As each passing month brings the summer closer to its end, people across the UK will change from soaking up the sun’s rays to bringing the warmth into their homes. If you’re in the north-west of England, you’re already prepared for the cold weather and rain to return. No matter if you live in Stockport or Tameside, double glazing your windows will help to reduce your heating costs this winter.
We all have family members – there is always one – who will spend their time near the thermostat and take any opportunity to turn the heating up. Of course, nobody will complain at the time about the house being extra warm, but that won’t be the same when you receive your bill for the month. It could be much higher than expected, which could have a significant impact on your household spending.
According to the Independent, Co-operative Energy has announced that it will increase the prices for gas and electricity. Starting from August 20th, Co-op’s prices are set to rise by 5.2 per cent and, as a result, will impact up to 128,000 homes in the UK.
If you’re with the company, you will see your energy bill rise from £1,158 to £1,218, which is up £61 on what you’re paying now. Whichever way you look at it, the money you’re losing isn’t an insignificant amount. It will no doubt influence your household expenses and put more strain on your budget as you’re paying it over the months and years.
Rik Smith, an energy expert from uSwitch, commented: “The news from Co-operative Energy today is the 25th overall increase announced this year. We have now seen at least one price rise from Britain’s ten biggest energy suppliers in 2018 as well as hikes from numerous smaller providers.”
Even if you’re not with the Co-op, you might see other companies head down a similar route and change their prices. When you think about it, you’re not going to keep heating your home once it has reached the ‘ideal’ temperature. However, that is all going to be for nothing if the heat can easily pass through single-glazed windows.
What Mortgage finds that upgrading your windows will save you money on your bills. In fact, you will also benefit from taking advantage of home improvements in the long term. According to What Mortgage, new windows can add “up to ten per cent to your house’s value”.
You won’t think about it every day, but remember how much snow the UK had last year? In fact, think about all the previous times that there’s been snow and how cold it’s been in your home. In most cases, you’ve left your heating on for longer than expected and it’s been an expensive investment to stay warm.
It could be some time since you first purchased your home, so you could be looking at the next area of your property you want to revamp. If you transition from single to double glazing, you’re going to avoid the costs of heating – which will probably continue to rise – and it’s going to increase your property’s value when you eventually sell it.
