Managing Your Bills
You may be able to cut your bills by using less energy, getting the best deal and paying by the cheapest method.
The tips below could help you save money:
1. Compare your energy company for price
Someone who has never switched their energy supplier could save up to £270 by moving to a new company! You can also use online price comparison websites which make the process of comparing prices and switching even easier, click on the link below to view some impartial advice given by Consumer Focus regarding price comparison services: http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/en/content/cms/Energy_Help___Advice/Helping_Households/Price_comparison_ser/Price_comparison_ser.aspx
2. Pay by the cheapest method
If you are paying by cheque every quarter you could save on average £150 a year by switching to direct debit and possibly more if you switch to an online account. For people who are on pre payment meters you could save on average £170 a year if you pay by direct debit.
3. Take control of your heating
Is your heating on too high? The most important thing is to keep warm in winter, but turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%.
If you're going away for winter, leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing at minimum cost. You could save around £30 per year.
Hot water doesn't need to be scalding. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing.
4. Financial Grants
There are a range of grants available to help people make their homes more energy efficient and cut your fuel bills through draught proofing, cavity wall or loft insulation, radiator controls and other methods. To find out if you are eligible for any of these phone your local energy efficiency advice centre on 0800 512 012.
Also, look out for any special offers from your energy company or local authority – you might receive information about these along with your bill.
5. Plug up the gaps
If you stop draughts and heat escaping by filling gaps under skirting boards with newspaper, beading or mastic sealant you could save £5-£10 off your bills every year.
Double-glazing cuts heat loss through windows by 50% and could cut your heating bill by up to £80 - £100 a year.
Closing your curtains at dusk will stop heat escaping through windows. You can eliminate even more draughts and wasted heat by using an easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors.
6. Don’t standby, switch off!
The average household wastes £37 each year by leaving appliances on standby such as televisions, DVD players, stereos, computers and cordless phones. To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby but check the user manual first.
Turn off the lights when you leave a room and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day.
7. Dress up your hot water tank
An insulating jacket for hot water tanks only costs a few pounds and pays for itself within months. Fit one that's at least 75mm (3") thick and you could save around £20 a year.
8. Half empty or half full
Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need. You'll get your drink quicker and you’ll save energy too!
For washing machines, tumble driers and dishwashers always aim for a full load if you can't use a half-load or economy programme.
Use the low temperature programme bearing in mind that modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures. Wring out or spin-drying really wet clothes before putting them into a tumble dryer will save you money, and they dry faster.
9. Use energy efficient light bulbs
Trade up your ordinary light bulbs for energy saving ones. Priced from just £5, energy efficient light bulbs last 12 times longer and for each bulb you fit, you can save up to £9 on your annual electricity bill.
10. Figure out what works for you … take the EST Home Energy Check
You know what energy saving methods will work best for you. To get an idea of how much you could save in your home use the Energy Savings Trust online home energy check. Alternatively, you can obtain a paper version by calling your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) on 0800 512 012.
Staff at your local EEAC can also provide you with free, impartial advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and talk to you about the grants available in your area to implement energy efficient measures.
