How will People Afford to Heat their Homes?

The inability to heat one’s home is known as ‘fuel poverty’ and it is at an all time high across the UK. Around 8,000 people die each year because of it and there are urgent calls for more energy efficiency to prevent fuel poverty occurring.

A survey revealed that 43% of people in January 2012 were worried that they were unable to heat their homes because of the expense of energy bills.

The Citizens Advice Bureau ran ‘Big Energy Week’ at the beginning of the year to advise people how to save money on their heating and this was supported by energy companies, charities and the Government.

Big Energy Week discovered that people were switching on their heating less to save money. Many people were unaware of the offers by energy companies to insulate homes and 71% of people claimed that their heating bills would strain their finances and that they were worried about paying their next fuel bill.

You can help reduce your energy costs at home with a few simple steps:

• Make sure you are on the correct tariff and most suitable payment method. Direct Debit can save you £100 a year on your bills.

• Compare energy companies to see if you can save money. This could be as much as £200.

• Home insulation can reduce energy bills considerably. By insulating the walls and loft of your home you might save £120 a year. You may be eligible to discounted or free insulation from electricity, oil and gas companies.

• Check Tax Credit Benefits to see if they can help. The Citizens Advice Bureau can advise you.

• Use less energy. Turn off lights and switch off appliances when not in use. By turning down your thermostat just 1 degrees, you could save £60.

• Contact your energy supplier if you cannot pay your bill. They are obligated to help you in whatever way they can.

• Oil customers can save money by shopping around for cheaper suppliers or joining an ‘oil club’ with neighbours.

Check your Boiler’s Efficiency

An old model of boiler may be costing you more money in fuel consumption than you need to be paying. Newer models are much more energy efficient and can significantly reduce your bills as well as increasing your home’s energy efficiency.

Shop around for a new boiler quote.

Image Courtesy: which.co.uk 

Article provided by Lenka from centralheatingboilers.org.uk