How to save money on your energy bills

With winter fast approaching, many households are starting to think about the cost of heating their home. With the colder weather comes higher energy bills. And with a number of suppliers, including Npower, announcing price rises in the last year, millions of families could find themselves struggling to afford their energy tariffs.

The average energy bill is £1,138 per year. However, there are ways that individuals can reduce this figure. Here are some of the most effective ways for consumers to save money on their bills this winter:

Make sure you’re using the cheapest supplier

According to Ofgem, the average household can save as much as £300 per year, simply by comparing suppliers and switching to a cheaper deal. And according to uSwitch, it could be even more with some families saving a staggering £500 every year. Comparing suppliers can be done online, and could save a significant amount of money.

Try and reduce your usage

Now, we’re not suggesting that you keep your heating switched off all winter. However, small changes in the way you use energy can make a real difference to your bills. For example, by turning the temperature down by just 1 degree celsius, you could save around 10% on your bills.

For electricity, you need to check that you’re using energy efficiently. Make sure that you use your appliances properly, like making sure you put full loads in the washing machine or tumble dryer rather than half loads; and turn off all your appliances at the plug, rather than just leaving them on standby.

Home maintenance

A home that’s not insulated properly can lead to higher heating bills. To address this, make sure that your home is ready for winter. This means making sure your home is draft proof, and that you’re not losing too much warmth through gaps in the doors or windows. In addition, you could consider insulating your lost, which can save up to £174 a year when compared to homes with no insulation at all.