<![CDATA[ Latest from Ideal Home in Home-energy ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/home-energy Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 en <![CDATA[ I only washed my clothes on a 30° cycle for four weeks and this is how much I saved on my energy bills and my laundry is just as clean ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/i-used-30-degree-washing-machine-cycle-for-a-month sEwNRWNLvEUrabZHXHsMdD Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:05:15 +0000 <![CDATA[ Plug-in solar panels could soon be available — but should you buy a plug-in kit or would a rooftop installation be better? I asked the experts how the two systems differ ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/plug-in-solar-panels-vs-rooftop-solar-panels 9GAvydZnh5je5E7pReJD3Y Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Plug-in solar panels will soon be available in the UK — this is everything we know about how they work ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/what-are-plug-in-solar-panels qnjwQzWT24uAnRgY35MhGJ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:22:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ 5 counter-top kitchen appliances you should always unplug when not in use – I’ve been wasting so much money on my energy bills by leaving mine plugged in ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/counter-top-kitchen-appliances-to-unplug-after-use 5KpaxfWzD2XcBTAc9ZJZH6 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:47:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ I traded my usual dishwasher setting for this eco-friendly alternative– it’s saving me £35 a year and my dishes are just as clean as before ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/i-switched-to-an-eco-friendly-dishwasher-setting 7PpRJ68HBk6VFXaDJEene Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:00:28 +0000 <![CDATA[ I've put off this quick and easy task in my home for more than a year and it's cost me up to £235 on wasted energy – don't make the same mistake I did! ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/235-pound-draught-proofing-mistake iL8nDyDHEhdYpnPTwpqAqn Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:02:02 +0000 <![CDATA[ I swapped using my dishwasher for handwashing my dishes for a month to avoid wasting energy, but I've got 4 reasons why it was harder to give up than I thought ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/i-stopped-using-my-dishwasher-for-a-month xUYNPgdcjoHMrRsf8zHRRP Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I’ve been wasting energy through these 3 decor choices for years – and it turns out each one has been costing me up to £250 a year ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/energy-wasting-decor-mistakes EJjjVShsokJvXGt2id3ZMj Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:36:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ I switched to a smart kettle to avoid wasting energy six months ago, and this is how much I actually saved ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/i-switched-to-a-smart-kettle-to-avoid-energy-wastage yLhQnH2MTJnTyNpwSheuhV Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:33:05 +0000 <![CDATA[ 'Plug-in' solar panels could be available in shops and supermarkets within months as part of government push to cut energy bills ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/government-to-make-plug-in-solar-panels-available-uk 3uqxmQxHDtinjJhmKMoveY Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:26:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ 3 things people with low energy bills always have — side-step potential price rises and avoid wasting energy by trying them in your own home ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/things-people-with-low-energy-bills-always-have KGLHJk2UuuyT3Us3WAdt9V Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Thought the arrival of spring meant you could forget about your boiler for a bit? Me too — but the experts told me that now is actually the ideal time to give it some TLC ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/boiler-service-in-spring pADUE9fucVc57VfxUxCb47 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Log burner getting too hot, too cold, not lighting properly? I asked the pros about the most common stove problems and how to fix them ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/common-problems-with-log-burning-stoves YUywU8Qb6UP8bhqAD5UsAG Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I’m impressed that this quiet Daewoo oil-filled heater continues kicking out heat for hours after it’s been turned off — it’s ideal when I’m working from home ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/daewoo-2500w-oil-filled-heater-review CGUdfVLSmCnfqZYyjmKfRQ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:45:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ This ProBreeze heater finally changed my opinion of oil-filled radiators – turns out they are not the old-fashioned relics I once thought they were ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/probreeze-omniwarm-2500w-oil-filled-11-fins-eco-radiator-review QgzX2CULeMQVQC6qyGMf2a Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:45:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ Are energy bills going up? I’m a home energy expert and this is what you need to know about when prices might rise, and what you can do right now to minimise the impact ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/when-are-energy-bills-going-up YamzyfcjR5Ds2XJdonhyg3 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:38:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ How many hours a day should your heating be on in spring? I asked heating pros for the ideal schedule that hits the sweet spot between warmth and efficiency ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/how-many-hours-a-day-should-your-heating-be-on-in-spring xv95zwfdxYG3rRyhKSwznK Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I really want to install solar panels on my roof but was gutted when my architect and structural engineer told me to hold off for a few years — this is why ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/why-i-have-to-wait-to-install-solar-panels VZVnsGWwbHtSXzrZ44hoTG Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I went a whole month without using my tumble dryer, thinking I would avoid wasting energy, but it turns out I had to sacrifice something else in return ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/i-stopped-using-my-tumble-dryer-for-a-month Hz5MtbHvcRxm5eMmbH4KrV Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:35:34 +0000 <![CDATA[ 3 things you'll only need to do once to improve your home's energy efficiency – and now is the ideal time to do them ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/one-time-ways-to-save-energy GTVbgF5Pk2Ted5Gb3sXiya Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ This dual purpose fan and heater combo has helped me maintain the ideal temperature at home, despite the changeable weather outside ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/russell-hobbs-bladeless-fan-with-cool-and-heat-function-review yibh2xkqfAcuXStDY93Xvk Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:45:45 +0000 <![CDATA[ 4 surprising household things driving your energy bills up in spring and summer, and what you can do to keep costs down ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/home-energy/things-making-your-energy-bill-more-expensive-in-spring-and-summer oeeFhRR3gVjQgcw9xdkfsU Sun, 01 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I was seriously impressed with this Dreo electric heater — I think it’s the best value for money on the market right now ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/dreo-atom-316-ceramic-fan-heater-review mtWyTxbWGZk3tjJtRqx8hA Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:33:59 +0000 <![CDATA[ How we test electric heaters and oil-filled radiators at Ideal Home ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/how-we-test-electric-heaters-and-oil-filled-radiators kD3exGLS2Ucgw6pQuyGMmW Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ How do oil-filled radiators actually work? This is what the pros told me, including how long they stay warm after they’ve been switched off ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/how-do-oil-filled-radiators-work 2KpTPsdpfmjVumPYJ7E9KT Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I’m a home heating expert, and this is how long you should have your electric heater on for, and how long is too long ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/how-long-should-an-electric-heater-be-on-for mcYdyQB8uLwwWZPxmbZD5G Sun, 22 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ The simplicity of this £15 electric heater won’t be for everyone, but if you want something fuss-free for a small room, it’ll get the job done ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/abode-horizontal-and-vertical-fan-heater-review L4gYpHHSZtG5R6MQ63GhCn Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:45:44 +0000 <![CDATA[ Trust me, as someone who reviews electric heaters for a living, these 6 questions will help you choose the right type of heater for your home ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/how-to-choose-the-right-electric-heater c8r7TYn94omjecamJcor2F Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:29:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ Thanks to this electric fan heater I’ve hit the sweet spot between staying warm and cosy but my electricity bills haven't gone through the roof ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/morphy-richards-heatflux-ultra-thin-2kw-ceramic-tower-fan-heater-review me37iy5nVTggnkUqBrzcE Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:45:44 +0000 <![CDATA[ I love the look of a log burner, but don’t want the hassle or expense of installing one — this beautiful electric heater is the alternative I’ve been searching for ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/vonhaus-electric-stove-and-log-store-review eLUU4bxUwwaFxPtMZTuhYe Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:45:44 +0000 <![CDATA[ This is how long your oil-filled radiator should last and how you can make it last longer, according to the pros ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/how-long-do-oil-filled-radiators-last deT7XnxPpPNyQHkfGzcDNb Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:40:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I asked the pros whether smart electric heaters are actually worth the additional cost, and I’m not surprised by the answer ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/are-smart-electric-heaters-worth-it ZWhEyNJrW7SNxLYc9ywoBe Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Why hybrid heating could be the smart next step for UK homeowners ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/home-energy/worcester-bosch-hybrid-systems