Energy expert shares a simple £20 investment that could save you £200 annually on heating

Millions could miss out this year
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


As the winter chill takes hold, a staggering number of people could be fretting over how to afford their heating, yet there's expert advice available that might just save hundreds and provide some comfort. Pensioners are facing particular anxiety with the prospect of keeping warm following Labour's Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decision to scrap Winter Fuel Payments, as part of an effort to address what's described as a "£22 billion black hole" in the nation's finances.

The stark realities of the cooler season will likely be setting in by October 30, when Ms Reeves is set to announce any additional economic measures in the Autumn Budget.

Ofgem, the energy market regulator, has already increased the energy price cap, meaning the average dual-fuel bill for a household paying via direct debit jumps to £1,717 per annuman extra burden of roughly 10 percent or £149 annually, unless January brings a reduction in rates. Amidst these pressing concerns, Jack Coles of MyBuilder.com has come forward with a simple but effective cost-saving suggestion for households hit hard by the hikes.

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Investing in a water cylinder jacketthe insulation critically needed to retain heat in your boiler's water tank, curb wastage and ultimately chip away at the heating billsis the move recommended by this energy aficionado. Coles emphasised: "Making sure you have a hot water cylinder jacket will help you save money on your bills."

"Without insulation your cylinder is effectively a huge radiator, dispersing the heat from within and using energy to keep reheating it. Many homes across the UK have uninsulated hot water tanks which allow heat to escape.", reports the Express.

The Mirror highlights the effectiveness of adding an insulating jacket, noting that such a step can cut heat loss by "over 75 per cent". Mr Coles mentioned that with current energy prices, homeowners could pocket savings of up to £200 annually, varying with the size of the property and cylinder location.

He continued: "Even if you already have a hot water cylinder jacket, you may want to check it is still in good working order and the correct thickness."

"If it's not, you should consider replacing it if it's less than 75mm thick or doesn't completely cover the tank all the way around."

It's reported that water cylinder jackets are readily available in various hardware stores and digital shopping platforms like Toolstation and Screwfix, with prices starting at about £20, depending on the material's thickness. They're designed to remain effective for many years before needing replacement.