Region pays a big price to stay warm

HOMES in Dumfries and Galloway are among the costliest to heat nationwide, according to a nationwide audit.

A new analysis of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data, alongside gas and electricity consumption and regional tariff data from the experts at Hillarys, has revealed a stark postcode heating divide, with some households paying nearly £1100 more per year to stay warm than others simply because of where they live.

And Dumfries and Galloway comes fifth in a list of the most expensive regions to heat.

The average heating cost per year in the local authority was found to be £1657, with the median heating cost slightly lower at £1255.

Just over 63 per cent of homes in the region have an EPC rating of D or lower.

And the estimated yearly savings by having double glazed windows is £219.

The ten most expensive regions to heat are all in Scotland, with households in the Highland region paying £1902 per year, eight per cent higher than the current energy price cap

The majority of the UK live in houses, the least energy-efficient and most expensive property types to heat, with detached houses costing an average of £1974.

Lisa Cooper, from Hillarys, shared what households can do to reduce bills and keep warm this winter. She said: “When the temperatures drop, our first instinct is usually to turn on the heating and make sure every radiator is on full, but retaining heat by preventing air leakage at windows is key to keeping bills low whilst staying warm.

“Small, cost-effective changes, such as sealing draughts, using thick curtains and ensuring windows are properly insulated, can all help. “Another great solution to maintaining heat inside is installing thermal blinds.”