Spending money and the family home seem to go hand-in-hand with each other and with rising energy costs, expenses are only likely to increase for families across the UK. However, there are measures to take that can help curve such expenditure.

Efficiency is the key word right now, with the more efficient a house is, the better it will run and the less costs will be. This is certainly the case when it comes to heating the house, with several methods being out there that will keep heat in and the cold out; the same goes for any household, whether you’re out in the country and you’re in the business for some Weboil central heating oil or are trying to beat the gas man with a conventional gas boiler.

Doors and windows are key areas to focus on, as are walls and the attic/roof, so it is best to know exactly what to do in order to make the alterations as effective as possible.

• Insulation is a big part of the job (albeit expensive at times) and there are a few areas in the home where this can be applied. The walls are the best place to install some insulation that will help heat stay in and cold stay out, but the roof and attic are also areas that will need doing for the complete effect.
• Drafts are another issue that need dealing with. Hold up a candle or something that will move in a breeze to areas that you believe might be emanating a draft in order to identify where the problems lie.
• To seal drafts, silicone caulk is often the best method, but usually only for non-moveably objects such as electrical locations, but windows and doors will require a bit more work and the use of excluder strips. Older windows and doors might need the expensive treatment of being replaced.
• Another key area where a home’s heating can be hit hard is the boiler itself; regular maintenance is required in order to keep it in a true efficient way, whether it is a conventional gas boiler or home heating oil tank.
• Programmable thermostats also help regulate heat if you set them correctly. Setting summer and winter settings can see your bills drop dramatically, instead of having the temperature too high for the weather outside and wasting both energy and cash.