Are you ready for winter? How a few simple tricks could cut your energy bill

Energy bills are at a record high, but a few simple tricks can knock hundreds off your bill.

For example, energy suppliers are giving away free loft and cavity wall insulation, which can save you up to £300 a year — so what are you waiting for?
PAY LESS FOR ENERGY
All energy companies have increased prices recently. This means it’s an ideal time to find a cheaper deal, since there’s a level playing field to choose from.
If you don’t want to swap provider, at least call your current gas and electricity company to check you are on the cheapest tariff.

You could save £232 a year by moving from your fuel provider’s standard tariff to an online one, according to comparison site Moneysupermarket. With online tariffs, you pay by monthly direct debit, don’t get paper bills and submit meter readings online.


LAG PIPES AND TANKS
A staggering 1.5million homes suffered burst pipes during the big freeze last winter. To avoid this, ensure all pipes (hot and cold) are properly insulated.
You can buy lagging from most DIY shops for about £5 for two metres and it is easy to do yourself if your pipes are easy to reach. The alternative cost of a plumber could be anything from £15 an hour.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimates this saves £15 per year, since the hot water is kept hotter for longer. You should also ensure your hot water tank — if you have one — is insulated.
You can buy tank jackets for £3. They are easy to fit and are immediately effective.
The EST says this can shave £40 a year from your gas bills.
HEAT SENSIBLY
Use your heating timers to ensure your radiators don’t come on when you are out. Also use thermostats to set the lowest comfortable temperature, somewhere between 18c and 21c.
Turning your thermostat down by just one degree saves around £55 a year. You should also ensure your water only heats up when you need it.
INSULATE YOUR LOFT
A quarter of your heat is lost through your roof. A loft should have 270mm of insulation — this could save £175 a year on your bill. You may be able to get loft and cavity-wall insulation for free from your energy supplier.
Suppliers have to install free or discounted insulation in people’s homes to meet ‘green’ targets set by the Government. This is paid for by the Carbon
Emissions Reduction Target scheme — which typically adds £48 a year to everyone’s bill, so claim for free insulation if you can. Contact your energy supplier or the EST for details (call 0800 512 012).

...AND YOUR WALLS
A third of heat is lost through your walls. If your house was built after the Twenties, it is likely to have cavity walls. These can be insulated for about £100, but will save about £135 a year from your bills, according to the EST.
You will need to find a registered installer. Try www.national insulationassociation.org.uk.

MIND THE GAP

If you can feel cold air coming through your windows and external doors, get them draught-proofed. You can buy self-adhesive foam strips from a DIY shop for about £6 for ten metres.

16/11/2011 - Dailymail.co.uk

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