Experts say a “simple yet effective” method will boost your home’s warmth. It comes as state pensioners have been told they have lost their £300 Winter Fuel Payments
UK households bracing for the sting of higher bills have been advised to “leave their oven doors open” from the start of October.
The handy hint could offer a makeshift solution against the sharp increase in energy prices also coming into effect that day. As chilly winds approach, Brits have been advised to leave their ovens ajar after cooking all the way through until the next energy price cap adjustment on January 1. Mark McShane, the heating whizz at Boiler Cover UK, has dubbed this tip “simple yet effective” for boosting your home’s cosiness level. His advice is: “By placing a reflective material such as an empty crisp packet behind your radiators, you can bounce the heat back into your room instead of letting it escape through the walls. It’s an easy, cost-effective way to make the most of your heating.”
McShane added further: “Leaving your oven door open after cooking allows the residual heat to warm your kitchen, and using bubble wrap on windows can serve as an insulator, reducing heat loss.” Heating gurus reckon these nifty tricks could considerably snuggle up your home, nudging your heating costs down without sacrificing a toasty abode.
These tips come at a critical time as energy costs threaten to soar amidst cold snaps. Meanwhile, retirees are facing the harsh new reality of missing out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payments, reports Birmingham Live. Amidst queries post-PMQs, Number 10 dodged confirming whether an impact assessment for the controversial cuts to winter fuel payments would be released.
The government spokesperson remained tight-lipped, stating: “Ministers will receive advice on the development of all policies but we don’t routinely provide a running commentary on the advice that they received. We have spoken to the necessity of setting out the plans promptly, given the need to lay the regulations to come into effect in September.”
In a written response to John McDonnell earlier in the week, energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh revealed that data on the additional individuals pushed into fuel poverty due to the policy would be released at a later date. She explained: “A statistical publication estimating the rate of fuel poverty for those in receipt of winter fuel payment in 2023, and the proportion of households who would be in fuel poverty under new eligibility criteria, will be published in due course.”
Another simple tip in the midst of energy increases is switching central heating for a heated throw. Gas central heating costs around £1.68 per hour, while a heated blanket costs about 3p. Using the microwave to heat things which you would usually heat on the hob can make a big difference too.
