From LADbible · · 1m 10s
Polar Vortex Colder Winter Tips
How to keep energy bills low during a colder winter caused by El Niño.
In brief
How to keep energy bills low during a colder winter caused by El Niño. A polar vortex disruption from El Niño could lead to colder weather, so households should check for drafts, insulate pipes, bleed radiators, use thick curtains, and set thermostats between 18-21°C to save energy. Originally reported by LADbible.
El Niño disrupts polar vortex
The UK could face a colder winter than usual as El Niño weakens the polar vortex.
“The ‘Super’ El Niño has already exceeded previous records, with experts saying it still has several weeks to go until it peaks.”
El Niño risks 450,000 deaths
Experts warn El Niño could cause 450,000 deaths in the next six months.
“Experts have warned that the current El Niño could cause 450,000 deaths in the next six months.”
Check for drafts
Look for heat escaping through windows and doors; fix with draught excluders and insulating tape.
“Take a look around your home for where heat may be escaping.”
Insulate hot water pipes
Use foam pipe lagging to keep water hotter and prevent pipes from freezing.
“Before it gets any colder, invest in some foam pipe lagging for your hot water pipes.”
Bleed radiators
Remove trapped air from radiators to improve efficiency; take 10 minutes.
“If you haven’t done it in a while, then now is the ideal time to bleed your radiators to remove trapped air.”
Trap warm air with curtains
Use thick curtains and rugs to insulate windows and floors against cold.
“Homes can lose heat through windows, especially older single glazed ones; use thick curtains and rugs.”
Set thermostat between 18-21°C
Keep thermostats between 18 and 21°C for energy efficiency.
“Experts agree that thermostats should sit between 18 and 21°C, not higher.”
The essence
A polar vortex disruption from El Niño could lead to colder weather, so households should check for drafts, insulate pipes, bleed radiators, use thick curtains, and set thermostats between 18-21°C to save energy.
