Many people are stressed daily because of money issues. Unfortunately, when it comes to keeping the home running smoothly, the stress can be almost too much to bear. Fortunately, here are 8 tips on how to save money and stay warm this winter to better enjoy cheap gas and electricity bills:
1. Properly insulate your home.
If you properly insulate your home, you can potentially save up to £110 a year. Even if you already have an insulated home, it is crucial to check that it meets the recommended level. Depending on your home, the recommendations are:
* 220mm for cellulose
* 250mm for rock
* 270mm for glass wool
The best part about insulating your home is that you may be eligible for government grants to help cover the cost.
2. Block draughts wherever possible.
The best way to stay warm during the winter is to block any draughts. You can easily do this by using draught stripping around doors and installing double glaze windows. You may also want to seal any cracks in the floors and walls by using foams and sealants that can often be purchased cheaply from stores. In fact, draught-proofing your home can save you £20 a year. While it may not seem like much, every bit counts for many consumers.
3. Use thick curtains.
To help keep heat inside during cold weather, make sure to use thick curtains in your home and keep them drawn close. Installing carpet is also known to help keep the household warmer so that you will not need to turn up the heat.
4. Dress more warmly.
Instead of turning up the heat each time you get a chill, it is recommended to put on a sweater or wool socks. By dressing warmly, you will not need to turn up the heat and increase your gas and electricity bills. Being active within the household will also help keep you warmer.
5. Do not block the radiators.
Whenever possible, ensure that furniture is kept away from the radiators to allow the home to be heated more effectively and efficiently. According to Scottish Gas, you can save an additional £14.50 a year by placing silver foil behind your radiators.
6. Reduce the heat when you are not home.
If you turn the thermostat down by even a single degree, you will save money on your bills. In fact, it can save up to 10% a year. To save even more money, you may want to consider turning the heat down more (or off) when you are outside of the house for more than two hours.
7. Check your meter readings and bills regularly.
If you want to save money, reading your meter and submitting your own readings to your provider can help. By doing your own readings and submitting them, you will not pay for more than the actual amount of energy that you use. Keeping track of your own usage and submitting readings will also benefit you if you are overcharged.
8. Take advantage of government benefits.
During the winter months, the government offers winter fuel payments and cold weather payments to help citizens manage their gas and electricity bills.
Winter fuel payments are given annually to qualified people over the age of 61. The amount that can be received is typically between £200 and £300, although it can be lower depending on the circumstances. Fortunately, you can find out the full details by visiting the government website.
Cold weather payments are only given to those that are eligible during very cold weather between November and March. If the temperature is zero degrees Celsius or lower for 7 consecutive days in your area, you may be eligible to receive £25 for each period. Fortunately, just like with winter fuel payments, you can find out the full details by visiting the government website.
If money is scarce and you need to keep your home warm, these 8 tips will help. As always, the main point to remember is that you need to change your energy using habits to best earn cheap gas and electricity bills.
Sam Jones the author recommends to readers looking for cheap gas and electricity that uSwitch compares gas and electricty prices and rates from all the main energy providers.
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