Monday, November 29, 2010
Category:
Home Improvements
As the UK is gripped by freezing temperatures, Confused.com has offered top tips on how the vulnerable can keep costs down.
Energy analyst, Lisa Greenfield, at Confused.com commented: "Pensioners are one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to cold weather, over 36700 pensioners died of cold related illnesses last winter.
Fortunately Winter fuel payments were not completely axed under the spending review, but unfortunately they will be reduced by £50. Cold weather payments, the £25 paid to pensioners when the temperature drops below freezing, will be unaffected. These subsidies will no doubt help, but if older people are smart when it comes to their energy they do not need to be afraid of using it, as with careful consideration, it is possible to cut bills without putting themselves at risk."
Confused.com’s top tips include the following:
- Check your bills and, if they are higher than anticipated, call your supplier to discuss setting up a direct debit and spreading any arrears. Pensioners should also think about fixed price tariffs for more effective budgeting.
- To avoid overpaying, provide regular meter readings.
- Consider insulating your home; the cost of which is covered by a 100% grant where a resident is aged 70 or over.
- Contact your energy supplier to see if you are eligible to sign up to the Priority Services Register (PSR), or your energy supplier’s own version, for a range of free services.
- Look into whether you fall into the ‘fuel poverty category’ as additional assistance may be available from your energy supplier.
- If you are struggling to meet your energy bills, contact your supplier for advice on energy efficiency, the availability of cheaper tariffs, or perhaps spreading winter repayments.
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Homeowners who are struggling to keep warm this winter, due to their property requiring essential repairs, could consider taking out a secured loan. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for
home improvements could allow borrowers to turn their cold house into a cosy home. For example, borrowers could set about fully insulating their property and rectifying any draughty areas such as ill-fitting windows and doors. What’s more, if a boiler is not functioning correctly it could be replaced with an effective, energy-efficient counterpart.
