Simple £20 trick to save hundreds as heating bills set to rise

hands over a radiator
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


With winter approaching, a multitude of UK residents could find themselves wrangling with soaring heating bills; but one savvy energy specialist offers key tips that might just help sodten the blow, saving hundreds of pounds for those feeling the chill.

Ofgem has cranked up the energy price cap to an average of £1,717 per annum for standard dual-fuel households paying through direct debit. That means an average of £149 extra annually provided the cap doesn't shrink back come January.

However, Jack Coles from MyBuilder.com, an energy connoisseur, appeals to Brits battling the bulging bills to make a modest investment that promises substantial savings over the long haul.

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The expert's recommended acquisition is a hot water cylinder jacket, a kind of insulator that ensures the heat remains ensconced within your boiler's water cylinder, slashing unnecessary loss.

He asserts: "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."

The Mirror has reported that fitting a jacket can actually cut down heat loss by "over 75 per cent". Mr Coles stated that based on recent energy prices, this could result in savings of up to £200 annually, depending on the size of your home and the location of your water cylinder.

He further added: "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."

Water cylinder jackets are available for purchase from various hardware stores and online retailers such as Toolstation and Screwfix, with prices starting from as low as £20 depending on the thickness of material used. They should last for several years before needing to be replaced.