Prepare for the winter - energy saving tips

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By Bob Bardsley
Know Your Money Editor

September 22nd marks the official start of autumn for 2009 as the autumnal equinox takes place; so what impact could this have on household finances?

The date sets the start of a three-month countdown to the technical start of winter, but the big chill is likely to set in well before Christmas. With the colder weather come a number of issues that could raise the cost of running a home - from heat lost through the walls to frozen pipes that present the risk of flooding.

Here we look at some of the major factors, as well as how it can be possible to prepare for the frosty months to come.

No lagging on home insulation

Home insulation might seem like an indulgent expense, but it can actually save money in the long run. Figures from the Energy Saving Trust note that even homes that already have loft insulation could benefit from a top-up. By taking the thickness of lagging in the loft from 50mm to 270mm, homeowners can take their annual savings up by £45, meaning the project will pay for itself in six years.

Properties with no loft insulation can expect £150 to be saved each year, recouping the investment in two winters. Cavity wall insulation can add to this effect, costing about £250 and recouping £115 in energy bills each year on average.

Lagging can also be added to boilers, or the thickness of existing wrappings increased; but that is not the only way to improve the energy efficiency of the home's heating system.

Warm and wealthy this winter

To stay both warm and wealthy, energy-efficient boilers could be an option for homes with older equipment already in place. Suited to households who are prepared to rip out their old boiler and start again, modern condensing boilers are a substantial improvement over older units - particularly those rated G in domestic energy assessments - the Energy Saving Trust says.

In order to reach an A rating, modern condensing boilers achieve a conversion from fuel into heat of 86 per cent or above. Meanwhile, existing G-rated boilers can achieve 65 per cent at best - meaning 21 per cent more fuel that is ultimately wasted by these systems must be paid for in utility bills by the chief income earner.

Homeowners are also told by the Energy Saving Trust of the steps that they can take to heat their home more wisely with their existing boiler, thanks to the availability of advanced heating controls. These can adjust the output of the central heating system according to the time of day, meaning it can be made to automatically cool off at times when the house is typically empty and warm rooms back up when the family is about to arrive home.

Keep pipes in peace, not pieces

Central heating is not just about the boiler, of course - it also includes the pipes that carry hot water either to radiators or to the kitchen or bathroom. These are not immune to colder weather, meaning insulating them with lagging can prove a double money-saver.

First is the immediate benefit of losing less heat and the associated reduction in utility bills that is brought about as a result. Secondly, however, insulation can prevent leaking pipework by ensuring that water in the pipes does not freeze. As water freezes, it expands - meaning the liquid water that fits into a property's pipes can cause them to burst if it becomes ice in cold weather. However, if it remains cold for an extended period of time, perhaps because the family is away on a festive holiday, the ice could stay frozen and the leak might not emerge until the heating is switched back on.

Ensure you're insured

Home insurance can provide some peace of mind, particularly if you're planning to leave your property for any length of time this winter. While it cannot, in itself, stop pipes from leaking or boilers from breaking down, home insurance could help to pay for any repairs if something does go wrong.

Some utility companies also offer a boiler breakdown service as a kind of insurance policy specifically for your central heating. If your heating shuts down in the depths of winter, this means you can call out an engineer, with some services providing emergency call-outs during the Christmas bank holidays.

However, with adequate lagging in place on pipes, boilers and storage tanks, the risks of a breakdown could be minimised. Coupled with loft and cavity wall insulation, such measures can raise the thermal efficiency of a home and reduce both bills and leaks together.

Important Notice
This guide is intended for general information only and is not intended as, and does not constitute, any form of advice, recommendation or endorsement by us of any particular product(s) or services and you should rely on your own further research and professional advice in relation to your specific requirements and circumstances before purchasing any products or services. Use of this guide is subject to the Terms of Use of the KnowYourMoney site.