With energy bills rising and rising, it’s a good idea to get in control of your home’s energy usage. We’ve all heard the advice about switching to low-energy lightbulbs and switching your TV off instead of on standby, but what can we do to try and cut our gas bills? Here we offer up some top gas bill busting tips.
Use your thermostat. By lowering your thermostat by just one degree you’ll be saving money, and setting it to automatically lower or switch off when everybody goes to bed will save you even more. And when it turns wintry and you do go to bed, try throwing on an extra blanket or duvet rather than relying on the heating for warmth.
Lower the temperature of your hot water by a few degrees. While most people have theirs set to 120 degrees, try reducing yours to 105 degrees and see the difference it makes to your bills.
If you have to go away for any period of time over winter, you are advised not to turn your heating off to prevent the dangers of freezing and burst water pipes. Some people then go on to leave their heating up far too high – remember that you’re not trying to keep your house warm, just the pipes. Turn your thermostat own to 60 when you leave, which should protect your pipes, without costing you the earth.
By changing the way you use your dishwasher and washing machine, you could save some money each month. With your washing amchine, instead of choosing the hot wash and rise function, go for the hot wash with cool rinse, or hot wash with warm rinse options as these use less energy. With your dishwasher, try not to use the dish drying option as this uses hot water, energy and money. Your dishes may take a little longer to dry on their own, but it won’t have cost you a penny.
Check your windows and door edges for drafts. If any cold air is getting in then ht air is getting out. Replace any mouldings that need replacing, and try using a simple but effective draft-excluder under your doors.
British Gas is the nation’s favourite cheap gas and electric supplier, boiler service provider, and energy efficiency advisor.
