The little-known home trick that saves you £20 a month on...

AS the winter chill continues, you may still be keeping an eye on your energy bills. But the cost of living continues to rise meaning many households will be eager to find new ways to cut costs. And one hack could save you £20 a month without having to cope with the heating off. Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct, says his lesser-known trick could reduce how much energy you use.

Image Credit: The Sun [Person adjusting the thermostat on a home heating system.]

He revealed: "Most UK water heaters are set to store water at around 60-65°C. "However, this is actually far too hot to bathe in (and hotter than is usually needed for a washing machine or dishwasher load), so you’re essentially spending money over-heating. "Instead, set your water heater to a more comfortable 49°C. "This is usually warm enough for most household needs and it can reduce your heater’s energy consumption by 4-8%, which can be a saving of around £20 a month over winter.".

It's not the only temperature settings you should be adjusting in your home, either. Stephen advises setting your refrigerator to 4°C and your freezer to -18°C. "Keeping them colder than this is not necessary and uses as much as 15% more electricity", he adds. "Also, ensure the door seals are tight to prevent cold air from escaping. "Manually defrost freezers if they start to accumulate ice too. Ice buildup makes the freezer work harder and use more energy.".

And if you're a cleaning or interiors fan then listen up, these next two are for you. Stephen revealed that dust and dirt on radiators can reduce their heat output, so cleaning them thoroughly could see your rooms heat up quicker. He adds: "Ensure the radiator is switched off and use a soft cloth (or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment) to remove dust and dirt from the surface of the radiator. Pay attention to the grille and any nooks and crannies too.

"For radiators with fins or convectors, use a radiator brush or a long, thin brush to get between the fins. This helps remove dust and debris that can block airflow and reduce efficiency. ". Placing a mirror opposite radiators can also boost their effectiveness. Stephen explains: "Believe it or not, but a cleverly placed mirror can help move heat through your room. "Place mirrors opposite radiators or windows to reflect and distribute warmth more effectively. ".