The average energy bill in UK is £1,066 which is a lot higher than what it used to be a decade ago. With less than a proportionate rise in average income, many households struggle to control their energy bills. Here are a few proven ways to help you control energy consumption in your house and realize monthly savings on your gas and electricity bills.
Switch Energy Suppliers:
If it has been some time since you changed your gas and electricity suppliers, then you can consider researching the market to see if you can get a better rate elsewhere. There may be new providers in the market who offer more competitive rates than what you pay now. Before you renew your energy contract, compare gas and electricity prices of different providers in your area. You can use a reliable energy comparison website to compare energy prices and choose a provider who can offer the same service at a lesser rate. Switching providers can bring in average savings of nearly £370 a year.
Upgrade your home:
Make energy-saving improvements to your home by eliminating wastage. These changes include draught-proofing doors and windows, insulating walls and loft, double glazing windows and replacing old electrical appliances with new, energy-efficient ones. Making home improvements requires a considerable investment of money but it pays back in the long terms through savings in energy bills which can be as much as £600 a year.
Adopt energy saving habits:
Bringing in energy saving habits can cut wastage and make a good difference to your bills.
- Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature that is just right for you. In winter, setting it at 1°C lower can itself bring down heating costs by £85-90 a year.
- Turn heating off in unoccupied areas of your house.
- Keep radiators away from doors and windows.
- Use an energy-efficient shower head to control hot water usage.
- Regularly clean heating vents to ensure better heating around the house.
- Turn off appliances when not in use, including chargers, computers and TV points.
- In the kitchen, use only as much water as you need while cooking.
- Use vessels of appropriate size and cover with a lid for faster cooking.
- Wash your laundry at 30°C. Always wash and dry a full load of clothes. Similarly, use the dish-washer at full load instead of separate, small loads during the day. Use the economy setting if available on your appliance.
Monitor energy usage around your house:
Monitoring energy usage helps you to identify places where you may be wasting energy. Use a hand-held energy monitor to detect appliances that use more electricity so that you can take steps to control their usage.
Of all the above methods, switching energy suppliers brings you the maximum savings. It is a simple, straightforward process that can help you to avail gas and electricity at lower rates. Compare energy prices in your area now.
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