Average energy bills up 36 percent
According to uSwitch.com the average household now faces annual energy bills that are 36 percent greater than they were at the start of 2008. Despite suppliers reducing their prices in 2009, the average household is now looking at an annual energy bill of £1,239. It is reported that household heating is behind 42 percent of this sum, which equates to £520.
Energy expert at uSwitch.com, Will Marples, commented: “Rather than sitting back and hoping for further reductions we can all give ourselves a substantial price cut on our energy bills today. Moving to dual fuel, paying by direct debit and signing up to an online plan will all help save money. Online energy plans are around £300 a year cheaper than standard energy plans – this is a very simple saving for any household to make. And with only 5% or 1.3 million households on online plans the scope for others to join them and save money is huge.”
uSwitch has offered some tips for achieving cheaper fuel bills this New Year:
- Compare deals and switch to the one that is right for you.
- Paying your bills via direct debit could be easier and cheaper.
- Switching to a dual fuel supplier – that can provide both gas and electricity – could save you time and money.
- On average, ‘online’ plans could be £300 cheaper than standard plans.
- Be sure that bills are accurate via regular meter readings, and review energy bills at least once a year to check that you still have the cheapest deal.
- Ensure that your attic is insulated to a minimum depth of 10 inches.
- Contact your supplier or the Energy Saving Trust to see if you are eligible for financial assistance or a grant towards improving the energy efficiency of your home.
- Be sure to switch off all appliances before going to bed; fit energy efficient light bulbs; and switch lights off in rooms that are not occupied.
- Turn the heating down – even by just one degree as this could reduce your energy bills by up to 10 percent.
- Check that your doors and windows are not draughty.
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Homeowners who would like to improve the energy efficiency of their home could consider taking out a secured loan to fund any work required. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for home improvements could be used to adequately insulate a property for example. The money could also be utilised to replace any draughty doors or windows that may be hindering heat retention at the moment. Homeowners who would like to drive their utility bills down further may even wish to invest in methods of utilising natural resources, such as solar panels, also funded by a secured loan for home improvements.
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