Friday, February 20, 2009
Category:
Home Improvements
According to Switch with Which?, their survey of over 6,000 Which? members revealed that only 15 percent have switched energy supplier during the course of the past year.
Three in ten of those that have refrained from switching said that this is due to the belief that it would not result in substantial savings. However, it would seem that an average saving of £257 was made by those that did move to an alternative provider via Switch with Which?. In addition, 90 percent of these individuals found the transition to be straightforward, with the majority using a switching website.
It can also be possible for customers to make savings without having to switch supplier. For example, bills could be reduced by means of moving to an online tariff, paying monthly by direct debit, or by opting for a dual fuel arrangement whereby both gas and electricity are provided by the one supplier.
Alison Morrison, Switch with Which?, commented: "There's no doubt that 2009 is going to be a tough financial year and we're all looking at ways to cut our spending, particularly as the winter energy bills start arriving. People may be alarmed at the impact of last year's price increases and shouldn't bank on energy companies cutting their prices by as much as they increased them.
"The potential for an extra £250 in your pocket is a great incentive to change your energy provider or tariff, and help get the year off on a sound financial footing."
Customers that are looking to further reduce their energy bills could introduce some simple energy-saving measures. A good example would be to introduce energy-saving light bulbs, which use up to five times less power than their incandescent counterparts. Additional top tips from Switch with Which? have also been offered. Firstly, turn off lights when exiting a room. Secondly, lower the temperature of your thermostat by one degree, which could knock 10 percent off heating bills. Thirdly, rather than leaving electrical equipment such as televisions and radios on standby, switch them off. Fourthly, only fill the kettle with as much water as is required and, when cooking, utilise the smallest gas ring or hob if possible. Finally, if you don’t own an energy-efficient, ‘A’ rated washing machine then try to lower the temperature of each wash, which could in turn lower your bills.
..................................................................................
In an effort to maximise the potential for energy-savings, and therefore reduced bills, homeowners may also wish to consider carrying out some larger scale home improvements. One of many options available to fund
home improvements, a secured loan could finance projects such increasing property insulation, replacing draughty doors and windows, and installing solar panels. Secured loans are usually repayable over a term that is most suited to the borrower, from 5 to 25 years.
