British Gas customers can get as much as £347 back on their bills this winter by making three quick and easy changes around their home.
The energy supplier has issued some quick tips to help reduce the cost of heating your home this winter, something which will come as welcome news to the millions of state pensioners losing their automatic £300 Winter Fuel Payment this winter.
And for those struggling, British Gas also offers an energy bills help scheme which can give out up to £1,700 to those who can’t pay their bills.
Dinesh Kumar, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said: “As the temperatures start to drop, more people will be turning to their heating systems once again to keep them warm in the months ahead.
“It’s important to make sure central heating systems are running smoothly and are prepared to withstand the winter weather. Keeping your boiler in good check is key to this, while making a few simple changes around the home can help save on bills and make sure you aren’t using more energy than you need.”
Mr Kumar then issued a list of ways to reduce your heating bill. Simoply blocking out draughts, optimising your thermostat and using a smart thermostat can cut £347 off your bills.
Firstly, bleeding your radiatiors: “Air can get trapped in the system, forming bubbles at the top of the radiators and reducing their efficiency. If you feel cold spots near the top, turn the radiators off and allow them to cool. Then, use a radiator key to open the valve at the top and release the trapped air.”
Then, block out draughts. He said: “Checking your windows and doors are free from draughts could save you around £60 a year. Easy-to-apply self-adhesive foam strips around windows can help prevent cold air passing through, and draught excluders work wonders for gaps under doors. Don’t forget about your keyhole and letterbox too – cheap keyhole covers and letterbox brushes are quick to fit and will help keep the cold at bay.”
His other tips include:
Turn off radiators in unused rooms: To save money, avoid heating rooms you aren’t using. If you know a room won’t be in use, make sure to switch off the radiator and close the door to prevent cold air from moving through the rest of the house. When you need the room again, turn the radiator back on ahead of time to heat it up. What’s more, you can install thermostatic radiator valves so you can control the temperature in each room. Keep them low, around 2-3, when you aren’t in the rooms or out of the house.
Optimise your thermostat: It can be tempting to crank up the thermostat on colder days, but what’s the right temperature? Set your main thermostat between 18°C and 21°C to save around 10% on your heating bills. For an average household, lowering the temperature by just one degree could save you about £115 a year..
Embrace smart thermostats: Winter is the peak season for energy usage, so take advantage of smart technology like programmable thermostats. This allows you to control your heating remotely, saving money by preventing the heat from coming on when you’re delayed or away. For instance, installing a Hive Thermostat can save you up to £172 per year on your heating bill and allow you to track your spending and set budget costs. Hive Plus also gives you advanced features including smart energy insights and ‘away mode’ which provides remote access.
Check if you qualify for energy support: It’s always a good idea to see if you’re eligible for extra help with your energy bills before the cold weather arrives. The British Gas Energy Trust offers face-to-face advice, financial support, and grants of up to £1,700 (even if you’re not a British Gas customer). Many energy providers also have assistance funds to help with energy costs
