UpMyStreet guides: cut your gas and electricity bills

Saving money on your gas and electricity bills can be a challenge, but even making small changes to the way you use energy can help save money on your monthly bills.

Making your home more energy efficient reduces the amount of gas and electricity wasted in the process of simple tasks like switching on a light or turning up the heating.

Reduce your gas and electricity bills

Here are some small changes you can make to help cut how much energy you use and cut the costs of your gas and electricity bills:

1. Turn down the thermostat a degree
   This will help cut your heating bills by 10% and save you around 30 a year.

2. Switch to energy saving light bulbs
   Investing in these will save you money overall on your electricity bills, saving £9 a year for every bulb switched.

3. Fit an insulating jacket for a more efficient boiler
   It will lose less heat and can save a further £20 a year on your energy payments. The Energy Saving Trust has more information on insulating jackets and other products to reduce your gas and electricity bills.

4. Don't just use standby
   Switch power off at the mains to cut monthly electricity bills. Electrical goods left on standby use 85% of the energy used to power a switched on item.

5. Be careful with energy guzzling goods
   Make sure fridge and freezer doors are shut and properly sealed. Try and avoid using tumble dryers and dishwashers where possible.

Switch your gas and electricity supplier

Becoming more energy efficient will help save money on your gas and electricity bills but you could reduce them further still by switching suppliers. Use an impartial comparison service to check how competitive your gas and electricity tariff is. If you find a better deal, switch to start making savings.

› Save money on your gas and electricity bills