Keep the costs down with our top tips and hints…
The energy crisis has the country firmly in its grip and at a time when costs are spiralling, we’re all looking for ways to help us save on our energy bills. These tips can help to keep costs down and save you money at a time when every penny counts:
- Leaving your electrical appliances on standby costs money. Most of your appliances (TV, games console, kettle, etc.) can be turned off at the wall to save you money. Try to remember to switch off what you can before you leave the house or go to bed at night.
- Turn off lights when you leave the room. If you can afford to, switch out your old lightbulbs for more efficient LED bulbs.
- Reduce how often you use your tumble dryer. Invest in a clothes airer or on the line on warmer days. This can save you a lot of money.
- Take shorter showers and swap baths for a quick shower.
- Turn down your thermostat. Turning it down by just one degree could save you up to £80 a year.*
- Wash clothes at a lower temperature – turn down from 60 degrees to 30 degrees to make some savings.
- Keep an eye on your usage – ask your energy supplier to install a smart meter. When you can see what you’re using and how much it’s costing you, it’s easier to keep track of spending and spot areas where you can make savings.
- Close curtains and blinds in the evening to block out draughts and to keep the heat in.
- Avoid overfilling your kettle when you boil it – only boil how much water you need.
- Pop a lid on your pans to reduce cooking times and save energy.
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, the first step is to get in touch with your energy supplier to see what help they can offer. Most suppliers can offer reduced payment plans and advice on how to keep your energy costs down. Some suppliers are even offering grants to help struggling customers pay off their energy debts.
Make sure you’re getting the help you’re entitled to. Every household in the UK is entitled to £400 energy discount from the government, which will be paid in monthly instalments from Oct-March – you don’t have to do anything to get this money and you don’t need to pay it back. If, for whatever reason, you haven’t received this additional support, get in touch with your supplier. You may also be entitled to additional benefits to help you with the cost of living and energy bills – talk to Citizens Advice to make sure you’re getting everything you are entitled to.
If you need more advice and support with your energy bills, you can find more information here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/
*Source: www.moneysupermarket.com
