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6 Strategies for Reducing your Heating Bill in Winter

Cold winter temperatures put pressure on your home’s heating systems, and these increased demands can quickly strain your finances due to rising heating costs. More than 1.7 million UK households won’t turn on their heating this winter to save money amid rising living costs. However, living in a cold home can be a significant health risk. As such, it’s critical to consider ways to heat your home cost-effectively.

Consider these six strategies for reducing your heating bill this winter:

1. Seal the exterior. Caulk and replace weather stripping around doors and windows, and repair any cracks or holes in your home’s roof and walls to exclude draughts.
2. Install a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to adjust your homes temperature, even when you’re not present. If you forget to turn off the heating when leaving home, you can do this remotely, thereby saving on heating bills.
3. Use natural light. Take advantage of sunlight by opening blinds and curtains during the day to allow it to transfer warmth inside. Cover windows at night to help keep warm air from escaping.
4. Layer up. Wearing layers and making use of heated blankets and throws can allow you to keep your home at a lower temperature.
5. Use radiators wisely. Turn down radiators in rooms you aren’t using to conserve energy. Consider fitting radiator reflector panels to reflect heat back into the room. To further reduce heat loss, ensure radiators aren’t covered or blocked by furniture.
6. Turn off devices. Turn off any unused appliances at the plug, as devices on standby mode still consume significant energy.

Taking steps to improve your homes energy efficiency can reduce your heating bill this winter and help you stay warm and well.

For additional energy efficiency resources, contact us today.

Life

Improving your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a significant role in your life. In simple terms, this figure is used to represent how dependable creditors and lenders perceive you to be. Your credit score can make all the difference when seeking a mortgage, attempting to purchase a car or applying for credit cards.

Given the importance of your credit score, understanding how you can improve or maintain it is essential. The following strategies can help:

• Diversify your portfolio. If you don’t have much credit history, your credit score may be subpar. This is because lenders prefer to see a pattern of sensible borrowing. Build up your score by maintaining several different lines of credit, but avoid making too many credit applications in a short period of time.
• Keep up with payments. Perhaps the most critical factor in your credit score is demonstrating your ability to make timely payments. Consider setting up automatic payments (eg direct debits) to avoid late fees and penalties.
• Avoid excessive debt. While having some credit can be positive, maxing out credit cards or otherwise nearing your credit limits can harm your score.
• Refrain from closing accounts. Even if you’ve fully paid off a credit card, consider keeping the account open. This can keep your total credit limit higher, meaning you will use less of your total available credit with other cards or accounts.

30% of UK citizens worry about their credit score, and 40% worry about their ability to secure a loan or buy a home because of it.

Contact us today for additional financial well being tips.

Motor

Storing Vehicles Safely for the Winter

Frigid temperatures, snow, sleet, hail and ice can all cause significant damage to vehicles. If you won’t be using your car, motorcycle or other vehicle this winter, consider the following tips to ensure it’s protected from the elements:

• Choose the right spot. If possible, you should store your vehicles in a covered and locked garage where they can be sheltered from the elements and other dangers.
• Clean your vehicle. Depending on the vehicle, you may want to hand wash and wax the exterior to help protect and preserve it while it sits idle, especially if you plan to cover it.
• Prevent pests. Close entry points, such as vents, windows and exhaust pipes, and remove all food items to avoid attracting insects and rodents.
• Conduct maintenance. Change your oil and air filters even if your vehicle isn’t due for them. Additionally, top off your vehicle’s coolant, and clean and inflate tyres to the recommended pounds per square inch.

For more vehicle safety resources, contact us today.