MONEY TALKS
I was tired of my energy bills being so high but thankfully six quick tips will ensure you save cash this winter
Scroll down for more money saving hacks this winter
WE’VE officially said goodbye to summer, and now that the cold days are here, Brits will be on the lookout for cheap ways to stay warm.
With the government announcing a rise in energy bills, including an increase in the UK price cap to £1,717 per year from October to December 2024, many of us will be trying our best to avoid turning the heating on.
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This works out to a 10 per cent increase, or about £12 more per month, for a typical household using gas and electricity and paying by direct debit.
And it doesn’t stop there, as the price cap is expected to rise again in the first quarter of 2025.
That's why so many homeowners and tenants are keen to find ways to keep warm and use their electricity without breaking the bank.
Many of them have taken toto share their top tips and tricks.
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There are some that, even despite energy bills rising for everyone, they have managed to keep theirs low.
One wrote: “Turn all sockets off when not used, we've always done this and never had a high bill.
“Don't leave the lights on.
“Keep doors shut when the heating is on, shut curtains and blinds to keep the heat in.
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“Use an airer to dry washing, put a dry fitted sheet over the airer and radiator.
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“Don't overfill the kettle, if you have a lot of tea / coffee fill a large flask in the morning.
“Shorter cycles on washing machines.”
And the list doesn’t stop there.
Another suggested: “Use an air fryer rather than your oven.
I’ve always had low fuel bills despite having four adults at home during the day
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“Only fill the kettle as much as you need.
“Limit heating to minimal rooms. Electric throws are excellent and use little power.
“Insulate your home if you can.
“Most appliances use very little on standby.
“Lights also use very little but obviously add up.
“If you have TV boxes (like Sky), put them on the energy saving standby mode, they can use a lot on standby by the way.”
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Whilst a third mum said: “I’ve always had low fuel bills despite having four adults at home during the day.
“My tips are quick setting on the washing machine and dishwasher, never tumble except in an emergency such as a DC (darling child) has been sick on their favourite blanket etc.
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“I always fill the oven up and don’t have it on, for example just a jacket potato.
“I don’t like hot houses so never go over 19 and I like it about 17.5/18 during the day.”
5 Money-saving tips for autumn/winter
1. Draught-proof your home
It takes time and money to heat up your home, so it’s important that you do as much as you can to keep in the warmth. Close your doors and windows, and fill any gaps with a draught excluder.
2. Dial down your thermostat
According to Energy UK, turning down your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, and save you around £85 per year. Plus, if you don’t have a thermostat, installing one could save up to £70 per year!
3. Move furniture around
Make sure not big, bulky furniture like sofas are blocking radiators.
4. Wash clothes on a lower temp and add an extra spin
Unless it's bedding, towels or really dirty items, dial down the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees, and do a double spin to remove excess water.
5. Heat the person not the home
There's not point heating up a room that no one is sitting in, so be mindful about which radiators are on.
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