How to reduce your heating bills

Want to cut your energy bills? Here’s our simple guide to reducing energy usage, slashing your carbon footprint and saving money all at the same time.

• Turning your thermostat down can cut the energy used for heating by more than five per cent.

• Water needn’t be oveheated. Set your cylinder thermostat to 60°C or 140°F.

• Programme central heating only to be on when you’re in.

• Use sunlight to heat (and light) your rooms by opening curtains during daylight but remember to close them at night to retain the heat.

• The patio heater is no ordinary household appliance. It uses on average the same amount of energy as a gas hob gets through in six months, emitting around 50kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year.

Alternatively, call the free national helpline
Home Heat: 0800 33 66 99

• Talk to your own supplier and other suppliers or use price comparison services to make savings.

• Check if your supplier offers a better deal.

• Explore changing to a different payment method.

• Direct debit tariffs are often priced more competitively.

• See if you can get an online or dual fuel discount.

• Look out for special offer fixed-price contracts.

• You can still switch supplier if you have a pre-payment meter.

• Ask whether you qualify for a social tariff. You may qualify for these if you are over 60, on means-tested benefits or are on a low income.

• Use a Consumer Focus Confidence Code-approved switching site: 08454 04 05 06

• www.consumerfocus.org.uk/confidencecod