Winter has well and truly arrived here in the UK. After a glorious (and very long!) summer, we’re finally bearing the brunt of the drop in temperature which means our energy bills are sure to sky-rocket.
Whilst many of us don’t use much energy consumption throughout the warmer months, the colder weather see’s us relying heavily on our central heating systems, radiators and boilers to see us through to warmer weather once again.
Whilst some are on fixed energy tariffs which allow for slightly heavier use in winter, how do we ensure that we don’t end up in a deficit to our energy suppliers? In fact, many people are so wary about using their energy supply to keep warm, it’s estimated that as many as one in ten households are living in fuel poverty across the UK; where the members in the household cannot afford to keep adequately warm at a reasonable cost.
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite ways to save on your energy bills to ensure you’re warm and toasty – all year round!
Check Your Energy Bills Carefully
Whilst there’s no universal cheapest tariff, you should check your energy bills as some suppliers mention, on your monthly or annual statement, whether you’re on the cheapest tariff for what you use.
Also, if you’re on a fixed term contract, you may have to wait to change tariff but check the terms and conditions as some companies you pay energy bills to don’t have fixed terms and so you can change tariff, or even supplier, at any time if you’re not in a deficit to them.
Also, take a look at your bill to see if the company you’re paying bills to is estimating your usage or if they’re going off estimates. You’ll find that if you submit a meter reading, you’re being charged exactly for what you’re using and not an estimated reading.
This is particularly helpful if you’re moving into a new home and keeping with the same supplier as the previous tenant. For example, if you’re a single person and a three-person family previously occupied the home, you’ll find that the estimates will continue based on their usage.
Are you paying by direct debit? If not, why not? Setting up a monthly direct debit and paper-free billing can help you save around £75 extra a year, so it’s worth considering.
Are You Eligible for a Grant?
If you were born before 1952, you may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment Grant. You could receive anything from £100 to £300 to help pay your heating bills during the colder season and you should get it automatically if you receive a state pension or social security benefit.
Also, be sure to contact your energy supplier if you are of pensionable age, have health problems, are on a low income or are registered disabled as some suppliers can also offer financial assistance and even rebates for you, if you qualify.
Install a Thermostat
Thermostats are highly useful as even reducing your room temperature by a single degree can help you save money on your energy bills, by up to £75 for the year!
Installing a room thermostat will also help you to control the temperature much more easily than simply turning the boiler controls up and down or the radiators. Consider thermostatic radiator valves, a programmer and a room thermostat if you haven’t already got one.
By having a thermostat you can set your heating to turn off and on when you want it, you can also set different temperatures for various areas of the home and heat the exact rooms that you need. Plus, with a smart thermostat you can even control the heating from an app on your phone meaning you can set the temperature, heating and hot water remotely depending on your lifestyle or the weather forecast.
Buy Appliances that Are Energy Efficient
Looking to replace your appliance? Whether it’s a washing machine, tumble dryer or even TV, all appliances now come with a certificate of EU energy efficiency. The energy efficiency rating usually comes with the appliance in the form of a certificate and is labeled from A through to G. A is the most energy efficient and G being the least energy efficient.
If you’re buying your appliance online, the energy efficiency rating is usually listed in the product description. Otherwise, if you’re buying in store be sure to ask your salesperson for advice.
As a rough guide, buying an A-rated washing machine can reduce your energy bills by as much as £110 per year, whilst an energy efficient tumble dryer can help you save almost £120.
Here at 24|7 StayWarm, we ensure all our boilers are A-rated for energy efficiency and, what’s more, we can install a brand new boiler along with a home emergency deluxe plan which includes boiler breakdown assistance and an annual boiler service – all for a one-off cost of £599 alongside monthly, affordable payments.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you save on your energy bills.
