Five Ways to Cut your Energy Bill Without Changing your Provider

It is encouraging that EDF has announced that it is to cut its gas price by 5 percent, but not all of us are with EDF, so we might not see that saving. It might be that swapping your energy provider on a fairly regular basis will net you savings, but a lot of us are reluctant to go to that trouble. However, there are ways that you can cut your fuel bill without changing providers, and as these are long-term solutions, they have to be a better way forward. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) says that the average household could save about £280 a year by being more energy efficient.

1. Simple insulation

Is your hot water tank insulated? For as little as £10 you can get a hot water tank cover that will save you much more in the long term.

Would you believe that by placing kitchen foil behind radiators you will get heat reflected back into your room? According to the National Energy Foundation this is the most cost-effective energy efficiency measure.

You could seal doors and windows by using self-adhesive foam and rubber strips and draught excluders. Also, look to seal any gaps between floor and skirting boards.

2. Loft, wall and window insulation

About a third of a home’s heat can be lost through uninsulated walls, and a quarter is lost through a roof that’s not insulated. So it’s worth checking on your insulation. People over 70 qualify for free loft insulation, which could save you hundreds of pounds each year – and make your home warmer. Windows are another place where heat is easily lost (another 20 percent), so look into double or secondary glazing if you haven’t already got it in place.

3. Heating

Are you still using old storage heaters? Did you know that if you were to replace them, you make savings of £100 or more?

Similarly, an old inefficient boiler should be replaced with an A-rated condensing model to save you in the region of £300 a year. Do bear in mind, though, that getting a new one installed would cost between £1,000 and £2,000.

More straightforward would be fitting a room thermostat which could net a saving of £50 a year for you.

4. Be energy efficient

It’s easy to turn your nose up at the idea of turning off appliances when you’re not using them, but why waste the power that they are using? Do not leave items on standby, and do turn off computers, stereos and even lights when they’re not in use. Many small savings could result in a lot – perhaps £50 a year.

Also, wash your clothes at a lower temperature and avoid using a tumble dryer in the summer. It all helps.

5. Upgrade old appliances

Although it is not recommended to replace an old fridge or dishwasher simply to get a more energy-efficient version, it is wise to spend a little more to get a good energy-efficient model when the time does come to replace them. These “white goods” are all energy rated these days by a system that makes it clear which are the best models for efficiency.

Also note that LED TVs are better for energy that Plasma TVs, and of course, the new energy-efficient light bulbs will also help you save money.

Switching off…

Look around for schemes to help you make energy savings in your home. One example if Old Homes Superhomes, supported by the National Energy Foundation. The scheme can help you understand the financial benefits of improving your home’s energy use, and it also shows how upgrading your home can improve the quality of your life.

In addition, you’ll be helping to save the world’s energy – and that’s got to be worthwhile!

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