Written by: Marianne Rawlins, Communications Manager
With bills rising we’re all looking at ways we can reduce our energy use. We asked Siân Bentley, Energy Advisor at the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), for her tips on staying warm and comfortable this autumn and winter.
Make quick wins
“The financial savings gained by little things may seem small on their own,” says Siân. “But if you're doing a lot of them, the money will soon add up.”
Follow these easy tips for lower bills:
- Turn your heating down by one degree – you won’t notice but you could save £80 a year.
- Use LED lightbulbs – each one you fit can make a lifetime saving of £180, plus they don’t need changing as often.
- Put lids on saucepans – you’ll be able to turn down the gas or electricity and save money.
- Make a big batch of food and freeze some meals for another day.
- Use a microwave rather than a pricier oven to reheat meals.
For more ideas click here.
Draughtproof your home
“To draughtproof your home, you need to block up any gaps that could let warm air out or let the cold air in,” says Siân. “These are most often found around doors and windows – but even letterboxes or keyholes can let in draughts.”
There’s a lot you can do yourself – click here for advice on DIY draughtproofing.
It’s important to have some ventilation in your home – a sealed home traps all the moisture everyday living produces and that leads to condensation. So never block up vents or extractor fans.
Get to know your heating system
If you’re baffled by your heating system, you’re not alone. “Thermostats, smart heating controls and timers can all be confusing if you don’t know your way around them,” says Siân. “But learning how to use them in the most effective way can give you more control over how much energy you use and, ultimately, save you money. If you need help understanding your heating system give the CSE a call on 0800 082 2234 and talk to one of our friendly energy advisors.”
Click here for more.
Ask for help
“If you can't pay your energy bill, we recommend talking to your supplier as early as possible,” says Siân. “Tell them you're struggling to pay and they should refer you to the team who can help you. You can ask for a payment plan or more time.”
Click here for more.
If you’re worried about paying your bills, you can also call Curo’s Customer Accounts team. We’ll listen and see what options are available to you to help.
with your money worries. Pick up the phone and call 01225 366000. Or you can email customeraccountshelp@curo-group.co.uk