Home heating help

Keeping your cool amid heating hikes

Dramatically rising energy costs are causing concern for many, and as we head towards the colder months, the thought of those booming bills is a real worry. Shire offers some practical help

DO YOU KNOW? What energy tariff are you on? If it has run out and you haven’t selected a new one, you’ll be put on a (pricey) default tariff.

It has been in the headlines for months now. We are in the middle of a global energy crisis and everyone’s bills are set to rise. Most people have felt the impact already, with rates climbing steeply in April – but we’ve also been warned there is far worse to come as we head into autumn and winter.

Even those who have seen their prices soar probably haven’t felt the full effect yet, as we use far less energy over the summer when, for most of the time, the heating stays off. But as the evenings darken and temperatures fall, we won’t be able to put off firing up the home heating for much longer. So for those who are worried about what that might mean, Shire is here to help you understand and tackle the potential issues coming our way.

Why has it happened?

Few of us have much knowledge of how the global oil and energy markets work, so it’s hard to see why prices have suddenly gone up – especially when the media is telling us that the energy giants are still scooping massive profits. The reason for the overall rise is due to wholesale energy prices having reached an all-time high – that is, what our providers like Western Power and British Gas pay for gas and electricity. Now those providers have begun to pass on their costs to consumers.

But what has caused wholesale prices to go up in the first place? Well, it’s due to a number of factors, and the unfortunate timing of these all happening at the same time, creating a sort of ‘energy perfect storm’. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the latest contributor to record energy costs globally, even though we as a nation rely very little on those oil supplies. Unlike some European countries, only around three per cent of our energy was reliant on Russian exports. Finland, by contrast, imported 75 per cent of its gas from Russia, Austria took a staggering 86 per cent of its supply from them, and even Italy was 38 per cent dependent. However, Russia is the second-biggest exporter of crude oil and the world’s largest natural gas exporter, which is vital to heating homes, powering planes and filling cars with fuel. The US, EU and UK placed restrictions on oil and gas imports from Russia after it invaded Ukraine in February. This has a huge impact on the global market as everyone is now looking for alternative suppliers and, as a result, prices are rocketing.

“The government has revealed schemes to help with energy costs that are now coming into play and every household is due a £400 grant to help with fuel bills”

You have probably heard talk of the Energy Price Cap – and wondered why this doesn’t mean your bills are capped to prevent them going any higher. Unfortunately the device is not as simple (and promising) as it sounds. The energy regulator Ofgem sets the Energy Price Cap in a bid to limit the price a supplier can charge you per unit of electricity and gas. However, the energy cap only applies to customers who are on a standard variable (or ‘default’) tari , which is usually a provider’s most expensive tariff. Also, the price cap does not limit your total energy bill: the figure is just an indication for the ‘average user’. If you use more, you pay more. In February, Ofgem’s latest price cap was announced. An increase in wholesale energy costs as global demand recovers means the new cap has risen sharply by £693. The new cap is set at £1,971 per year. As we go to print, yet another rise in the price cap is expected.

And if analysts and experts are correct, it is expected to soar to £3,359 per year from October. It’s no wonder everyone is talking about energy bills!

The government grant will help but it’s unlikely to be enough

Any other reasons?

The Russia–Ukraine conflict is not the only reason for the price hike. Costs were already high before that, due to a cold winter in Europe last year that put pressure on supplies and depleted the levels of stored gas, with the result they are far lower than normal. Also, hot weather in Asia saw more gas used for air-conditioning, while gas exports from Russia to north-west Europe were down, even before the invasion of Ukraine.

Experts tell us it is only going to get worse. But it’s not all bad news. The government has revealed schemes to help with energy costs that are now coming in to play and every household is due a £400 grant to help with fuel bills – with some lower income households able to get even more help. Not only that, over the next few pages your trusty Shire Magazine has tried to gather as much information as possible to help you through the colder months without breaking the bank. 

Energy expert’s hints and tips and tips

“A lot of devices, such as games consoles, laptops and TVs, also draw small amounts of power when not in use but still plugged in and turned on at the socket”

One name constantly in the news as we tumble into an news as we tumble into an energy crisis is Martin Lewis, energy crisis is Martin Lewis, the well-known Money Saving the well-known Money Saving Expert from Cheshire, who Expert from Cheshire, who o ers advice on all things o ers advice on all things fi nancial on his website fi nancial on his website

If you haven’t heard of Martin Lewis we’re not sure where you’ve been living for the past few years! The Delamere, Cheshire-born master of money shot to fame when he launched his website moneysavingexpert.com, packed with savings and advice for the general public – giving most of us access to easy-tounderstand financial guidance for the first time. Martin has gone on to appear on television and radio shows whenever the economic situation changes, and has helped millions of people save, well, millions over the years.

