It’s no secret that the cost of living has jumped in the last few years and with prices still on the rise, nearly everyone is looking for ways to claw back costs.
The latest announcement will see the average energy bill for a typical household increase from £1,568 to £1,717 – that’s an increase of around £12 a month. The rules behind Winter Fuel Payment have also changed, meaning that up to 10 million people could lose out on financial help they were previously entitled to.
But there is help available. Here are five ways you can save on your energy bills this winter amid rising costs.
1. Check if you’re eligible for government support
Scotland is home to a wide range of government support schemes designed to help vulnerable and low-income households afford their energy bills.
The Warm Home Discount, for example, is a discount on your electricity bill between September and March that you’ll automatically qualify for if you claim the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit while the Winter Heating Payment could see you receive a one-time payment of £58.75 between December and February if you claim certain benefits.
2. Turn off standby appliances
One of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption – and your energy bills – is to ensure standby appliances are switched off at the wall when you’re not using them. Even if they’re not switched on, you could be adding unnecessary pounds to your electricity bill just by having them plugged in.
Some of the biggest energy guzzlers or ‘vampire appliances’ are televisions, white goods, and game consoles. It might take a little extra effort to flick the switch each time you want to binge-watch your favourite show, but your purse will thank you later.
3. Lower your thermostat
Did you know that reducing your thermostat by just one degree could save you up to 10 per cent on your annual gas bill? It’s true. Try playing around with your thermostat until you find a temperature you’re comfortable with, reducing the temperature for just a few hours a day, or switching off the heating an hour earlier.
Some thermostats can even be controlled remotely from a smartphone app, leading to higher energy efficiency and bigger savings.
4. Check your radiators
Inefficient radiators are one of the leading causes of heat loss in homes, which can lead to unnecessarily high energy bills. Regularly bleed your radiators to ensure nothing is preventing them from operating at maximum efficiency and check your boiler pressure at least once every month.
It might not be the most glamorous job in the world, but it can save you hundreds on your energy bills each year.
5. Draught-proof your home
Often, it’s the simplest and most inexpensive tasks that end up saving you the most on your energy bills. Draught-proofing your home allows you to stop cold air from entering and warm air from escaping, creating a more controlled ventilation system and reducing the likelihood of dampness or mould.
The easiest way to draught-proof your home is by using weather strips or draught excluders, which can be bought from most hardware shops for a few pounds and fitted yourself.
