I’m a builder & there’s a hidden button on your boiler that will help you save loads during the heatwave
WITH temperatures around Britain continuing to soar, everyone’s number one priority is trying to remain cool.
But one home expert has revealed that many are doing this at the expense of their personal finances.
Former builder Clive Holland has pointed out that a lot of homeowners are making the same mistakes when it comes to keeping their property crisp and fresh – and we bet you’re guilty of some of them.
Whether it’s continuing to use your tumble dryer or forgetting to check your boiler, Clive said some people are washing their money down the drain.
But, luckily, Clive – who is a broadcaster on Fix Radio, the UK’s only national radio station for builders – also let everyone in on the easy secrets of how to turn their fortune around.
Here he lifts the lid on the seven rules we should all be following, which could cut energy bills during the heatwave and claw back some of our well-earned cash.
Dry your washing outside
“This is an obvious one, but, if it’s hot enough, you should look at drying your washing outside.
This will save money and save space in your home and you should utilise any space you have outside to dry your clothes.
“The amount you spend on a tumble dryer can add up to over £200 a year if you use it three times a week, so try to dry your washing outside when you can.”
Use blinds, curtains, or shades
“Keep your blinds or curtains closed during the day to block out the heat from the sun.
“This helps prevent your home from heating up which will save you some energy on trying to cool down the inside of your home.”
Insulate your home
“Properly insulate your home to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering.
“This helps your cooling systems work more efficiently and keep the cool air from escaping your home, saving your money whilst you do this.”
Optimise your air conditioning
“If you do have an air conditioner, make sure to set it to an energy-efficient temperature (around 78 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius).
“And use programmable thermostats to adjust the temperature based on when you are home.”
Properly insulate your home to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering
Clive Holland
Use natural ventilation
“If you don’t have an air conditioner or you want to save some money, open windows and doors in the evening and early morning when the temperature is cooler.
“Close them during the day to keep the hot air out.”
Keep doors closed when air-conditioning is on
“If you can keep the doors closed to the individual areas then it will help conserve the air-conditioning in that room.
“If you do have air-conditioning in your house it’s important to keep your doors closed to keep your home cold.”
If you switch the eco off, it can save you quite a bit of money
Clive Holland
Check your boilers
“A lot of combination boilers have something called an eco-button, even when your heating is switched off, you can hear the heating starting up.
“It has a reserve tank kept to a specific temperature, meaning when you turn your tap on it’s ready to go.
“If you switch the eco off, it can save you quite a bit of money. It means it’s not constantly on and charging, especially in the hot weather when you won’t need to use your heating too much.”
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