Cutting your energy costs

UK households are facing a hike in energy bills like never before, so there’s never been a better time to review your costs and cut down on the amount of gas, home heating oil, and electricity you use.

It’s been noted that cheap energy deals have virtually disappeared over the last few months so it’s not a good time for most people to switch provider. However, if you are on an out-of-contract tariff, the price cap is likely to rise soon therefore you should keep a close eye on prices in the coming weeks to try to protect yourself from more increases.

Here’s just a few of our top tips to help you gain some much-needed savings. Grants may be available to help with the cost of some of the recommendations below. Check with your local authority.

• Choose paperless bills and manage your account online as some companies charge extra for paper bills.
• Pay by direct debit. This is usually cheaper than paying ad-hoc when you receive a bill.
• If you’re replacing large kitchen appliances, by choosing the most energy-efficient models you could save hundreds of pounds per year on your electricity bills.
• Spend less time in the shower. A one-minute shorter shower could cut your energy bill by £4 a year for each person in your household.
• Make sure you have adequate insulation in both your cavity walls and loft. This could save you up to £300 per year.
• Double, or even better, triple glazing is a must. Look into replacing older, single glazed windows and doors.
• If you’re boiler has just about had its day, replace it with a modern energy-efficient one. Your heating is responsible for more than half of your energy costs per year so this will make a big difference to your bill.
• Bleed your radiators to rid them of air which may prevent them from running as efficiently as possible.
• Use energy-saving light bulbs. LED light bulbs cost under £2.00 per year to run, much, much less than an old-style bulb. Remember, energy-saving light bulbs last longer than traditional ones too.
• If you don’t already have a room thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves, install them now! Heating controls will let you tailor your heating to your needs, keeping costs down without wastage. Note, if you only have one thermostat for the whole house, each degree you turn it up could increase your heating bill by around 10%!
• Stop heat from escaping. Draft proof your windows, doors and unused chimneys using specialist strips and excluders.
• Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they’re full, and use energy-efficient programs. Dry your washing outside, rather than using a tumble dryer.
• Only boil as much water in the kettle as you need.
• Switch things off. There are lots of appliances that draw power even when they are on standby.
• If you’re in a position to do so, consider switching to renewable energy sources.

About Firth Finance

Firth Finance has been a leading provider of short-term loans in Northern Ireland since 1971.

Our loans can be received in either cash, by direct money transfer, or loaded onto a pre-paid debit Mastercard and personally delivered to your door if required.

As a responsible lender with easy repayment options and no hidden fees or charges, we’ll even provide a rebate should you choose to pay back your loan early.