Belvoir Hull winter money saving tips.
So the winter is upon us and energy bills can be very expensive here at Belvoir Hull we like to find ways to save our tenants money and get the best out of there rental properties. Here are some helpful tips that will help your money stretxh further and stop any issues occuring at the property.
1. Switch your energy provider: Shop around and check out different providers. Energy companies are constantly battling to be the cheapest on the market and you can save around £200 or more for the year. Using comparison sites are a good way to get a instant quotation on the cheapest provider for your area.
2. Get free insulation: Some energy companies are working with the government to offer free energy efficiency measures to make homes wormer and reduce energy bills through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). The improvements that are on offer is free loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and/or replacement boiler. You just need to request a survey even if you are not a customer of the company.
3. Get your boiler serviced: Its always a good idea just before it gets to cold to have your boiler serviced and if there are constant faults on your boiler it may be time to replace it.
4. Use energy saving tricks: There are plenty of simple things you can do to cut how much energy you are using and save money on your bills.
- Wear extra layers of clothing instead of turning up the heat.
- Set your heating on a timer to come on half hour before you get up and a couple of hours on a evening.
- Turn off any lights you are not using and use energy saving bulbs.
- Exclude any draughts with heavy curtains or draugh excluders near doors.
- Turn your thermostat down by one degree this can reduce your gas bil by 10%
- Any rooms that do not get used turn the radiators off and shut the door.
- Do not leave any electrical appliance on standby.
- Match the saucepan size with that of your hob (otherwise you are paying to heat up air).
- Wash clothing at 30 degrees.
5. Bleed your radiators: If your radiator is colder at the top than the bottom it usually indicates that they need bleeding. The process of doing this releases any trapped air within the system and helps with the efficency of your boiler.
6. Clean or block the chimney: If you have a chimney ensure that you get it cleaned and swept so you can use it to heat your home. If you do not use your chimney getting it blocked will stop any unwanted draughts.
7. Protect your pipes: The pipes within your home are vunerable during the winter months as the water within them can freeze and cause your pipes to burst. If you are going to be away for a few days set the timer on your boiler to allow the heat to come on a couple of times a day for 15 minutes or so at a time this stops the water freezing within the pipes and protects your home.
8. Clear your gutters: Keeping your gutters free from blockages stops any overflow and protects the property from getting any damp issues.
9. Fight damp and mould: Once the temperature drops it is very tempting to shut all windows to keep the heat in but this is perfect conditions for condensation this then leads to damp and mould. Opening a window just a crack whilst showering, cooking or drying washing helps prevent this.
10. Check the roof: It is important to keep any water from entering the property via the roof. Check that there are no loose or cracked roof tiles. If you find any loose or cracked it is essential you get them replaced quickly.
11. Make a home emergency kit: Preparing for winter disasters is important you don’t want to be caught short if the boiler breaks down or there’s a power cut in the area. Your emergency kit should include a torch, batteries, spare fuses and radiator key.
Following all of the above tips will save you money and also be a huge help in the event of an emergency.
If you are an investor and would like a second opinion on a property you have seen, you can send the URL of the property to us via email hull@belvoir.co.uk. Alternately you can call our office on 01482 322300 or pop into our office and have a chat, the kettle is always on and we will even pull out the biscuits!
Don’t forget to visit the links below to view our back dated deals and Hull Property News:
Belvoir Hull Website: www.belvoir.co.uk/letting-agents-hull
Belvoir Hull Facebook: www.facebook.com/belvoirhull
