To help you reduce your energy expenditure, we have compiled a list of the best advice for keeping your bills as low as possible.
1. Can you save money by switching to a fixed-rate tariff?
In most cases, a fixed-rate energy tariff is the best method to lock in a lower price for your electricity and gas. However, since wholesale costs are super high, a fixed-rate plan might be pricey at the moment.
The best approach for the time being is to remain put until the energy prices have stabilized and deals resume.
2. Use direct debit to save money on energy bills
Setting up a direct debit to make energy bill payments is a smart option, as it will immediately lower your cost. It means that you will never forget to pay, and it’s around 7% (or £85) per year cheaper than the alternative methods of payment.
Don’t forget to give your provider frequent meter readings to ensure that you’re paying the right amount every month. Usually, this can be done online, through an app, or automatically through a smart meter. Taking accurate meter readings can help lower your energy use by avoiding overpayments for predicted charges.
3. Turn down the heating
Much of your energy bills are likely comprised of hot water and heating bills. As such, this is where most of the savings can be realised. You could start by decreasing the thermostat by one degree, which might save you up to £80 every year on energy expenses. Solar power is also worth considering
4. Cut the shower time by half to save energy
For those who have a meter, shaving a minute off the daily shower routine can help save you £75 every year in electricity bills and £105 each year in water bills.
5. Consider fitting a water-saving showered
These water-saving shower heads are primarily designed to use less water without compromising on the water pressure of your shower.
6. Get an efficient boiler
A significant part of your energy account is comprised of hot water and heating bills. As such, this is where most of the savings can be realised. You could start by decreasing the thermostat by one degree, which might save you up to £80 every year on energy expenses.
If you can afford to fork out the initial cost, replacing an old and inefficient boiler with a new, energy-efficient one could generate significant savings. You could see up to £300 per year in savings according to experts. This is especially true if you go for an A-rated boiler. Make sure that you get a boiler cover from Corgi Home Plan to help keep it running optimally.
You should also consider applying for the Clean Heat Grant, which could provide £7,000 to help replace your old boiler with an eco-friendlier one. The government will continue offering the Clean Heat grant for the foreseeable future.
7. Turn off the appliances
According to Utilita, an energy provider, at any given time, the average British home has ten unused electrical appliances that are plugged in and turned on. Turning off your TV at the mains can help you save up to £16 each year in power costs. Using a PlayStation or Xbox console can increase this number by double.
8. Purchase energy-efficient white goods
When your washing machine and refrigerator reach the end of their useful lives, ensure that you replace them with the most energy-efficient models you can find. For instance, Energy Local reports that by upgrading from a C-rated freezer-refrigerator to an A+++ rated model, you may save £113 every year.
9. Do your laundry at a lower temperature
Which? Reports that if you do laundry four times a week at 20 degrees instead of the usual 40 degrees, you could save up to £24 every year. Similarly, the Energy Saving Trust outlines that eliminating one cycle every week, by perhaps wearing your clothes more before you wash them, could save you £5 a year.
10. Avoid the energy-guzzling tumble dryer
The Energy Saving Trust also reports that if you never use your tumble dryer, you could save £40 every year. Where feasible, dry your clothes on a clothes horse or clothesline.
As the article has pointed out, it’s quite easy to start saving money on your energy bills on both a monthly and annual basis. It all starts with simple habits and starting to build on them. The money you end up saving will compound as you do more to cut your energy bills. You will not only be saving money but also living an eco-friendlier lifestyle.
You don’t have to try changing the world in a day, just start with simple tasks today and this will go a long way in the long run.