Energy bills may be rising this winter, but you can still save money and get your home in the best place for the cold months ahead
Energy bills are rising again this winter(Image: Getty)
Energy bills are set to rise to their highest level in three years for millions of households this winter.
The Ofgem price cap is rising by 4% from October. This means the typical household that pays by direct debit will see their annual energy bill increase from £1,663 to £1,723.
But it isn’t too late to cut your costs or get your home ready for the winter.
Check your energy deal
There are fixed deals available that will save you money compared to being on the price cap. According to Uswitch.com, the cheapest fixed deal available today locks in average savings of around £158 a year against the October cap.
The price cap changes every three months, so whether fixing is right for you depends on how you think energy bills will change over the next year. If you are considering a fixed tariff, check for any exit fees in case you want to leave your contract early.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “With bills expected to stay high into the colder months, now is a sensible time to lock in.
“The best fixed deals are shorter than many people assume – you don’t have to commit for years to protect yourself. Run a comparison, see what’s available for your home, and fix for peace of mind before winter arrives.”
Find and fix draughts
You can keep your home insulated on a budget by sealing up draughts. Check for unwanted cold air entering your home around doors, windows and floors. You can fix these cheaply draught-excluder strips around your windows, or for floor draughts, a thick rug should protect some protection.
Insulate your pipes
Don’t forget to add insulation with foam lagging to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Pipes in unheated spaces, outdoor locations, and those carrying hot water typically require insulation in cold temperatures.
Bleed your radiators
Bleed your radiators at least once a year so your heating works as efficiently as possible. Turn your central heating off so hot water does not burn you. Next, use a radiator bleed key to slowly open the valve and release trapped air. You will hear a hissing sound – when this stops and water begins to drip, you can tighten the valve back up. Use a cloth below to catch any water.
Get your boiler serviced
A boiler should be serviced once every 12 months by a qualified professional. In fact, most manufacturers require a yearly check to keep your warranty valid. It is advisable to get this booked in before winter, as engineers can get booked up in the cold months. Regular maintenance of your boiler keeps your system running efficiently, and therefore can lower your energy bills.
Clear your gutters
You should clear your gutters to prevent water damage and blockages. Most people will need to do this twice a year, but you may need to do it more regularly if your property sits under or near tall trees, or if your roof has heavy moss.
Speak to your energy supplier if you are struggling
If you are worried about falling behind on your energy bill, speak to your supplier as soon as possible. They should be able to offer you support, such as a payment plan, payment breaks or affordable debt repayments. Your supplier may also have hardship funds that you could be entitled to.
For example, the British Gas Energy Trust offers grants worth up to £1,700 to help people clear their debt – and it is possible to access this help even if you are not a British Gas customer.
There are also Government help schemes. The Warm Home Discount gives you £150 off your electricity bill if you are claiming certain means-tested benefits. Winter Fuel Payments are worth up to £300 and are paid to pensioners who have a taxable income of less than £35,000.
