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Reduce your fuel bills - Save energy, save money, and save the planet

Fuel costs have risen sharply, and many households face higher bills. Here we give advice to help you reduce the amount of energy – gas, oil and electricity – that you use in the home.

Using energy more efficiently and cutting out waste will cut your bills and also reduce the carbon emissions that harm our planet. Remember – if you are having trouble paying your fuel bills, you should ask your suppliers what help they offer.As part of our ‘affordable warmth’ strategy, we’ve come up with the following tips to help you save on your fuel bills.

Pay by direct debit

The cheapest way to pay your fuel bills is by monthly direct debit. Many companies offer discounts to customers who agree to pay this way. Speak to them to see if they give such discounts.

Compare the cost of different suppliers

Compare fuel costs from different suppliers. Comparison sites on the internet show which suppliers offer the best prices and service. Overleaf we list some of the agencies that also offer free unbiased advice. Most fuel suppliers will offer discounts if you buy both gas and electricity from them.

Turn off your appliances – don’t leave them on standby

The average household wastes £37 a year simply by leaving electrical appliances such as televisions and computers on standby. Remember:

• Turn off each appliance completely – use the power switch on the appliance itself or turn it off at the plug. Using the remote control isn’t enough.
• Any appliance with a charger or an external power pack will still use power until you turn it off at the plug. (You can tell because the charger or power pack stays warm or may have a light on.)

Other energy-saving suggestions

Washing clothes

• Washing clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C uses 40% less energy and is generally as efficient. Modern powders are designed to work better at lower temperatures.
• Run your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads.
• Avoid tumble drying – dry clothes outdoors when possible.

In the kitchen

• Defrost your freezer regularly and don’t put hot food in it.
• Boil a kettle with only as much water as you need (but make sure the water covers the element if you are using an electric kettle).
• Cover pots and pans when cooking – they’ll boil faster.
• Use a microwave rather than a full-size oven if you want to heat only a small amount of food.

Heating and lighting

• Turning down your thermostat and immersion heater by one degree can cut more than 10% from an average heating bill. You’ll make big savings and are unlikely to notice the difference in temperature.
• Turn lights off when you leave a room.
• Use less water and don’t heat more than you need. Take showers instead of baths – a bath uses around twice as much water as a normal shower.
• Is your tap water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C.
• Close your curtains at dusk to keep the heat in.
• Use energy-saving light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and can save you around £45 over their lifetime.

Generally

• Rechargeable batteries cost about twice as much as ordinary ones but can be used hundreds of times.
• Choose energy-efficient appliances when it’s time to replace your old ones. Look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo to find the most energy-efficient products on the market.

Your Right to Benefit

Make sure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. Benefits can help your household income go further and make everyday household expenses like energy bills more affordable.

National surveys show that many households aren’t aware of or don’t claim all the benefits they may be entitled to. Our specialist Welfare Benefit Advice team offer free, confidential and impartial advice on benefits that could help you increase your income and pay your fuel bills. Contact the Welfare Benefit Advice Team on 0800 40 80 160 for a check on the benefits you could claim.

Helpful numbers and websites

Consumer Direct
08454 04 05 06
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Energy helpline
0800 074 0745
www.energyhelpline.com

Energy Saving Trust
0800 512 012
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

The Energy Shop
0845 330 7247
www.theenergyshop.com

Age Concern (Enfield)
020 8375 4120
www.ageconcernenfield.org.uk