10 top tips to help reduce your utility bills

Being efficient can make a big difference to the cost of your water, electricity or gas bill. It doesn’t always need a big investment in time or money to make sure you’re wasting less energy and saving more.

How to save money on your utility bills

Check out our 10 top tips and you could soon be saving a packet on your utility bills.

1. Understand your bill and identify where you can save

Learn what your bills are telling you about your home, and what to do next. Is your energy bill a little confusing? We can HELP! You can scan a copy of your energy bill to quotes@ukpower.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 860 6865. We will analyse your bill and get back to you with a quote. Alternatively, please visit our site for other options and further guidance. 

2. Install a water meter

According to the UK’s Water Industry Research, a water usage drops around 10-15% after the water meter is installed. A water meter works by recording the amount of water you use, therefore bills are based on your actual usage rather than the rateable value. The rateable value is a traditional flat charge based on the value of your property. If you are living alone in a large property, you might be overcharged. In most cases, the water meter is installed free of charge therefore, it’s a win-win situation. 

3. Negotiate a better TV, broadband and mobile phone deal

Our analysts found that on average you could save around £336 a year by just comparing your options online. Have you checked all the prices? Now you have the right ammunition to make a call and start the negotiation with your current supplier or even a new one.

4. Eliminate energy vampires

Got into a habit of leaving your laptop on ‘standby’ mode? Even on standby mode electronic devices use electricity. Gadgets like laser printers or routers can push your energy bill faster than you think. Solution - if you aren't frequently using a device, unplug it!

5. Pay your energy bills via monthly direct debit

As well as making sure you are not missing a payment, most of the energy suppliers will offer a discounted tariff. Supply the meter readings over the phone or submit them online to make sure you are billed correctly every month.

6. Using a price plan for dual fuel

When both your gas and electricity are supplied by the same energy provider, this is known as dual fuel. Switching to a dual fuel tariff can be beneficial for consumers as most energy suppliers will provide a dual fuel discount. Click here to see which suppliers offer dual fuel.

7. Effective use of heating

Adjust your heating based on the property areas that are used the most. Turn off or reduce the heating in rooms that you are not using often, turn them off when not at home. Don’t want to come back to a cold home? Use a timer, it will make sure that your home is warm and cosy upon your arrival. 

8. Be aware of poor insulation

If you are a new tenant or a potential homeowner, make sure the home you are after has double glazing windows. Double glazing can prevent cold air coming in and hot air escaping. If you are stuck with poor insulation, you can buy draught excluders which are an effective and quick way to reduce a draught.

9. Turn off the water boiler when not in use

There is no need to keep the boiler running all the time. You can either turn the boiler 30 minutes before you use the shower or if you use an electrical immersion heater, heat the water during the night. Some of the electricity providers offer better rates during those hours therefore, it will be cheaper to heat it overnight.

10. Wash at a lower temperature

Washing at 30ºC or lower will save you some extra money in the long term and the detergent will work as well as washed at a higher temperature. 

Have you got any top tips for cutting down on the amount of gas, electricity, or water you use? Share your ideas with our energy-conscious community on Twitter or Facebook.

5 free and easy ways to keep warm for less

Beat the energy price hikes with these 5 free and easy ways to save energy and save money.

Click here to run an energy price comparison, and see if you could be paying less for your gas and electricity.

---