Are you wondering if you can cut your gas bill? It is not impossible. The steps below will help you save some on your utility bill. They are practical and easy to implement.
Use less and pay less
The most obvious way to reduce your gas bill is by using less so that the meter needle won’t move so fast. You do not have to overhaul your entire life because a bit of lifestyle change will help you achieve this.
- Wear warm clothes in-doors instead of turning on the heater
- Lower the level of your thermometer. No you are not going to freeze by turning it down a degree but you can save £40 a year
- Time your home heating. If everybody leaves the apartment during the day, there is no point in heating an empty apartment
- Turn off the heating when you sleep. You do not need warm temperature to fall asleep
- Warm the house at low temperature for a longer period, instead of short blasts of hot air. It is more efficient that way
- Do not heat water unnecessarily. You spend much gas that way
- Take showers instead of baths to reduce the amount of water you need to heat
- Take shorter showers
- In the kitchen, cook with your pots closed. You will trap more heat in the pot which will make your food cook faster
- Do not heat an empty room. Create warm zones where there are more activities
- Wash clothes at room temperature
Switch providers
Explore the range of suppliers and deals available to you. Do not settle for the base tariff as you will likely get something cheaper. And when your tariff expires, make sure you get on another tariff because you will most likely be automatically placed on the base contract.
Suppliers often set new tariffs to make you switch to them so watch out. Make use of tariff comparing tools to be more efficient.
Payment mode and combining utilities
Many people are not aware of this but simply choosing to pay by direct debit or online methods can get you a discount. Those utility companies are trying to avoid dealing with paper so they will be nicer with you if you choose to forgo printed bills. You also avoid having your payments going missing.
You can also combine your electricity and gas supply, as most utility companies supply both. They may give you a discount for giving them more of your business.
Use smart and efficient implements
If monitoring your thermostat to save on gas looks like a hassle to you, then invest in smart thermostats. Some can be programmed to your heating regime while others even learn your heating preferences and regulate accordingly. You even get to control some models through a smartphone app, which give you more flexibility.
Also, swap out old boilers for new ones. The latter are usually more efficient and you use less gas for the same output.
Home improvements
A bit of home improvement can significantly help. The small capital outlay will eventually be outweighed by the savings in the long run. Insulate your home to trap more heat in and have less reasons to use the heater. Switch to heavy curtains and use other draught proofing methods. Seal leaky windows, doors, floorboards and pipework.
Check your bills regularly
Sometimes your gas bills are estimated, which is usually denoted by an E near the total figure on the bill. You might actually be paying more than you consume. Check your actual meter reading and notify your supplier if there is a discrepancy. They are mandated to issue you a form of refund. Make it a habit to send the correct reading to them regularly.
Explore renewable energy sources
Installing solar panels is easy and relatively inexpensive. It will cut down on the amount of gas you spend on heating while also helping the planet.
Help if you are struggling with your energy bill
If you are finding it hard to pay for your gas, it is worth exploring rebates and assistance programmes some utility companies provide for low income earners. Call up your supplier and ask. You can also take advantage of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme meant for people born before Jan 6th, 1952, which can provide up to £300.
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