How to save on your bills
Small changes can make a big difference. Here are some things you can do to lower your utility and energy bills.
Keep your heating on the same temperature
Instead of turning your heating on and off every time you get hot or cold, try keeping your heating at one consistent temperature in the winter (17°c is recommended) as your boiler will do less work, reducing the amount you pay.
Heat only the rooms you use. Any rooms not in use regularly you can turn the radiator down or off using the thermostat on the side. If you don’t have these fitted please contact us and we can arrange this for you.
Turn your heating off completely in the warmer months. If you need further information on how to use your heating system please contact us and we can arrange some support.
Switch to LEDS
LED light bulbs use more than 75% less energy than incandescent lighting meaning you could save you £2 – £3 a year on your bill for every bulb that you change in your home. Think about the amount of light bulbs you have in your home at the moment, switch them to LEDs and you could save a bit on your bills! If you don’t already have LED lights in your kitchen and bathroom, please contact us so we can arrange for them to be installed.
Turn your appliances off by the switch
Yes, that little red ‘off’ light on your TV is costing you money. If you turn off or unplug all appliances when you’re not using them, you could see a reduction in your energy bills. This includes unplugging phone chargers, microwaves and TVs when they’re not in use.
Dress your windows
Thick curtains are not just a way to make your rooms look great but also act as a fantastic insulation in the winter – when they’re closed they prevent heat loss and draughts in the evening.
Switch to a more efficient extractor fan
If your home hasn’t had a new extractor fan fitted recently, please get in touch. New fans use less electric and run on humidity levels so only switch on when they’re needed. Newer fans extract more air in a quicker period reducing the amount of time they’re on for and improving your air quality.
Wash at 30°c
Putting your washing machine to wash at 30°c could also reduce your energy bill as it won’t be working as hard to heat the water. Remember, appliances that heat up or cool down (boilers, kettles, washing machines and tumbler dryers) are the most expensive in your home so use them wisely. If your machine has a timer you could save even more by setting it to run in the evening.
Get a smart meter
These are free to get from your energy provider and will let you monitor how much energy and gas you’re using.
Find out if you can get cheaper broadband
If you’re on benefits, you may be able to save almost £150 a year on your broadband bills, as many of the big broadband providers offer discounts. You can find more information here.
Look at whether you’re eligible for a grant
We’ve listed some of the grants that you may be eligible for to help with your bills and other costs you may have. You can read more here.
Need help with benefits, energy costs or general cost of living?
Get in touch and we will do everything we can to help. Whether it’s giving you advice on what benefits you can claim or pointing you to the best place to find the cheapest energy provider. We work with many charities and organisations who are there to provide support, especially in these particularly difficult times.