Save energy, save money, it all adds up!

As the autumn approaches here are our pointers on how to save money on your energy bills.

Switch energy supplier

Have you changed supplier in the last three years?  If not you could save money.  Compare prices and change if necessary before the big winter bills set in. Visit www.utilitywarehouse.co.uk

Product efficiency
You could make 20% more tea using a more energy efficient kettle (statistics from British Gas)
When buying anything from a cooker to a kettle, it always pays to check the energy rating and the kwh/annum on the bottom right of the label.

Insulate your home
One of the most effective ways to cut your energy bills.  Based on a semi detached house you could save £140 a year by insulating your loft, and £160 with cavity wall insulation.  (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) There is funding available if you meet the criteria.

Set your heating and think ahead
Setting your central heating timer 15 minutes before you need it and programming it to go off 30 minutes before you go to bed will keep the house warm and save money.

Turn off your appliances
If your appliances have a standby light, they'll be using electricity when plugged in.  Alleviate extra costs by turning appliances off and don't forget you phone chargers too.

Wash at lower temperatures
Washing your laundry at 30ºC rather than 40ºC in the washing machine can save you a third of the cost per cycle.

Get an energy monitor
An energy monitor is a simple handset that enables you to view your real time usage.
You can explore your usage, change your habits and save money.

Read your meters
Make sure you read your meters quarterly(at least) and provide these readings to your energy supplier to ensure you are getting accurate bills.

Free cash - are you eligible?
You could be eligible for a number of schemes which would save you money. Money towards installing solar panels, new boiler grants and funding for insulation. Find out more here