With the UK facing a cold snap, British Gas experts have shared simple tips to help reduce your heating bills by making the most of the heat you’ve already paid for
This January, Britain is battling a bitter cold spell with freezing temperatures gripping the nation. Consequently, swathes of the UK are confronting ice and snow, creating dangerous conditions that threaten to throw the commutes of thousands returning to work into chaos.
Nevertheless, many are opting to work from home, which means they’ll be cranking up their heating during the year’s most energy -hungry period.
With folk desperate for methods to slash their gas and electricity costs, some specialists have devised strategies people can use to harness alternative heat sources within their properties.
According to one authority from energy supplier British Gas, deploying the oven strategically could offer a means to boost the warmth throughout someone’s dwelling.
Smart Energy Engineer Jessica Rawstron proposed that homeowners could leave the oven door ajar once it has completed cooking a dish.
Jessica wasn’t advocating keeping the oven running, but rather suggested that after food preparation is complete, and the oven has been switched off, the appliance’s door could remain open to allow the residual heat to spread throughout the surrounding area.
She clarified: “Once dinner comes out of the oven, we all close the door again. But why waste that heat? Leave the oven door open and let the heat transfer slowly into your kitchen.
“It’ll help keep your house warm while you eat. And, naturally, keep the kids and pets away from the door.”
Jessica also suggested drawing the curtains. While this tip is frequently mentioned for keeping cool air inside during summer months, it can equally help trap warm air indoors throughout winter.
Jessica elaborated: “You won’t be surprised to learn that lots of warmth escapes from your home through the windows.
“If you’ve got curtains, close them before darkness hits or while you’re out of the house and keep that lovely heat where it should be – inside. Better still, get yourself a pair of thermal curtains.”
British Gas isn’t the only organisation offering advice on how Brits can stay cosy during this period, with one specialist claiming it might be feasible to ward off the cold without central heating.
Head of eCommerce at Vonhaus, Laura Bradbury, told the Express that portable heaters could cost as little as 20-50p per hour to operate, depending on room dimensions and temperature settings.
She explained: “Oil-filled radiators are perfect for working from home or evenings when everyone’s in one room, as they heat up fast and hold their warmth for a while after being switched off, so if you close the doors and block draughts, the room stays comfortable without using much power.”