FtVAjPwYz34qJLQnocgHHE Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:16:18 +0000 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:02:18 +0000 <![CDATA[ A badly positioned electric heater will never heat a room effectively – here are the best spots in the room to ensure you benefit from it the most ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/best-place-to-position-an-electric-heater GQJTL4ivFwF2sU8kUpyBbk Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ These 5 tactics will help you use your electric heater more efficiently and avoid wasting energy ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/how-to-use-your-electric-heater-more-efficiently YnqosqRHZgLzrGCqD3sq4F Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:47:18 +0000 <![CDATA[ Thought all oil-filled radiators were old-fashioned? Not anymore – these modern options offer a far more stylish heating solution ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/modern-alternatives-to-oil-filled-radiators EZACCnj4PHKEd4uX6r3Gi6 Sun, 01 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I’ve tried both oil-filled radiators and electric heaters — this is how they really differ, and why one will be more suitable for you than the other ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/difference-between-electric-heaters-and-oil-filled-radiators SL33sdp5eBL7c4YXmVXDWQ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:15:16 +0000 <![CDATA[ 3 ways I'm using Storm Chandra to make my home more energy efficient ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/how-i-use-storm-chandra-to-make-my-home-more-energy-efficient YNDDQAmWwtZMC667Y8HmJN Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:21:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ Is an oil-filled radiator suitable for a large room? Experts say they can be, provided you get this one thing right when buying one ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/are-oil-filled-radiators-suitable-for-large-rooms MoAuj3aNoT6QfX8XE9uX3j Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:12:04 +0000 <![CDATA[ 3 easy loft checks to do right now that'll help keep your home warm throughout winter ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/insulation/loft-insulation-checks-to-do-in-winter ux8J5JAVsEpgmFgQehqFHm Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 5 ways to make your oil-filled radiator more efficient and avoid wasting energy ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/how-to-use-an-oil-filled-radiator-more-efficiently jwjdxqePsYXrSP8N7ednnQ Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:18:12 +0000 <![CDATA[ What is the Warm Homes Plan and will you benefit from it? Everything you need to know about the new government scheme to reduce your energy bills ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/energy-saving/warm-homes-plan kfm5zYkct9URAXVgSRxPcY Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:06:58 +0000 <![CDATA[ Discovering these 6 energy sucking 'vampire appliances' lurking in my home shocked me – I'm getting ready to slay them and save £100s ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/home-energy/i-found-vampire-appliances-lurking-in-my-home zwF4tA3xnZgSXDTx4tuRJF Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ This retro, energy-saving decor trend is having a huge comeback – Next’s Scandi-style offerings are the best I’ve seen ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/next-stylish-draught-excluders PPmrfhujtbNgygpVgqkb2b Sat, 17 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ We're making our 300-year-old cottage warmer with insulated lime — experts suggest it will save us at least £200 in energy loss per year ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/insulation/why-we-are-applying-insulated-lime-render-to-our-old-cottage iEUyP4k2Jp7MRzzjv2mhVW Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Experts are urging people to avoid these 4 popular social media heating hacks, warning they will do more harm than good ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/social-media-heating-hacks-to-avoid HDHa4DXUZqeAqh5t654Wsb Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:15:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ If you want a smart electric heater that will work in every room of your home, including the bathroom, then I might have just tested the ideal option ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/mill-wifi-max-1500w-heater-review MhpQZMy7fcWQypxcWuxMH4 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:45:43 +0000 <![CDATA[ This is what I did when my radiators stopped working when it was sub-zero outside — and I didn’t need to call a pro ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/what-i-did-when-my-radiators-stopped-working Ue6raSyFbSrdSy5QSShz2G Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Have you tried 'zoned heating'? Heating experts are recommending this easy and efficient method to keep your home warm in winter ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/zoned-heating-method G2i5FbH3PyhqaDibwSdxpY Sat, 10 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Lidl’s bladeless fan heater is more than £300 cheaper than Dyson – it’s perfect for helping you beat the freeze this January ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/heating/lidl-tronic-bladeless-fan-heater-vs-dyson a6PaoGr6xgZkoT8geBHyPm Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:53:14 +0000