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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sophie Buchan

Cheap money-saving energy hacks to keep warm this winter as cost of living soars

People are trying their best to save money on a number of bills from shopping to petrol amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

And on top of this, energy is also another issue people are facing with millions across the UK no longer reaching to stick the heating on as they would have done a year ago because of this.

Instead, many are now grabbing jumpers and blankets so they don't see their bills rocket.

READ MORE: Martin Lewis gives 'get a grip' acceptance speech at National Television Awards

But with winter creeping up on us, Scott Evans, owner of Pink Storage, has revealed the best ways to keep your home warm this season whilst sticking to a budget.

Making the most of our existing energy

While turning on the heating is expensive, many of us waste the heat in our homes as our insulation is poor. Heat can be lost through our windows and doors, especially if they are old and need replacing.

Scott says "Replacing your windows can improve the insulation in our homes but it's also a cost that we can't afford right now. Instead of replacing your windows, you can insulate them better by using bubble wrap."

"All you need to do is cut your bubble wrap to the size of your windows, add a little water to them and they will then stick. If you don't want to use bubble wrap you can use window insulation film but it is more expensive to buy."

Having good quality curtains in your home can also help trap the heat in for longer with Scott explaining that "floor-length curtains that are close to your windows also provide insulation in your home and can cut down on heat loss."

When using your curtains to keep your home warm you will need to open them when the sun is shining and close them just before sunset to maximise the free heat.

Heat can also escape from your doors and stairways so if you are struggling this winter and can't afford to put the heating on for long you should isolate your family to a room with the least number of doors, windows and stairways. Heating one room is also cheaper than heating the entire home.

Scott adds that "you can buy draught stoppers online for cheap that will cut down on the heat lost through your doors and cut out any cold drafts. If you are on a budget you can use an old towel which will have a similar effect."

Maximising the heat from your radiators

If you have no choice but to turn on the heating, you will want to get the most out of your heating system. To make your heating at home more efficient Scott says that once you have turned your heating on, you should then "check each radiator in your home" adding that "if you feel any cool spots, it indicates there is air or gas trapped inside it. This gas will need to be removed to improve the efficiency of your radiators.

He continues: "If you find cool spots, switch off your heating and bleed your radiators with a radiator key, if you don't have one you can purchase one from a hardware shop.

You will need a towel and a bowl to bleed your radiators and you will know when your radiators are done when water starts spilling out of them. Do this for all of your radiators and your system will now use energy more efficiently."

After you have let all the air out of your radiators you will need to adjust the system pressure. You will find the correct pressure for your boiler in its user manual.

You don't have to be a plumber or even touch your radiators to get more out of them. "If you have blocked your radiators with chairs or sofas, you are restricting the heat from warming up your room. While many of us want to get the most out of our heating, you shouldn't hang wet clothes on your radiators either, this can have the same effect as blocking them with furniture."

While the changes above can have a huge effect on keeping warm over the next few months there are also things you can do to help your body feel warmer too.

Personal trainer and nutritionist Toby King adds: "While many of us may not have much to celebrate this year, alcohol is often the drink of choice during winter months. While alcohol can make you think you are warmer it has the opposite effect. Alcohol causes your blood vessels below your skin to open up, this takes blood away from the core of your body and makes you colder.

"If you do want to drink to warm you up, studies have been done that show drinks containing Ginger can raise your core body temperature."

Martin Lewis money-saving hacks for washing machines

As well as keeping your home warm, many people will also be keen to know how to best wash - and dry - theri clothes whilst also using the least amount of electricity. Addressing this issue, Martin Lewis issued advice on the best time to use high energy appliances to save money.

In a tweet he said: "When's best to use high energy appliances eg tumble dryer? Most don't have time-of-use tariffs, so there's no price difference (if you do, night's cheaper).

"Yet peak use is 4pm-9pm so for UK's energy security not then is better. If you've got solar panels, use appliances in daylight hours."

The MoneySavingExpert.com founder then tweeted that in response to his advice, he was "surprised by a few angry replies" with people stating that they wouldn't be putting their dryer on at night due to a fire risk.

In response he replied: "a) No one says you should this is about information so you can choose and isn't just about tumble dryers b) There are 19 hours in the day outside 4pm-9pm, many of them are not in the night."

Students will be glad to know that some of them have been told they will be able to access a free breakfast every day as living costs continue to rise across the country. You can read more about that here.

If you need help with the cost of living, you can read more about the £400 energy rebate here.

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