Unsurprisingly our local legend has been busy recently, so much so that he has announced he’s taking a break before what are likely to be challenging months ahead. But not before Shire could pick his brains about the current situation and get some advice on what our readers can do to stay warm, save money and still pay the bills this winter.

DID YOU KNOW?

Martin tried stand-up comedy for a while – pal Gary Delaney even wrote some jokes for him. Comedy’s loss is our gain…

Here at Shire we’re not experts but we’ve researched as best we can to provide you some pointers for reducing bills over the coming months. Between checking Martin Lewis’s advice and sharing knowledge from the Energy Saving Trust, we’ve tried to answer some of the most common questions flying around at the moment. Some answers offer practical suggestions, and some will hopefully put your mind at rest by dispelling a myth or two!

Is it cheaper to leave the heating on low all day or turn it on only when I need it?

This is a common query and a hotly debated topic. According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea that it’s cheaper to Turn it down or turn it off? leave the heating on low all day is a myth. They’re clear that having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money. However, some specialists disagree, arguing that you should keep the heating on constantly to avoid a build-up of condensation within the walls that could lead to heat leaking out more easily. But all houses are different and there is no one answer for every property.

Martin says: “Some complain that only having the heating on when required risks you being cold, as it takes time to heat up a home. That may be true, but as a compromise maybe you could adjust the timer to come on a little earlier, so the house will be warm when needed but you’re not pumping out energy all day.” when needed but you’re not pumping out energy all day.”

Should I put clingfilm on the windows? Should I put clingfilm on the windows?

Strange though it may sound, this would actually work to keep Strange though it may sound, this would actually work to keep your home a tiny bit warmer, thus saving on the bills. The Energy your home a tiny bit warmer, thus saving on the bills. The Energy Saving Trust says: “The idea is that putting a sheet on your window Saving Trust says: “The idea is that putting a sheet on your window traps a small layer of air, which can help stop heat escaping. You traps a small layer of air, which can help stop heat escaping. You can use any material for the second layer of glazing, as long as it’s can use any material for the second layer of glazing, as long as it’s transparent and airtight. However, while clingfilm works in theory, transparent and airtight. However, while clingfilm works in theory, in practice you’ll probably want to use specialist secondary glazing as in practice you’ll probably want to use specialist secondary glazing as it’ll last longer. If you have double glazing, adding a third layer could it’ll last longer. If you have double glazing, adding a third layer could make you a little warmer, but the benefit will be much less than make you a little warmer, but the benefit will be much less than when dealing with a single-glazed window. If your windows are when dealing with a single-glazed window. If your windows are draughty, it’s worth fixing that as well as adding secondary glazing, draughty, it’s worth fixing that as well as adding secondary glazing, as otherwise you’ll only get half the benefit.” as otherwise you’ll only get half the benefit.”

Should I keep the hot water boiler on all the time Should I keep the hot water boiler on all the time or turn it on and off as needed? or turn it on and off as needed?

Again, there’s not a straight answer to this as it depends on the Again, there’s not a straight answer to this as it depends on the type of heating system you have. Martin said: “If you have a gas, type of heating system you have. Martin said: “If you have a gas, oil or LPG central heating system, the experts say it will always oil or LPG central heating system, the experts say it will always be cheaper to set the system timer so the hot water comes on only be cheaper to set the system timer so the hot water comes on only when required. However, if you use an electrical immersion heater when required. However, if you use an electrical immersion heater and have an Economy 7 or 10 tariff (where energy is cheaper at and have an Economy 7 or 10 tariff (where energy is cheaper at night), it’s cheaper to heat your water overnight. Make sure your night), it’s cheaper to heat your water overnight. Make sure your water tank is well insulated to prevent the water cooling again water tank is well insulated to prevent the water cooling again during the day, though. during the day, though.

Do devices on standby or chargers left in the socket while not in use still use electricity?

In short, yes they do. British Gas reiterates this on its website. You should always turn off chargers and appliances at the plug when they’re not in use, for the sake of energy consumption, your bill and, in the case of faulty devices, the potential fire hazard too. Martin agrees. “A lot of devices, such as games consoles, laptops and TVs, draw small amounts of power when not in use but still plugged in.”

There’s some debate about just how effective this measure is in cost-saving terms. The Energy Saving Trust says you can save about £40 a year by turning off your appliances at the plug, while British Gas cites £110 a year – which seems a bit high to us. It’s EU law that TVs and other devices made since 2013 can’t use more than 0.5 watts in standby mode, and recent research by energy supplier Utilita estimated the average annual cost of a TV left on standby to be around £16.24, or 4.4p a day .

