Tuesday 20 November 2012

Seasoned Hardwood Logs – Smokeless Coal – Winter Fuel

Seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal - a great way to reduce your heating costs this winter

Ten Ways to Reduce Heating Bills in Your Home

The costs of home heating are escalating. British Gas recently announced an increase in its electricity prices and other UK energy firms have followed suit including npower, Scottish Power and SSE. And with the price rises of up to 9.1 per cent for some customers, many people will be thinking about ways to cut the cost of their heating bills.

One great way to do this is to supplement your heating with an open fire, burning seasoned hardwood logs or smokeless coal in combination or as an alternative to oil or gas fired heating. Read on for our top tips on more ways to reduce your household bills this winter. .

Seasoned Hardwood Logs – click here to view our range of products.

Ten Ways to Slash Your Fuel Bills

There are several ways to lower the cost of your heating, ranging from using smokeless coal or seasoned hardwood logs on an open fire to the cheapest option – wrapping up warm. Here is our top ten:

  1. Smokeless coal and Seasoned Hardwood Logs. If you have an open fire, these can be a very economical form of heating and both types of fuel can be used in designated smoke free zones . These fuel types are suitable for both modern and traditional fireplaces and are packed in handy sized polypropylene nets (in the case of seasoned hardwood logs) or easy to store packs (smokeless coal). Make sure you are always prepared and stock up on your smokeless coal and seasoned hardwood logs well in advance of any cold snaps.
  2. Insulation. Another way to cut costs is to think about free home insulation. British Gas currently has a scheme in some areas whereby you can apply for free insulation worth £1000 (including materials and labour) for loft and cavity walls, subject to a free survey. Anyone can apply for this, even those who are not British Gas customers, providing they apply before the deadline of 30 November 2012. This can net you savings of up to £175 a year.
  3. Talk To Your Supplier and Consider Switching. If you feel your gas and electricity bills are too high, negotiate with your electricity company to see if they can drive the bills down (such as paying monthly by direct debit). If they are unable to come up with a cheaper alternative, shop around to find a company that offers a better deal, then switch if you need to. Some companies may demand an exit fee, so if you are thinking of switching, don’t forget to factor in this in against any savings you might make.
  4. Service or Upgrade Your Boiler. How old your boiler is and the type of boiler you have effects how efficient it is. To maximise the efficiency of your boiler, make sure it is properly maintained. Having it regularly serviced means that you won’t have to fork out for expensive repairs. If you are replacing your boiler for a new one, you could make an average saving of £300 on household bills. However, this does not take into account the cost of installing your new boiler.
  5. Stop Up Draughts. There are several other ways to cut down the cost of your heating bills. Even small changes can make a difference such as draught proofing your doors and even your letterbox. Check your doors and windows for draughts and weather proof them if necessary.
  6. Adjust Vents and Blinds. If you have vents above your windows, close them on cold and windy days to stop the draughts coming in. It is also a good idea to open the curtains or blinds during the day to let the sun in to warm up the room, then close them at night.
  7. Clear Space Around Radiators. Avoid positioning furniture in your home so that it blocks the radiators. By keeping the radiators clear, this will increase efficiency and help lower the cost of your heating bills.
  8. Only Heat the Rooms You Need To. Only put the radiators on in the rooms that you are using – if there is a spare bedroom or dining room that you don’t use so much, turn off the radiator in this room and close the door.
  9. Turn Down the Thermostat. Turn your thermostat down a few degrees if possible, but keep it at a temperature that remains comfortable. It is recommended that you set your thermostat between 18-21C.
  10. Wrap up Warm. Wear extra clothing and put more blankets or a warm throw on the bed. In the winter months always have a throw to hand by the sofa so you can snuggle under it to watch television.

About Big K

Big K sell a wide range of winter fuel products including seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal. To make buying easy, we deliver seasoned hardwood logs and smokeless coal nationwide.

Smokeless Coal – click here to view our range of products.