Expert’s top ten tips to cut energy bills

Householders face a double whammy on higher energy bills this weekend. On Saturday the new energy price cap is due to be increased at the same time as many will be putting their central heating on because of the colder autumnal nights.

The cap – the highest amount suppliers are allowed to charge residents for every unit of energy they use – had been due to rise from £1,971 to £3,549 for a typical household from October 1 and by as much as £5,000 in January 2023.

However, with Prime Minister Liz Truss’s new Energy Price Guarantee it will now rise by £2,5000 for those using an average 12,000 kWh a year and paying by direct debit. Plus, everyone connected to the electricity grid will be eligible for the £400 payment announced earlier this year.

The bills of people on pre-pay meters, or who pay after receiving a bill, or those who use more energy will all increase.

But with many people worried about how they will pay for their gas and electricity, green energy expert Ron Fox give his top ten tips on how to save money.

1. Fitting the bill: Choose paperless bills as some companies charge for paper ones and pay by direct debit rather than waiting for the bill. Also, send in regular meter readings to keep your bill accurate, although this will be done automatically if you have a smart meter. Finally question any direct debit that seems too high.
2. The appliance of science: When replacing an appliance look for the most efficient model. For example, the running costs of a washing machine can vary from £15 to £70 a year and with a fridge-freezer or tumble drier the savings can be even higher.
3. Insulate your home: Insulating your loft and cavity walls can save as much as £290 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Even if you have loft insulation you could still save an extra £100 a year by topping it up from 120mm in thickness to the recommended 270mm.
4. At your service: An annual service will ensure your boiler is running efficiently and an engineer can reduce your boiler’s flow temperature, so cutting your bills.
5. Seeing the light: Replace all your old-style halogen light bulbs with the modern energy saving LED bulbs which last longer and cost around £1.71 a year to run compared to the old ones at £8.42 a year.
6. A glass act: You can also reduce heat loss through your windows by replacing single glazing with double glazing.
7. Take control: A smart thermostat will help to ensure you are not warming your house when you are out.
8. Plug the gaps: Fill the gaps around windows, chimney and fireplaces and floorboards, skirting and loft openings to stop the heat escaping. This can save around £25 a year.
9. Shut that door: Draught excluders will prevent you losing warmth from badly fitted doors.
10. A dry run: Dry your washing outside or on a clothes horse instead of using a tumble dryer.

“All of these are simple money-saving ideas which save a little on energy bills, but when taken together can add up to sizeable savings,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park.

For more information about how to cut your energy bills, call Ron on 0845 4746641.

Caption: In a spin over higher energy bills? Buying a new and more efficient appliance such as a washing machine can save money in the long term.