No-brainer bargain buy ‘you can’t afford to be without’ says heating specialist – it can slash bills by £200 a year

WITH Storm Isha having battered much of the UK this week, many of us will have been battening down the hatches, and reaching for the thermostat in a bid to stay warm.

But rather than cranking up the temperature – which will result in higher energy costs – there are some tricks you can use to save £100s on your bills.

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One very simple step involves paying some attention to your hot water cylinder – and taking steps to boost its insulation.

This is according to Jack Coles, a heating specialist from MyBuilder.com.

He told The Sun: “A hot water cylinder jacket is an item you really can’t afford to be without – especially with prices starting from just £20.

"These items are cheap to purchase and easy to fit – it’s absolutely an energy-saving no-brainer.”

Gas and electricity bills are currently burning huge holes in our household budgets.

Energy costs have gone up this month in line with the current Ofgem price cap.

This has seen the typical bill increase from £1,934 to £1,928 per year, a rise of £94.

So, rather than turning up your heating, you should look to bring bills down by taking action to heat your home – and your hot water – more efficiently.

Jack said: “Without insulation, your hot water cylinder is effectively a huge radiator, dispersing the heat from within – and using energy to keep reheating it.”

The energy pro warns that many homes across the UK have uninsulated hot water tanks which allow heat to escape.

Insufficient insulation around your cylinder could mean you’re pouring money down the drain.

“If you install a jacket, you can reduce heat loss by more than a huge 75 per cent,” he said.

“This could save you up to £200 per year, based on the recent energy prices.

"This is one of the biggest energy-saving moves you can make.”

Even if you already have a hot water cylinder jacket, it’s important to check it is still in good working order – and the correct thickness. 

The Energy Saving Trust recommends looking for one which is a minimum of 80mm thick.

“If it’s less than this, or if it doesn’t completely cover the tank all the way around, you should consider replacing it,” said Jack.

“A properly-fitting cover really is a household essential that could save you £100s on your bills.”

At B&Q and Wickes, you can pick up a jacket for £22. On eBay, you can find covers for as little as £12.

Always look for one that displays the British Standard Kitemark.

Fitting a hot water tank jacket should be a straightforward DIY job you can carry out yourself.

You just need to wrap it around your cylinder and secure it with string or something similar.

That said, if your tank is hard to reach, or if you’re unsure what to do, don’t be afraid to ask a professional for help.

Other ways to cut energy bills

Getting a jacket for your cylinder is not Jack’s only tip to save energy – and money – this winter.

Another top tip which won’t break the bank involves investing in some thermal curtains.

“If you don’t already have them, thermal curtains or blinds are great for temperature control,” said Jack.

“They are quick and easy to install, and can keep your home much warmer in freezing temperatures.”

You can pick up blackout thermal curtains at Dunelm from £12.

“It’s also worth adding draught excluders to any doors and windows,” said Jack.

“This will help protect your home from any cold air from outside.”

At Dunelm the "teddy bear" draught excluder is currently reduced from £12 to £8.40.

Equally, for an even cheaper option, try using old towels at the bottom of your doors, or consider fashioning your own excluders by stuffing the leg of an old pair of tights with rags.

While you’re thinking about ways to boost insulation, Jack recommends giving some attention to your pipes.

“The odd frosty night may be no cause for concern, but prolonged periods of minus temperatures can cause water in pipes to freeze,” he said.

According to the DIY supremo, the most vulnerable ones are those that are unprotected or in unheated areas.

“This includes those in garages and lofts,” said Jack.

“Insulating these with lagging is essential – covering at least the top of the pipe.

"If possible, disconnect the water supply to those vulnerable pipes for the duration of the freeze.”

At Toolstation you can find economy pipe insulation wrap from just 99p.

And, as we reported earlier this month, Aldi was selling rolls of SuperFoil pipe insulation for £3.

Jack added: “If your pipes are in cupboards, leave the doors open to allow warm air to circulate.”

The energy-saving whizz also urges homeowners to get their boiler serviced.

“The last thing you need when the temperature plummets is to be without heating,” he said.

“Research by MyBuilder.com recently showed many UK homeowners are delaying getting their annual service due to the cost-of-living crisis.

"But it’s one area you can’t afford to scrimp on.”

Getting your boiler serviced now will not only ensure you stay warm this winter, it will also prevent more costly issues with your boiler in the future.

A typical service costs between £80 and £130, depending on where you live.

You can book a service with any Gas Safe Registered Engineer, though you may prefer to do so via your energy company.

Another top tip from Jack is to remember to bleed your radiators.

“This task simply involves releasing the valve – normally located in the top corner,” he said. “You then just need to let the excess air out.”

If there are problems across multiple radiators, it could be a sign of bigger issues in your heating system.

If so, it could be worth getting a heating professional to investigate.

For more information on schemes that could help you access financial support – or improve the efficiency of your home – visit Ofgem Energy Aware.

You can also find out more information about the "Priority Services Register"  – a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to individuals in vulnerable situations.