Let’s explore a few straightforward yet pragmatic measures you can adopt to cut your energy costs.

Ways to cut your gas bill

Rising energy costs are causing concern for many as the colder months approach. While it might not completely solve the cost of living challenges, acquiring the knowledge to reduce a gas bill is a proactive step we can take.

Gaining insights into energy conservation at home is beneficial, and we all have opportunities to enhance the energy efficiency of our residences. For instance, there are applications available that precisely track your gas consumption and usage patterns. Additionally, you might discover potential cost savings by adjusting your boiler’s water temperature.

Since July 2023, the energy price cap has resulted in an average annual direct debit energy bill of £2,074. The following methods (excluding the gym showering option) will guide you in reducing your energy costs while also contributing to the reduction of fossil fuel usage and the mitigation of climate change impacts.

Lower the temperature of your water

Have you noticed the water from your taps being excessively hot? If so, you might be unknowingly wasting gas and missing out on potential gas bill savings. Consider adjusting your boiler’s water temperature by a few degrees to achieve the ideal level and take a step towards reducing your gas expenses.

You typically have the choice to decrease the temperature of the hot water flowing from your faucets and showerheads. This small adjustment can lead to energy savings over the course of weeks and months. If your hot water is currently set higher than necessary, it’s certainly worthwhile to consider dialling it down a bit.

Activate your heating system only when necessary

In addition to understanding when to permanently switch off your heating, it’s important to debunk the misconception that leaving your heating on low all day is beneficial. Whether you utilise a timer or manually control it, you can contribute to cutting energy costs by ensuring your heating is active only when necessary. Otherwise, you risk wasting money.

Reposition your sofa to create some distance from the radiator

Promote the circulation of warm air by keeping significant furniture pieces clear of radiators. Otherwise, you might need to maintain heating for extended periods. Even shifting your sofa a mere six inches away from the radiator can substantially enhance heat distribution throughout the room.

This practice has the potential to yield up to a 10% reduction in your bills. The greater the space between furniture and radiators, the more advantageous it is.

Take the time to review your energy costs

Fortunately, the option to switch energy providers is available once more. Hence, it’s valuable to familiarise yourself with the distinctions between standard variable and fixed-rate energy tariffs.

If your fixed-rate tariff contract is nearing its end, it’s advisable to contemplate switching energy suppliers or reaching out to your current supplier. This ensures you’re on the most suitable tariff for your household’s energy consumption, and it’s a good practice to compare offerings from competing providers.

Ensure that your home has effective insulation

Effective insulation is a fundamental aspect of enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. By optimising the thermal qualities of your roof, walls, floor, windows, and doors, you establish a strong basis for achieving a low-energy household.

Beginning with your roof is advisable when considering insulation. Roofs can account for over 35% of home heat loss, making roof insulation a cost-effective and rapid means of preventing heat escape. The installation of the necessary materials can even be managed by enthusiastic DIY enthusiasts.

Approximately one-third of the heat loss in a well-insulated home occurs through the walls. In the UK, most residences have either solid walls that can be insulated from the inside or outside, or cavity walls that can be filled with insulation.

For added savings on your gas bill, contemplate implementing floor insulation. Modern homes often feature solid concrete floors, which can accommodate a layer of rigid insulation. In contrast, older homes with suspended timber floors can be insulated by placing mineral wool beneath the floorboards.

For immediate solutions, utilising draught excluder tape can help prevent drafts through windows and door gaps. Additionally, placing extra rugs in colder rooms contributes to keeping the area warmer.

Avoid leaving appliances on standby mode

Numerous appliances continue to consume power even in standby mode. Data released by British Gas indicates that UK households squander an average of £30 annually by powering appliances they’re not actively using. The Energy Saving Trust suggests even greater potential for savings.

By ensuring that you switch everything off at the wall when it’s not in use, you could reduce your energy bills by about £65 per year.

This hidden energy consumption is often referred to as vampire power. To address this issue, you might consider investing in a standby saver. This uncomplicated solution helps navigate the challenge of energy wastage. Plug your appliances into a standby saver and program it to respond to a single remote control. It will also automatically cut power to an appliance when it enters standby mode.

Ensure regular maintenance of your heating systems

Another effective method to determine how to decrease your gas bill is through an annual service performed by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Adhering to the recommended frequency for boiler servicing ensures optimal functionality. During this service, the engineer will inspect, clean, and replace components, preemptively identifying potential issues before they escalate into system breakdowns.

Sustaining regular maintenance doesn’t solely contribute to gas bill reduction; it also guarantees safety and efficient operation. An efficient boiler expends less energy to heat a home, translating to ongoing savings on energy expenses.

After a summer of limited use, scheduling regular boiler services becomes particularly crucial. Neglecting service appointments could result in malfunctions, heightened energy costs, and even the premature termination of your warranty.

Reach out to Ability today to schedule your annual service.

Consider acquiring a smart thermostat

A smart thermostat offers the convenience of remotely controlling your heating system through a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. Certain models learn and adapt to your daily routine, optimising your usage, while others adjust settings based on weather conditions. Some advanced smart thermostats can even fine-tune your boiler’s output temperature to ensure maximum efficiency.

Moreover, you can pair a smart thermostat with thermostatic radiator valves to control the heating of individual rooms from a distance. When employed effectively, this technology represents one of the most cost-effective and user-friendly means of enhancing your home’s energy efficiency, resulting in reduced heating expenses and lower CO2 emissions.

Upgrade your outdated boiler

If your boiler has exceeded 12-15 years of service, demonstrates high running costs, and experiences frequent breakdowns, it may be prudent to contemplate replacing it. Typically, a significant portion of our annual household energy expenses—over half—derives from heating our homes. Thus, possessing an efficient and economical heating system is crucial, not only for reducing gas bills but also for environmental considerations.

Though the cost of a new boiler can be substantial (usually starting at £1,000 or more), it’s an investment that pays off due to the considerable reduction in bills achievable with a newer model. Homeowners who opt for energy-efficient boilers often experience around a 30% decrease in their bills.

Modern boilers are predominantly of the condensing type, incorporating a sizable heat exchanger. This design facilitates the recovery of more heat and directs cooler gases through the flue, enhancing overall efficiency. To quantify this, new A-rated boilers (exceeding 90% efficiency) can yield approximately 90p or more worth of heat for every £1 expended.

In contrast, older models offer only 60-80p of heat for every £1. Replacing an outdated boiler also contributes positively to the environment. A more efficient boiler requires less fuel to heat your home, thus diminishing your carbon footprint and cutting energy costs.

Reduce the temperature setting on your thermostat

As stated by Moneysavingexpert.com, for each degree you lower the thermostat, you can anticipate approximately a four percent reduction in your energy expenses. This translates to an average annual savings of around £150 for a typical home.

The World Health Organization advises that 18 degrees Celsius is suitable for healthy adults, while slightly higher temperatures may be necessary for the elderly and young. Consider wearing a sweater indoors and assessing the temperature that provides comfort for your household.

When contemplating the most efficient approach to heating your home and ways to decrease your gas bill, customising it to your lifestyle is advisable. Remember that wearing layers can also contribute to long-term savings.

If you’re facing financial challenges, reach out to your energy provider, as there are potential options for energy costs assistance based on your circumstances.

Contact Ability today

You can reach out to Ability by completing the form available on our website, calling us at (+44) 01892 514495, or sending a message to info@ability.uk.com. Rest assured, we prioritise prompt responses and will get back to you as swiftly as possible. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary help and guidance without delay.