Perhaps you’ve been wearing multiple jumpers and double socks all winter to cut heating costs or have just had a baby and are doing three times as much washing. If your energy bills are sky high, it may be time to take action. Below are some simple ideas to make your home more energy-efficient and to ensure that you are getting the best possible deal from your energy provider.
1. Compare energy deals.
With approximately £300 difference between the cheapest and most expensive energy deals, it’s worth considering a switch. Fixing your deal will make it easier to budget and will protect you from further rises, and if prices fall for some reason you can usually pay a small fee to get out of your fixed deal.
2. Pay by monthly direct debit.
It is usually substantially cheaper to pay by monthly direct debit than paying by cash or cheque. If you get your gas and electricity from the same provider, discounts are often available.
3. Read your meters regularly.
Estimated bills can lead to high energy bills. Provide your supplier with accurate readings so you only use what you need. If you have built up credit, ask for a rebate or to reduce your monthly direct debit.
4. Take care with lighting.
As lighting accounts for around 19% of the average household electricity bill, you can save money by making sure lights are switched off whenever they are not in use and by using energy-saving bulbs.
5. Use appliances carefully.
Only use your washing machine and dishwasher when you have full loads and boil only as much water as you need when you use the kettle. It’s also worth unplugging any devices that have a light on when they are not in use, such as chargers and televisions. Use your tumble dryer sparingly and use a lower heat setting on your washing machine.
6. Protect your windows.
Make sure curtains are closed in the evenings to keep heat in and if your windows are single-glazed, you could apply double-glazing film to make them behave as though they are double-glazed. Use draught-excluders to counter any gaps under doors.
7. Don’t waste hot water.
If your hot water is piping hot, turn the heat down. Set your thermostat to 60 degrees centigrade or less and take showers rather than baths. Make sure central heating and hot water are switched off when you are out for the day or when you go on holiday and turn off radiators in unused rooms. It may also be worth turning your heating thermostat down. Make sure none of your taps are dripping as this will literally cause you to throw money down the drain.
8. Insulate your home.
Installing loft or cavity wall insulation could save you several hundred pounds a year. Some energy suppliers will install insulation for free in a bid to meet strict efficiency targets.
9. Replace your old boiler.
Boilers swallow a huge percentage of your total fuel usage, and an old boiler will be significantly less efficient than a newer model. Although you would have to pay to replace it, the savings you will make in energy bills over the years will be substantial and will also make your home more environmentally friendly.
DHS are a Bristol boiler company and we are committed to ensuring that our customers don’t pay over the odds for their energy. Whether you need a new boiler, are looking for more economical heating or need to fix a leaky tap, give us a call today. Our boiler engineers are highly trained and will help you make your home more energy-efficient and cut your energy bills.
Call DHS today on 0117 924 7200, email us, or request a call back.
Unit 2 Septimus Buildings 
