Keeping energy costs down is high on most people’s agenda, and this expert-approved could cut your heating bills by using one unexpected item: a humble crisp packet
One heating expert has just given us another reason to buy crisps in the shops – not that we needed an excuse.
You would be forgiven for thinking that you would be able to turn your central heating system off altogether now it’s spring, but unfortunately April is set to bring with it a bit of a cold snap that may well leave a lot of people itching to turn up their thermostats.
If you’re feeling reluctant to warm up your home because you are concerned about rising energy costs – you’re not alone, but this expert-approved life hack can help you cut your heating bill – using a surprising and humble household item: an empty crisp packet.
The expert – Andrew Haydon from Simply Plastics – explains that this easy hack is one of a few inexpensive ways that you can make your home as energy-efficient as possible – helping keep your bills down and your bank balance in tact.
If you feel like there just isn’t much warmth being thrown out from your radiators, you can up their efficiency by adding reflective material to the wall behind them, which helps to keep heat escaping out of it, and instead bounces it back into the room you are trying to warm up – and if you’re low on tin foil, you can use crisp packets instead.
“If you struggle to feel the benefit of your radiators, try sticking some tin foil behind them. This will help to reflect some of the heat back towards your room and is cheaper than reflector foil,” explains Hoyden.
“Just make sure to use sturdy double-sided tape to keep it adhered to the wall. If you’re in a real pinch, you can also use cut-up old crisp packets – just make sure to give them a thorough wash before using.” You can pick up a roll of tin foil for £1 from Sainsbury’s or £1.40 from Tesco.
Other methods the expert recommends to make your home more efficient include leaving your oven door open after you are finished cooking to let the heat add to your kitchen, and putting bubble wrap on your windows to act as an insulator, which will help stop heat escaping from your windows.
“While you can’t change the price of the energy you’re paying for, you can ensure that your home stays warmer without the need to hike up your energy bill,” Andrew explains. “In fact, there are lots of ways you can make your home feel warmer and get the most out of your heating bill without having to spend a penny – you just have to get creative.”
Do you have a story to tell? Email: [email protected]
