Energy bills slashed with Wickes-approved 99p tool and ‘1 degree rule’

Wickes specialists are encouraging British households to purchase an inexpensive ‘practical’ little device that could assist them in cutting costs from their monthly heating expenses.

With winter fully underway and energy costs remaining a worry, home improvement chain Wickes is providing expert guidance on how families can reduce expenditure and maintain warmth without experiencing the chill.

This month, Wickes is presenting straightforward, budget-friendly modifications that could help property owners across Britain save money, alongside more substantial long-term improvements that offer protection against rising energy costs.

From a ‘one degree rule’ to fundamental draught-proofing and solar panels, Teresa Paul, Category Development Director for Sustainability at Wickes, outlines how individuals can retain more cash in their wallets.

Teresa explains that a swift victory, which helps your heating operate more efficiently for less, is bleeding your radiators, reports the Mirror.

When air becomes trapped at the top of radiators, it creates cold spots and prevents hot water from flowing properly, so your boiler must use more energy to warm the space.

Property owners can follow the step-by-step radiator bleeding tutorial on Wickes’ website to enhance radiator performance ‘in merely a few minutes’.

In the tutorial, the DIY retailer recommends utilising a radiator key – the shop stocks one for £1.25, though there are marginally more affordable alternatives available elsewhere, including a 99p Radiator Valve Key at Screwfix. If you’re uncertain about how to bleed your radiators, consult a professional.

A few hours after completing the task, inspect all the radiators you’ve bled thoroughly to ensure the valves aren’t dripping.

Making your home energy-efficient is really important to lower high energy bills, shrink your carbon footprint, and fight rising fuel prices. By boosting efficiency with measures like insulation and double glazing, you can create a cosier, healthier, and more comfortable place to live, and it can also raise the value of your property.

Extra quick wins for energy and financial savings:

Teresa suggests adhering to a ‘one degree Celsius principle’ can help generate additional savings. She elaborates: “Most homes are heated to a higher temperature than they actually need to be. Dropping your thermostat by 1C is a change most people barely notice in terms of feeling cold. It means your boiler is working less, and that quickly helps save over the winter.”

Reducing the thermostat by merely one degree can save the typical household approximately £90 annually. Whilst numerous homes are configured higher, a temperature of roughly 18C is generally deemed appropriate for healthy adults.

Another method to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and cut expenses is to ‘seal up’ any significant energy leaks. The specialist explained: “Doors and windows are some of the main culprits for heat and money escaping the home. Simple draught excluders and rubber seals, starting from around £6, can create an immediate barrier to heat loss.

“For those who prefer to call in a professional, draught proofing can save around £35 a year on energy bills. Addressing both small and large draughts can make a huge impact on comfort and costs. You’re essentially stopping warm air that you’ve already paid to heat from leaking straight outside.”

Enhancing loft insulation can also assist homeowners in improving their property and reducing bills. She explained: “Up to 25% of a home’s heat can be lost through the roof and around 33% through the walls. Adding rolls of insulation (200mm thickness or more) on top of what’s already there boosts performance and keeps more heat in for longer.”

Teresa also suggested fitting a hot water cylinder with an insulation jacket, which can deliver “impressive returns”, potentially saving up to £40 annually on bills by maintaining hot water temperature for extended periods. Another recommendation is switching lights off when leaving a room, which can save up to £8 yearly, whilst changing to LED bulbs – preferably with a dimmer switch – further reduces electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

For households seeking a more lasting solution against escalating energy costs, solar panels can offer long-term savings by decreasing dependence on grid electricity. Teresa stated: “While solar requires more upfront investment than a draught excluder or thermostat tweak, you could start to see savings on your electricity in your first year when you switch to solar.

“We can’t say enough about how beneficial switching to solar can be. Our experts take care of everything from planning and installation through to aftercare – and all solar panels come with a 25‐year warranty. It’s a way to help lock in long‐term savings while also cutting your carbon footprint.”