Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Category:
Home Improvements
According to moneysupermarket.com, homeowners use approximately 40 percent of their annual energy consumption in the winter. It has therefore been reported that those on standard tariffs, paying an average sum of £1,093 per annum via quarterly cash or cheque payments, could be faced with a hefty bill of £437 next month.
The comparison site is urging UK bill payers to ‘get on the best possible energy tariff’. Consumers are being advised to switch to the best available online deal and to pay by monthly direct debit. The average annual cost of energy consumption would then reportedly stand at £921 – a saving of £172. It has also been pointed out that monthly direct debit payments enable consumers to evenly spread the cost of their bills as opposed to being faced with steep winter bills at the most expensive time of the year.
Utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com, Scott Byrom, commented: "Brits will be brought back down to earth with a bump this New Year when a huge energy bill lands on their doorstep, especially after experiencing the coldest December since records began. With many bill payers having cranked up their heating during the "Deep Freeze", and having experienced an increase of 5.3 per cent to the price of gas since November, and 7.5 per cent to the price of electricity, many will really struggle to afford this expensive finish to a costly festive period.
"I advise any customers languishing on their provider's standard deal, whether worried about post-New Year bills or not, to swap to a monthly direct debit scheme and manage their account online. Standard QCC customers could save an average £172 a year, something cash strapped Brits should seriously think about. For those looking for cheaper energy bills, shopping around is crucial, make sure you are on the best tariff for your region and consumption level to stop your hard earned cash going to waste. Making your home as energy efficient as possible will also go a long way to cutting the cost of your bills in 2011."
……………………………………………………………………………………………….....
Homeowners who would like to take steps to reduce their long-term energy bills could consider taking out a secured loan to fund energy-saving
home improvements. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for home improvements could allow borrowers to fully insulate their property for example. What’s more, an inefficient boiler could be replaced with a modern counterpart. Some borrowers may even wish to invest in solar panels to utilise the sun’s natural resource.
