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A hot topic that is constantly in the news, and guess what? Energy prices are set to rise once again. It seems like it happens every week, and consumers are sick of being hit twice as hard, as wages remain stagnant in the UK and prices climb.
Many people are struggling to pay their bills, and 2018 was a record year for rising energy prices. Where does it end? With these 5 ways to cut energy costs and beat the corporates, that is where.
1. Switch Suppliers ASAP
Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, the UK government regulator for the energy markets in Great Britain, with their latest press release announcing higher energy prices, recommends that consumers switch energy providers to save money on their energy bills.
As of 1 April 2019, the average UK household energy bill will be £1,254 per year. This reflects an increase to the price cap because of higher costs to them for transportation, networks, policies and other actual rises in association with energy.
By shopping around and switching suppliers, UK households can save up to £100 per year, but you should also try to cut your usage by being more energy efficient. Check Money Expert’s free price comparison and be amazed at how much you can save.
2. Replace out-of-date boilers and appliances
Investing in a high-efficiency boiler can save your family up to £300 per year in energy costs, which is significant savings. This is especially true if your boiler is broken or older and exhibiting signs of age such as varying pressure, strange noises, and even complete breakdowns.
When choosing a new boiler, consider whether you need a regular or combi model. A regular boiler delivers hot water to more than two places in the home at once, which is better for large families, but not necessary for smaller households. Combi boilers do not need a tank and are more suitable for smaller homes. Other appliances that you should consider replacing if they are older include washing machines, refrigerators, and cookers.
3. Install solar panels
Generating solar power for your home is one way to save on energy costs, as anything you do not use earns you money. More viable than ever, realising your cost back from installing solar panels can be even easier when you participate in the UK government renewable heat incentive scheme. We recommend you review the scheme on the government’s website here.
4. Insulate your home
The average home may lose half the heating through the walls and loft. If your home does not have insulation or has inadequate insulation, you could be wasting hundreds of pounds on energy costs.
The cost of insulating the average home is less than £300, so call your building contractor for a quotation on loft or wall cavity insulation today. Do not forget the hot water tank, which is an energy waster if not insulated properly.
5. Get the family in on saving energy
Have everyone in the household commit to turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and wearing layers to turn down the thermostat. Additionally, replace old light bulbs with energy saving models that last up to 12 times longer.
Close curtains at dusk to keep the heat inside, and draft-proof windows and doors using kits that are readily available from the local home store.
Replace dripping taps and only boil as much water as you are going to use when you put the kettle on. Keep fridges and freezers defrosted and run the washing machine and dryer with full loads only, using cold or cooler water when possible. Try to keep showers to 10 minutes, and make a game of it to see who can have the fastest shower.
While energy prices will only keep climbing, you can do things to balance out this rise and save money.
Shop around to find the best energy seller in your area and be conservative with energy and water. If the whole family commits to conserve energy, you can beat the corporates & keep the money for your family.
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