Appliances

If your appliances are on standby — they look turned off, but often there is still a light on — they are still using electricity. And you are still paying for them. Some appliances use almost as much electricity while on standby as when they’re on. There’s a simple solution: turn off appliances at the wall before you go to bed. You’ll notice the difference in your electricity bills quickly.

Benefits

Receiving benefits or Pension Credit? You may be able to claim extra help towards the cost of your energy bills. Visit the links below (all go to the government’s gov.uk website) to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation

Winter Fuel Payment

https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Curtains

Curtains and blinds are good at forming a barrier to heat escaping. As soon as it starts to get dark outside, close the curtains and lower the blinds to help keep heat in.

Draught proofing

You can stop heat leaking out of your home by fitting draught proofing or draught excluders to your doors and windows.

Lighting

Spotlights, often used in kitchen ceilings, are often expensive to use. Try switching to LED spotlights. They cost a little bit more, but last about 10 years and use far less electricity — saving you money on your bills.

Radiators

Older radiators have valves which let you turn the radiator on and off. If a radiator is too hot, turn the valve clockwise. If the radiator’s too cold, turn the valve anti-clockwise.

Newer radiators – or ones that have been serviced recently, will have “TRVs” – Thermostatic Radiator Valves. They have numbers on, usually 1–6. The valve shuts off once a room is at a certain temperature, depending on the number set.

Tariffs

Energy companies have many tariffs showing different gas and electricity prices; it can be confusing trying to find the best one.

We recommend the following websites to help you compare the best prices from energy companies:

Make sure you have your fuel statements with you when you contact the energy providers.

Thermostats

The thermostat controls the maximum temperature in your home. It might look like a round dial attached to the wall or a digital read-out if you have a newer boiler. We recommend 21°C to maintain a warm home at a reasonable price. When the room reaches the required temperature, the thermostat automatically turns off your heating.