Energy Awareness

With the recent price rises in energy supply, the UK home owner is now realising that bills are significantly increasing and realising that steps must be taken to change daily habits in order to reduce costs.

For many years gas has been a cheap commodity which has been supplied from the North Sea gas fields at very competitive prices. Electricity has also been relatively cheap although still more expensive than gas. As a result of this, home owners across the UK have become used to turning on the heating and hot water at any time and leave lights on without regard to the cost.

With the advent of the Governments push to reduce C02, the global supply of oil depleting and gas an imported product, individuals are now looking at ways to heat their homes without it costing the earth, literally or financially.

For more about energy awareness please click on the links below:

How much energy do you use?

Your energy supplier
Look at your bills to see how much energy per Kilowatt hour (kW/h) you are paying. With the energy supplier market still relatively competitive, it is worthwhile shopping around for a new tariff which may suit your needs better.

Most companies have a two tier system, with a price for an initial number of units used and a lower price for units over and above. Prices can vary for online applications and loyalty discounts are given to incentivise you to remain with the same supplier.

Investigate green tariffs, although a little more expensive Good Energy and Ecotricity do supply electricity from renewable sources, so you will reduce your carbon footprint by using these suppliers.

Entertainment and appliances
One of the best ways to see where you can cut your energy use is by understanding exactly what you are using and when. It is now possible to find out how much electricity your appliances and entertainment systems are using when switched on, on standby or simply left plugged in.

There are many devices now on the market which will tell you your electricity consumption and what it is costing you. As a result you can then take steps to reduce your energy usage and reduce your energy bills.

Take control

• Check all of your timers and thermostats.
• Ensure your heating and hot water is not on when no one is in the house or needs to use hot water.
• Reduce you hot water temperature to 60 degrees, it will still be piping hot.
• Put thermostatic controllers on your radiators.
• Reduce your room thermostat to a comfortable temperature depending on your needs.

If you would like to more advice on your energy bills and how you could save energy and money call one of our trained advisers today on 01789 842898.