After Britain’s hottest summer on record, the sudden drop in temperatures this week has caught many by surprise – myself included. On my early 6.45am commute, I watched a faint mist drape across the fields from the train window, and all I could think about (true to the form of someone permanently cold) was what would soon await me back home. That is a chilly flat and, more worryingly, rising heating bills.
With the energy price cap scheduled to change in October, bumping up bills by 2% for the millions still on variable tariffs, households face renewed pressure on already stretched budgets. For some, moving to a fixed-rate deal, which freezes the price of your energy unit rates for a set period of time, could save as much as £215 a year on the upcoming cap. This makes it well worth visiting a website like Uswitch.com to compare deals.
But fixing alone won’t be enough to soften the coming winter squeeze. A few simple, practical steps can also help prepare the home and cut down on energy use before bills start to bite.
Firstly, experts often say that tweaking your thermostat is a simple but effective way to keep costs lower. Guidance from Energy Saving Trust (EST) recommends setting it to around 18 to 19 degrees instead of the default 21 degrees, as it can make a surprisingly big difference without leaving you shivering.
For example, EST said lowering your thermostat by just one degree could shave around 10% off your energy bill, saving you approximately £90 per year. Also, pay close attention to draughty rooms. Heat can escape through the smallest gaps, under doors, around windows, and even through letterboxes.
Invest in draught excluders or DIY with rolled-up towels for a no-cost solution. Sunny Solanky, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said inexpensive keyhole covers and letterbox brushes are “quick fixes that make a big difference”. Closing doors between rooms also helps keep warmth where you need it most.
Radiators are another system to check as we enter the colder months. If your radiators are warm at the bottom but cold at the top, trapped air could be stopping them from working properly. Bleeding them once at the start of winter can help your heating system run more efficiently and save you money. Energy providers such as British Gas and EDF have simple step-by-step guides on their websites.
Finally, check what financial support is available. Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for energy bill support schemes or grants, which can help clear any debt you owe or reduce your bills. Some providers, such as Octopus, give away energy-saving items like electric blankets for free.
Check your energy provider’s website, or visit TSB Bank’s benefit portal on lightningreach.org, which will connect you with any grants and help you can claim.
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DEAL OF THE WEEK
Italian chain Prezzo is offering a host of savings this month. Every day (until Friday, October 24) you can enjoy any pizza or pasta dish and get the second for just £1. If that isn’t enough, starting this week, every table will receive a scratchcard along with the bill as part of Prezzo’s latest “one-million-pound giveaway” initiative. More than 120,000 prizes are up for grabs, which include anything from sizeable 40% bill discounts to digital gift cards.
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More than seven million households need to submit an energy meter reading by the end of the month to avoid October’s higher rates. If you’re on a standard variable tariff, this applies to you.
When the energy price cap changes in October, average usage is expected to cost £140 – up from £63 in September. The increase is down to a combination of higher rates and increased usage in autumn.
However, without a smart meter or timely meter reading, some of your September usage may be charged at the more expensive October rates.
Uswitch data shows the difference in just a week’s worth of energy at September rates compared with October is £17.02 per home, equating to £125million for the whole UK.
You can call your provider to give them your gas and/or electricity meter readings, or you can enter the figures into your online account.
Citizens Advice can explain how to read a meter if you’re stuck – you can reach them on 0808 223 1133. Energy providers also offer step-by-step guides on their websites. If you can’t reach your meter, your energy supplier might be able to help you read or move it. Call them to find out what options you have.
