You can also save on your heating bills with a simple change to your windows
Adding an easy-to-install gadget on your windows could slash your heating bills significantly. Home appliance specialists at online DIY retailer CutMy have shared several tips for boosting your home’s energy efficiency. Company founder James Bryant discussed two products worth purchasing to reduce your expenses when cranking up the heating.
One simple savings tip from the group is to add a shelf above your radiator. Mr Bryant explained how this works, saying: “Radiator shelves are a simple upgrade that can make your heating far more efficient, yet many people don’t realise how big a difference they can make.
“Without a shelf above the radiator, a surprising amount of warm air rises directly upwards and collects at ceiling height – completely bypassing the room where you actually want the heat. A shelf redirects that warmth forward and outward, allowing it to circulate far more effectively.”
Cutmy customers have said they have seen the difference after adding the feature, as the room heats up faster. Mr Bryant said you can even turn down your thermostat thanks to the addition.
He said: “The improvement in heat distribution means you can often reduce the thermostat slightly while maintaining the same cosy temperature. Over winter, that can translate into meaningful savings. It’s one of the easiest, most affordable energy-efficiency tweaks you can make – and it works instantly.”
The expert pointed to another device you may want to try to minimise heat loss around windows. This involves adding an additional glazing layer. He said: “Secondary acrylic glazing is one of the most effective ways homeowners can cut heat loss without the cost or disruption of replacing their windows.
“Adding a lightweight acrylic panel over an existing window traps a layer of still air between the two surfaces, creating a natural insulating barrier. This reduces heat loss by as much as 60 percent, making older, draught-prone windows feel significantly more efficient.”
Mr Bryant said his customers said they felt an improvement “almost immediately” as rooms feel warmer and draughts are eliminated. The device can also help tackle condensation issues around windows.
The DIY expert said: “Because acrylic secondary glazing is fitted internally, it’s quick, quiet and mess-free to install, typically done in a couple of hours. It’s also much cheaper than full window replacement, making it ideal for older homes or rentals.
“For anyone looking to cut their heating bills this winter, secondary glazing offers real, measurable benefit at a fraction of the cost of new windows.”