5 ways to save money on your energy

Energy bills always seem to be on the rise, so we’ve put together a list of simple ways to keep costs down.

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1. Switch provider

Switching energy provider can seem daunting at first, but it’s actually incredibly easy. Ofgem estimates that up to 11 million people are paying much higher, out of contract rates. Switching to a new provider can save you up to £350 per year, and nowadays it’s blissfully simple. Price comparison websites show you the cheapest tariffs, and switching is often as simple as putting in a few details.

2. Consider an electric heater

If you spend a lot of time in one room, it might be much more cost-effective to use an electric heater. Heating an entire house, including rooms that you don’t use, equates to an expensive waste of energy. If you live alone or work from home, using an electric heater lets you target your energy use to the room you’re actually in. There are a huge number of electric heaters available, so make sure you choose something energy efficient to make the saving even bigger.

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3. Stifle draughts

One of the easiest ways to save money on your bills is to stop energy escaping in the first place. Draughts can occur all over your house, from windows and doors to chimneys and fireplaces. Even floorboards can leak heat, and smaller gaps like letterboxes and keyholes can be culprits too. There are huge numbers of draught treatments available, and you could save up to £20 per year by plugging these gaps.

4. Understand your meter

No matter how confusing your gas meter box might seem, it holds the key to understanding where your energy is actually going. Watch the gas meter box carefully, and identify which appliances are using the most energy. It’s also important to send meter readings to your energy provider. By sending regular gas meter box readings, you ensure that you’re not being overcharged, and you’re only paying for what you actually use.

5. Consider your light bulbs

No matter how innocuous the common light bulb might seem, it can be a major factor in high energy bills. Replacing standard bulbs with their energy-efficient equivalents can be surprisingly economical. An energy-saving bulb can save you around £180 over the course of its life, and these types of bulb last much longer, too.

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