Ways to improve the thermal efficiency of my rented flat

ruperts

With the cost of heating soaring just in time for the heating season, I've been trying to think of ways in which I can reduce my bills.

Unfortunately it's a small rented flat so I'm quite limited with what I can do. But I thought I'd make this thread just in case anybody has any tips and tricks of their own that they'd like to share.

For me, the windows are the main thing. They are single glazed and leaky. I am going to purchase some of the window insulating film (can't remember the name) and attach it to each pane. I will also purchase a large roll of shrink wrap and attach a piece to each pane. Then I am planning to make a 'curtain' out of several layers of shrink wrap and maybe some foil or wool or other material, which I will then hang over the windows via a rudimentary system of string and hair clips. This should prevent draft and I will be able to remove it when I want some light.

I was also thinking of attaching a couple of layers of shrink wrap to the internal face of exposed walls (of which there aren't many - one of the few advantages of living in a ground floor flat). Would this make much difference or am I being ridiculous?

Does anyone have any other ideas?

arachne

Hi, here's a few ideas for you...

Check the EPC you should have received when you rented the flat - this will tell you what can be done to improve the energy efficiency. If there are things your landlord can do - ask him/her. Mention the LESA (landlord energy saving allowance) for them to reclaim the tax on their expenditure (google it for more info).

In terms of what you can do, just normal thick curtains drawn in the evenings should help a lot, particularly if you make sure they're not covering any radiators. If you have any gaps between the window frame and walls, you could put filler in them (or get your landlord to) to cut draughts. Rugs on the floors (if you don't have carpets) should make you feel warmer and low energy bulbs will bring your leccy bills down a bit. Leave the oven door open after cooking to warm the flat a little from leftover heat. Sausage-type draught excluders will stop draughts coming under your front door. Make sure you don't have furniture blocking your radiators. If you can get away with it as a tenant, put foil behind radiators on external walls and a shelf above your radiator to reflect heat back into the room.

If your flat is excessively cold and your landlord won't do anything, you could get the council's environmental health team to do an HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System) assessment if you're in England or Wales. They can then make the landlord improve the energy efficiency but this could lead to bad relations with your landlord so only worth doing if the flat's un-liveable.

Also, the obvious - check if you can get cheaper energy from a different supplier or on a different tariff. Pay by direct debit if you can to get the best rates (or try Ebico if you can't as they don't charge any premium for PPM or standard credit). Good luck! I'm flipping freezing at the moment and it's only August!!!

Eliza_2

Millions and billions of ideas on the Preparing for Winter thread.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2714253