Saving money on utility bills
UTILITIES such as electricity, gas and water are some of life’s essentials, but bills can mount up and cause you concern.
There are a number of options to help you cut the cost of your utility bills however, both by checking with your provider to see if you are on the most suitable tariff, switching to another supplier, or by finding ways to cut down on your own usage.
With winter on its way, your heating bill could be one of those to rise, so now might be a good time to take note of a few money saving tips, or make sure you are getting the best deal for your money.
Tara Bold, an Income Support Officer at Muir Group Housing Association, who appears in the informative video below, said: “Saving energy in your home can be quite simple and the hints and tips provided here could help you make difference and ensure there is more money in your pocket after utility bills have been paid.
“Feel free to take a look at some of the price comparison websites provided here and also contact your energy provider to see if you are on the best tariff for the amount of gas or electricity you use.
“Muir’s own helpful Money Advisers can also help you to understand some of the best deals available and you can speak to them for free on 0300 123 1222 to get the information you require in order to make your own decision.”
Water Usage
- Take showers rather than baths, you can even invest in a shower timer. Showers use a lot less hot water
- Use the right size of pan for the amount of food you are cooking
- Only boil the kettle with as much water as you require
- Set your hot water tank to 60 degrees to prevent water from being overheated
- Follow this link to see if you have a water efficient house: http://www.unitedutilities.com/WaterEfficiencyHouse.aspx
You may be better off on a water meter rather than a billed system.
Use this water usage calculator to see if a meter is right for you: http://www.unitedutilities.com/water-calculator.aspx
If you reside in the Dee Valley Water area follow the link below, enter your postcode and you could be eligible to receive up to 2 FREE water saving products:
https://www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk/deevalley/free-water-saving-products
Gas and Electric
Make sure you are on the most competitively priced tariff for your needs.
Ofgem accredited price comparison sites provide whole of market comparisons enabling people to get the best deal for them.
There are many comparison sites to choose from, the main one for utilities being https://www.uswitch.com/
In addition, paying your bill by direct debit can often make you a yearly saving.
- Turning down your thermostat by only 1 degree could reduce your heating bills by up to 10%
- Conserve energy by not leaving electrical items on standby or mobile phones charging unnecessarily.
- Turn off lights when not in use
- Use programmable heating controls to turn your heating on only when it is needed
- Keep internal doors closed to prevent draughts, using draught excluders where needed and draw curtains at dusk
- Use energy efficient light bulbs
Some people on benefits or low incomes may also qualify for help from the Warm Home Discount. This is a direct payment from their energy supplier to help with fuel bills and you should contact your supplier directly.