Cutting costs on your electricity bill

Advertorial Feature

Right now we might all be enjoying the glorious warm weather of summer, but winter is never far away. Along with the colder weather and the need to stay warm, everyone will also see the all too familiar jump in energy bills.

According to research by Ofgem, the average annual gas and electricity bill for a family living in a three-bedroom house comes in at a staggering £1,044. However, there is a way to beat the winter chill while still cutting costs on electricity and gas bills. All it requires is a little bit of preparation. Here are the top tips to energy proofing your house in the summer, in order to slash your bills next winter.

Insulate your home against draughts

There’s no point spending hard-earned money on heating the home, if it simply escapes due to poor insulation, so check the draughts around your house. Common places for cold air to come through includes under doors and through the letter box, floorboards, cat flaps, and window cracks.

One option is to use a draught excluder seal around your windows and doors. Though for a more effective option, consider a high quality range of double glazed windows. Effective double glazing, such as Safestyle Windows, helps to keep that expensive warm air in and keep the chilly winter out.

Replace an old boiler

With technology improving all the time, if you’re still using a boiler that’s older than ten years, the chances are it is woefully inefficient. This means it is probably costing a lot, both to you and the environment.

Around 60% of CO2 emissions from your home are down to your boiler, so it helps to get the most efficient model possible. While purchasing a new boiler might be quite a big expense in one go, it’s one that will continue to cut expenses for you in the long run.

You can also save valuable money on your energy bill by switching to energy efficient options on all of your appliances. Most white goods and common kitchen appliances have an energy-efficiency rating, with A++ the most efficient, through to G for the least efficient.

Switching provider

Countless families across the UK, and even right here in Beeston, are wasting money on the wrong energy tariff. From Fixed to Standard to Online to Green, there are countless plans available to suit your lifestyle and your budget.

The chances are that the default tariff you were automatically put on isn’t the most cost effective option for your wallet. By switching, you could potentially save hundreds of pounds every year. There is a range of comparison websites that allow you to check the most inexpensive option based on a postcode search.

Also, during the slow months of summer, plenty of suppliers will look to poach new customers with cash back offers for making the switch. While the sun’s still shining, be sure to take advantage of this and the other great summer saving opportunities, to make the following winter the cheapest yet.