Will smart meters save me money?

Not all by themselves, but overall they may well help you reduce your usage, which in turn would cost you less. Smart meters simply replace your existing gas and electricity A useful insight meters, measure your usage and automatically send meter readings to your supplier each month. However, they can help you identify ways to save energy via the in-home display. By keeping an eye on the readings you’ll be able to pinpoint the devices and activities that cause a hike in your household usage and be more aware of what you are spending where – giving you helpful hints on what to cut down.

Should I set thermostats on individual radiators rather than using the main thermostat to control all of them?

In short, yes, this would be helpful. It’s best to have as many controls as possible, so you’re in charge of the way your home is heated. Installing thermostatic radiator valves and using them with your thermostat could save £75 per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. It recommends using the thermostat to control the heat in your main living space and using thermostatic radiator valves to lower the heating in rooms you don’t use as often.

Would painting my radiators black help?

Many people have pondered this recently, based on the capacity of different coloured surfaces to store and retain heat for longer. Unfortunately, where black radiators are Paint colour isn’t that important concerned, the answer’s no, according to the Energy Saving Trust. It’s best to keep them the standard white, although the difference is not huge and if you fancied black paint to match a funky interior, then don’t let us stop you. But for the sake of keeping your home warm, it’s more important to insulate your walls to prevent the heat leaking out of your home altogether.

If my heating is on, should I keep the doors of each room open or closed?

If you’re not using all the rooms in your home, it is best to keep doors closed to those you don’t heat, says the Energy Saving Trust. Radiators, electric panel heaters and convection heaters all work by creating a convection current in a room. As hot air rises, it circles around to the other side of the room, cools and sinks, and travels back along the floor to the heater to be reheated again. Closing doors makes sure this current remains within the designated space, and stops cold air entering.

Get set up

One key way to make sure you’re not spending more than you have to on home heating is by making sure you have the optimum system in place. It might be time to upgrade or even change your main appliances.

Efficiency is key when it comes to saving money and, as energy prices rise, old, inefficient heating systems are throwing money – and heat – away. Not only is it a good idea to make sure your boiler is working properly, has been regularly serviced and is performing well, it might also be a good time to consider alternative heating options.

Wood

As a natural source that is not subject to global price hikes, burning wood might seem more appealing than ever. In particular during the early autumn and late spring, when full central heating isn’t quite needed but a little extra heat is welcomed, lighting up a wood-burning stove has its appeal. There is an investment to consider, and getting the right system for your home is essential, so it is worth speaking to an expert and visiting a showroom or two to choose the style that suits you. One showroom with hundreds of makes and models on display is RN Williams & Sons, based in St Asaph. The North Wales business was established in 1956 and has grown rapidly into the area’s leading home and heating specialist, while retaining the personal touch and keen interest in solving customers’ problems on which they built their reputation. The team is particularly knowledgeable about clean air regulations and how to make sure your stove is in line with guidelines.

“There were misleading headlines following the unveiling of the government’s new Clean Air Strategy, which prompted a number of our customers to question whether wood-burning stoves will be banned. The answer is no, but there are a number of proposed changes that our industry is already working towards. The stoves industry is continually pushing forward to increase efficiencies and make cleaner burning appliances. Open fires and stoves of about 10 years and older are less efficient and produce higher particulate matter or PM, whilst the latest Ecodesign Ready stoves can produce 90 per cent fewer PM emissions than an open fire and 80 per cent fewer than a 10-year-old stove.”

So if you have an older model of stove or are thinking of making the switch, rest assured that all current rules will be followed by the team at RN Williams. So cosy

Renewables

Not only is it a good idea for the environment, the prospect of investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels and heat pumps is even more appealing when there’s a cost saving to be had! There is an alternative energy option for most homes, so the best bet is to speak to an expert if you’re interested in going green.

One local firm that knows its stuff when it comes to renewables is Princes LHS, based in Ellesmere. The business was officially established in 2004 as an electrical contractor and renewables specialist. Since then the team have continued to provide unrivalled service to Shropshire and surrounding counties, including heating, electrical and renewable solutions for both domestic and commercial properties.

Director Matt Smith said: “From the initial survey to the final installation, everything is dealt with by our experienced in-house team. We have been MCS accredited and installing renewable energy systems for over 10 years.” Princes LHS can advise on and install: • Air source heat pumps – which work by extracting heat from the outside air, much as a fridge extracts heat from inside it • Ground source heat pump systems – designed to transfer thermal energy from a cooler space to a warmer space using a method called the refrigeration cycle • Multiple different solar systems – all of which absorb sunlight and turn it into electricity; an amazing, cheap and eco-friendly option for your home.

