As Portsmouth residents see energy bills drop – this one tip can maximise savings
With households across Portsmouth set to see their energy bills fall by around £10 a month from April 1, home improvement expert, Safestyle, has shared a range of simple, no-cost measures that can stretch savings even further.
As temperatures are set to drop, energy use remains front of mind for families across Portsmouth. Here, Caroline Mills, Head of Brand at Safestyle, shares some practical tips that can help households stay warmer - without spending a penny.
- Make the most of sun-facing windows
You might not realise, but even low winter sun can generate a surprising amount of warmth. Opening curtains on south-facing windows first thing in the morning allows natural heat to enter and warm your home for free.
- Shut curtains at dusk
As the sun begins to set, close curtains promptly to trap in the heat gathered during the day and reduce heat loss through windows.
Caroline adds: “If you still feel cold near a window, even with curtains closed, it may indicate draughty frames, worn seals, or ageing glazing that could benefit from attention.”
- Rearrange furniture for better heat flow
Did you know that positioning sofas, chairs or thick curtains in front of radiators can block warm air from circulating? Keeping radiators clear allows rooms to heat more effectively and evenly.
- Bleed radiators regularly
Over time, air can become trapped in your radiators, stopping them from working properly.
“Bleeding your radiators regularly helps heat flow around your home, keeping it warmer and creating a cosy environment”, says Caroline.
“After bleeding your radiators, it’s best to check your boiler pressure, as it can sometimes drop after doing this. Top it up if needed, and your heating will run smoother.”
- Theone most Brits overlook: check your seals
According to Safestyle, one of the biggest hidden causes of heat loss is worn window and door seals.
Rubber seals that are cracked, flattened, brittle or pulling away can undo every other energy-saving effort by allowing warm air to escape continuously.
Here, homeowners are advised to:
- Inspect seals around older windows and doors
- Clean seals with warm soapy water to remove dirt build-up
- Replace damaged rubber seals where necessary - a relatively inexpensive fix
“If there’s still a draft, it might be time to think about replacing your windows or doors. If this is the case, we’d recommend contacting an expert to understand the options available to you,” says Caroline.
She concludes: “With households already set to benefit from lower energy bills this April, simple behavioural changes and basic home maintenance can help families maximise those savings. Many of these measures are completely free and take just minutes to implement - but together they can make a meaningful difference to comfort and cost.”
For more info visit www.safestyle-windows.co.uk/