10 Ways To Save On Your Utility Bills

Now more than ever, during the height of the 2022 energy crisis, we could all benefit from tips and advice on how commercial and domestic properties can save on their utility bills. Here at The Fuel Store, we appreciate how this has impacted our customers, so we have put together a guide with helpful tips on how you can do precisely that.

1. REVIEW YOUR ENERGY BILLS FOR SMALL SAVINGS –

Switching providers was always a method used to save money on energy bills, to find the best deals on the market. However, with the state of the current market, this method has become dated and inefficient. Most suppliers are now only offering variable tariffs to consumers; few utility companies are providing customers with fixed tariff options. These tariffs usually allow you to save in the long run by securing a tariff with unit prices based on the current market for either 12 to 24 months. With that being said, it is always advisable to monitor your bills by comparing what your supplier is charging against what other suppliers are offering. Many businesses may find it time-consuming and difficult searching for the best deals on the market, this is something we can do for you via our energy specialists.

2. CHOOSE ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES –

Who would have thought that replacing old appliances with energy-efficient appliances can help save £££ on your energy bills, based on reports by Which? Consumers and Businesses can save, on average, approximately £550 annually. Even making minor changes to your laundry habits, such as doing your wash on 40°C instead of 60°C can significantly reduce your monthly consumption. You can read Which?’s report here.

3. ADD INSULATION WHEREVER POSSIBLE –

Who wouldn’t want to save £290 on their energy bills, well according to the Energy Saving Trust, you can do this by insulating both your loft and cavity walls! Laying insulation with a thickness of 270mm can assist with retaining heat within a property that is typically lost through the roof. Even though solid wall insulation has a much higher upfront cost, it is much more cost-effective in the long term. In addition to this, replacing single-glazed windows with double-glazed windows is always a good investment for any property.

4. KEEP YOUR BOILER PRESSURE TOPPED UP –

Efficiency is the theme of this blog; ensuring you have an energy-efficient boiler can help significantly reduce your energy bills. Replacing a dated G-rated gas boiler with a modern A-rated combi boiler, a thermostat, and thermostatic radiator valves could make an enormous difference to your payments. However, you need to bear in mind the upfront costs that come with installing and replacing a boiler; for some, this may not be financially feasible as it can be pretty costly. Alternatively, a handy life hack worth considering is ensuring your keeping on top of your boiler pressure. This allows your boiler to work more efficiently when heating your property.

5. INSTALL AND USE CENTRAL HEATING CONTROLS –

You can cut your property’s carbon emissions by 320kg annually by installing room thermostats, a programmer and thermostatic radiator valves when used correctly. This, in turn, will also contribute to saving on utility bills! As mentioned before, upgrading your boiler will help with cost savings; however, upgrading your thermostat, programmer & thermostatic valves is a more affordable option than can be considered. These gadgets will allow you to do the following:

Set your heating and hot water to turn on and off to suit you
Heat only the parts of your property that need it
Set different temperatures for different areas of your property
Keep your property at a comfortable temperature without wasting heat

6. DRAUGHT PROOFING –

Draughts coming in through gaps such as your doors and windows can always be bothersome! Draught-proofing can save approximately £35 annually on an average-sized property, according to reports by the Energy Saving Trust. Although this may not seem like a lot, it can certainly contribute to maintaining comfortable room temperatures. Take a look at the following areas:

Windows – Use draught-proofing strips around the frame. Brush strips work better for sash windows
Doors – Use draught-proofing strips around the edges and brush or hinged-flap draught excluders at the bottom
Floorboards and skirting – Floorboards need to move, so use a flexible silicone-based filler to fill the gaps Loft hatches – Use draught-proofing foam strips to keep heat in.

7. USE LESS HOT WATER –

Consumers and Businesses use energy to heat their water all year round. Things like turning off your tap when brushing your teeth, or in between washing dishes can make a significant difference to your utility bill. Also, if you have a water meter, you will definitely notice the difference! If you have a hot water tank (rather than a combi boiler), make sure you’re using your heating controls to turn your water heating on and off, so you only heat as much water as you need at certain times of the day.

8. SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR ENERGY GRANTS –

There are various energy grants that are available and can be used to pay a portion of utility bills that the government provides. Here are a few that you may want to explore:

Warm Home Discount
Winter Fuel Payment
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Support with loft & boiler insulation

9. TURN YOUR THERMOSTAT DOWN BY 4 DEGREES –

According to reports published by the Energy Saving Trust, turning down your thermostat by 1-degree can help save 10% on your energy bill. You can also consider installing a smart thermostat in your property, that you can remotely manage on your mobile and desktop devices.

10. USE PORTABLE HEATERS TO HEAT 1 ROOM –

It can be more cost-efficient to use a portable heater to heat one room at a time for those who live alone, work from home or spend more time in one specific room in a property.

With the unpredictability and drastic changes in the current energy climate, it is becoming more crucial to monitor and reduce commercial and domestic costs by changing your daily habits and utilising the above tips. Whether you do a monthly comparison of unit prices on your energy bills or simply turn your thermostat down by 1 degree; annual savings most definitely can be achieved.

Here at The Fuel Store, we provide a brokerage service that offers a free no, obligation in-house energy review. Our services are efficient and bespoke, based on individual business requirements. For more information on our energy brokerage service, click here.