MINIMISE YOUR HEATING BILLS

What are the Easy Steps to Save Energy

• Set your heating times more efficiently, turning your thermostat down by 1 degree can save up to 10% on your bill.
• Bedrooms should be around 18 degrees and living rooms should be fine at 21 degrees, unless you have small babies, elderly or sick people in the house.
• Only heat areas of your house in use.
• Open doors to sunny rooms to circulate warm air.
• Close your curtains at dusk to reduce heat lost through windows.
• Do not block your radiators with furniture.
• Fit a BS Kitemarked 75mm thickness insulating hot water jacket.
• Note that a significant amount of heat is lost via draughts
• Caused by gaps under doors, around windows etc. Draught proofing is one of the most inexpensive yet effective ways of making efficient use of energy. Use draught proofing materials of BS 7386 standard.
• Boil only the right quantity of water you need in the kettle.
• If you cannot use a half load programme, turn on the dishwasher, washing machine and tumble drier only when full.
• Remember modern washing powers work just as efficiently at low water temperatures.
• Defrost freezers regularly to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Where possible, do not leave household appliances (TV, DVD, Radios, Computers) on standby mode and unplug all chargers when not in use.
• Purchase products with the Energy Saving Recommended logo.

• Compare prices of energy companies, you can achieve significant savings by switching suppliers. Price comparisons are available on-line. Websites worth visiting include:- www.enerylinx.co.uk , www.uswitch.com , www.theenergyshop.com , and www.energyhelpline.com.
• Energywatch, the watchdog for gas consumers offers free advice as to how to switch suppliers at www.energywatch.org.uk or via its helpline at 08459 060708
• Look into ‘dual fuel bills’, where you get your gas and electricity from the same supplier. These often include discounts and can work out cheaper.
• Switch to Direct Debit or On-Line Accounts (Paperless Billing). This cuts significant administrative costs for the Supplier and they as a result pass on savings to the consumer.
• If you have a pre-payment meter, there are potential savings if you switch to direct debit.

Other Steps to Reduce Gas Costs

• Consider upgrading your old inefficient boiler if is 10 years old or more. Old conventional boilers have an average efficiency rating of 60% while the new condensing boilers are rated up to 95% efficient. Installation of a new boiler can cut your heating bills and CO2 emissions by up to a third.
• Ensure all pipes are lagged/correctly insulated .
• Insulating the exterior of your home provides significant benefits:

• To get an idea of what potential savings there can be, do a Free Home Energy Check at Energy Savings Trust and they will give you a report on what to do. The energy check is available at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or by calling the Energy Savings Trust Advice Centre at 0800 512012.
• There are also financial grants available to help people make homes more efficient. Find out more by calling the energy saving trust at 0800 512012.