How to Reduce Energy Bills

Our gas, electric and oil bills are predicted to increase by 40% over the next 12 months and this means that over the last two years our energy bills will have nearly doubled. The average home spends around £600-£800 on energy and this is set to increase to over £1200 by the end of the year.

The result of this increase is that many people who already struggle to pay their bills or adequately heat their homes will certainly enter the fuel poverty bracket this winter. Fuel poverty is when over 10% of the household income is spent on energy.

For more about how to reduce energy bills, please click on the links below:

Many people are now looking at ways to reduce their energy bills and stay warm. Below is a list of ways to keep warm and reduce your bills. You can also call us on 01789 842898 for advice which is specific to your own situation and home environment.

Staying Warm

• Wear lots of thin clothing layers
• Put on an extra jumper and socks (woollen, thermal or fleece)
• Take a 3 minute shower to warm up
• Get up and move around to keep warm
• Make hot drinks throughout the day
• Draught proof your doors and windows with self adhesive strips and draught excluders
• Use a hot water bottle
• Install thermal curtain lining and close your curtains at dusk

Cutting your bills

• Insulate your loft, walls and hot water tank
• Turn off radiators in rooms you don't use
• Shower rather than bathe
• Only use as much water as necessary in pans and kettles
• Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed
• Draught proof doors and windows
• Use energy efficient light bulbs
• Keep your heating thermostat at 21 degrees or less
• Turn down your hot water temperature to 60 degrees
• Only turn on the heating when you are at home
• Turn off all appliances and products on stand-by
• Wash clothes at 30 degrees
• Air dry clothes when possible

These are just some of the ways to keep warm and cut your energy bills. There are also government schemes which can help with the cost of heating your home this winter:

• Warm Front
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Cold Weather Payment
• Housing Renewal
• Help with home improvement costs
• Decent Homes Scheme
• Disabled Facilities Grants

For advice on grants or help which is specific to your own situation please call us on 0800 988 2881.