Energy price hikes are constantly in the news – they affect us all in equal measure, which is why so many people are perplexed and frustrated when energy companies ramp them up further still on an annual basis. With no end to energy price hikes in sight, we’ve put together a top five list of things that you can do in order to keep your energy prices as low as possible.
Use less
The simple answer to the energy price hikes is to use less. Of course in theory that’s a great idea – but in practice it’s a little harder. Even people that consider themselves to be fairly energy conscious can save a great deal of money by turning off lights when they’re not in use – or turning the central heating down by a degree or so. A concerted effort in a household to use less energy can go a long way in driving down your energy bills. It’s easier said than done, but almost every household has some scope to save energy usage by cutting wastage.
Don’t be afraid to switch
Energy companies rely on consumers having a “can’t be bothered” attitude. Once they sign you up, they find it hard to believe that you’ll ever switch. Call their bluff – if you find a better deal on energy prices elsewhere, don’t hang about, switch to a new provider! It’s possible to save hundreds of pounds every year by switching to another, cheaper provider. The process isn’t as long and complex as it used to be either.
Get a new boiler
Your boiler can be likened to the beating heart of your household. Without a boiler you’ll have no hot water and no central heating. The problem is, since boilers were first installed in properties technology has come on significantly. Older boilers don’t make efficient use of the energy they consume – sometimes replacing your boiler can reduce your energy bills by hundreds of pounds on an annual basis. It’s worth considering investing in new boiler installation – the payback time might be a lot shorter than you think!
Look after your central heating system
Central heating systems tend to be neglected. We all rely on them, but how many of us actually maintain and care for them? One of the best ways to keep your central heating system in tip top condition is to have it power flushed every now and then. This will remove any blockages or debris that has built up in the system allowing it to operate more efficiently with an even distribution of heat to all of the radiators around your home.
Explore alternative energy options
In the past, alternative energy sources such as solar panels have been considered to be expensive and a waste of time. As our energy requirements continue to evolve, more and more people are waking up to the reality that solar panels can be a great investment as can other alternative energy systems.