Matt added: “Technology keeps on evolving and improving. We are constantly updating our showroom with new products. Please come and have a look or give us a call.”

“Technology keeps on evolving and improving. We are constantly updating our showroom with new products.”

Take your home into the future with solar or other renewables

Doors and windows are costly to replace, but if your energy bills are heading into the thousands, then the outlay may not seem too high after all. The Energy Saving Trust advises: “Making your doors, windows and conservatory more energy efficient will reduce your bills and lower your carbon footprint. Energy-efficient glazing covers both double and triple glazing – these are windows with two or more glass panes in a sealed unit. You can also improve the energy efficiency of your home by installing secondary glazing, or even by using heavy curtains.”

Some of the benefits include: • A more comfortable home, with fewer draughts and cold spots • Peace and quiet – not only do they keep the heat in, energyefficient windows insulate your home against external noise. • Reduced condensation build up on the inside of windows, which can contribute to damp and damage frames. Experts at the Trust add: “Double-glazing costs vary significantly depending on the materials and style. PVC windows tend to be cheaper, while hardwood frames are the most expensive. A set of A-rated windows for a semi-detached house will typically cost around £7,500. By installing A-rated double glazing to windows in an entirely single-glazed, gas-heated, semi-detached property, you could save £145 a year and 335kg of carbon dioxide. If you installed A++ rated double-glazed windows in place of single glazing, the savings could be up to £175 a year and 410kg of carbon dioxide.”

DID YOU As bills climb, many of us have been left KNOW? If you have a wondering whether now is the time to shop around and look for a better deal elsewhere. condensation problem, Unfortunately, the simple truth is that in the you need to sort that middle of this energy crisis, there are not out before blocking many deals available anywhere. The tariff off any draughts you’re on may seem expensive but it’s likely in that room to be as good as it gets for a while. It’s also worth noting that many suppliers have upped their exit fees, meaning it might cost you more than you would save to change anyway. Even the comparison websites are struggling. Experts from Uswitch have the Check those seals following advice: “With the energy price cap expected to rise further in October and January, we might have come to the point where it could be worth considering signing up to a fixed energy tariff. However, before you commit to a fixed deal, you should consider the following: Do consider exit fees. Do consider the length of the deal. Most deals are for 12 or 24 months. During this time the price cap could rise or fall depending on market conditions, so consider how long you would like to stay locked in for. Do stay informed. It’s important to keep a close eye on the market and run regular comparisons to see what deals are on offer. Don’t just go for the first deal you’re offered. Just because a deal is available doesn’t mean it is a good one or the right one for you. Don’t just look at the direct debit amount. Make sure you look at the unit price and standing charge so you can understand how much you will be charged for your usage.

Electric heaters

It always used to be the case that electric heaters cost more than gas central heating, but with prices fluctuating that may not still be the case – especially if you invest in a modern, efficient model that is also a stunning focal point for your home. There has been a significant rise in demand for electric fires in recent years. A fantastic design feature for modern interiors, and available in so many styles and sizes, electric fires afford a state-of-the-art, ultra-realistic flame display with the added bonus of little to no maintenance compared to other fireplace Andy Hitchman of Solution Fires options. Modern components

“…the bonus give the appliance an indefinite lifespan and so it’s important to of little to no maintenance ensure that you select an electric fire that is right for your home, and your needs. Andy Hitchman, compared to other options” managing director of Solution Fires, advises on several key considerations when choosing the perfect electric fire. • Size is the first thing you need to consider Everyone’s homes and room configurations are different. There is an array of different sizes and widths to choose from; however, it is important to pick a fire that is right for your space. • Installation and style One of the many benefits of a modern electric fireplace is that, unlike a wood-burning stove, you can install it in any room – be that living room, open-plan kitchen, or even the bedroom – as they just require a standard socket. • Flame effect I would definitely suggest paying close attention to the flame effect. Electric fires and the technology used have come a long way since they were first invented, but there is still a big variation in flame effect quality, and things like flicker speed and flame height have a big impact on how realistic the fire looks. For authenticity, I would suggest choosing a model that comes with crackling fire audio, as this really gives you the look and feel of a real fire. • Customisation Many people want to be able to tailor their fire to suit their interior design and individual taste, so I’d say that having a customisable element to your fire is a big benefit. With most electric fires nowadays, you can alter the flame colour, and with more advanced models, you have the option of customising your fuel bed, downlights and scene lighting to suit your mood. • Usability Electric fires can now be controlled not just with a handset but through most smartphones, tablets and watches.

This means that you can set your desired ambience from the comfort of your armchair, or even in advance of your return home. Inspect the controls and features if you want this luxury!