
When it comes to your radiators, there are other small changes you can make to help keep a lid on energy costs.
Laura said: “If your units feel cold at the top but warm at the bottom, it’s likely they will need bleeding.”
To address this, you’ll need a radiator key, along with a few towels or a bowl.
“Once you’ve got these bits to hand, the task is simple,” said the DIY whizz.
“Gently open the top valve – this is the small square peg in a round hole.
"Doing this allows the release of trapped air, enabling water to fill the radiator and restore efficient heating.”
Also get into the habit of giving your radiators a clean. This will ensure heat is distributed more evenly around your home.
Laura added: “Simple steps such as these should mean you won’t need to turn up your thermostat – helping you to save money.”
More winter energy bill tips
When it comes to heating your home efficiently, it’s not just your radiators you need to think about.
“Draughty windows which let cold air in can pose a significant challenge,” said Laura.
“If you’re looking for a quick and cost-effective fix, consider investing in thick curtains.”
You can find thermal curtains at Dunelm starting from £15.
Laura adds: “Make a habit of closing them at night. This is an effective way to keep heat within your home.”
Another clever hack from the home expert involves shrinking plastic onto windows using a hairdryer.
“This will seal up tiny gaps and prevent leaks of cold winter air,” she said.
“This offers a quick solution for the chilly discomfort often associated with draughty windows.”
You can pick up packs of film from around £4 on Amazon.
While you’re at it, see if you can find fixes for other areas of your home prone to letting cold air in.
“Invest in draught excluders with added weight, and position these along the bottom of your door,” said Laura.
“Not only are they an affordable method of insulating your home, but they also come in different designs, adding a touch of whimsy to your space.”
At The Range, for example, the Santa draught excluder is reduced from £14.99 to £12.99, while on eBay, there are lots of novelty dog and cat versions priced at less than a tenner.
At M&S, the Colin the Caterpillar version costs £22.50.
Equally, if you don’t want to spend a penny, you could fashion your own draught excluder from an old pair of tights stuffed with rags.
Another low-cost investment worth making this winter is a jacket for your hot water cylinder.
On eBay, prices start from £12.
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The Energy Saving Trust recommends looking for one which is a minimum of 80mm thick.
Laura said: “A lagging jacket will help keep your water cylinder hot. That means your water will stay warmer for longer – saving you both energy and money in the long run.”
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