Ofgem, the authority that regulates the cost of gas and electricity markets, has lowered the price cap by £75 for millions of households this winter. As the weather forecast warns about one of the coldest winters in the past 30 years, it’s good news for 11 million families who, between October and March, will benefit from the drop and receive a lower energy bill. However, while the drop is designed to reflect the energy market costs, it doesn’t mean that your energy bills will not be a burden. Households can, at best, expect to save on average between £71 and £25 on their annual bill for the period. In other words, if you were counting on the Ofgem price reduction to free up some cash for Christmas, you are going to be disappointed.
However, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in the dark to save money. In fact, you might want to get your thinking cap on to find affordable and practical solutions for your winter energy bill.
Don’t blow the budget on heating
Little decor changes can have a significant impact on the perceived temperature indoors. Did you know that something as simple as using a soothing shade on your walls can make the room appear a few degrees warmer? Ocre, orange, red, warm purple, and yellow are ideal to make the living room feel cosy again, even when it’s raining cats and dogs outside. The addition of a thick rug on the floor can also keep the cold at bay. Rugs provide an extra layer of insulation for a tiled or wooden floor, which means that nobody gets cold. The best spots for your new rug need to target the communal areas, such as the lounge and the dining room. And combined with a heavy duvet in the bedroom, you can create a dream-worthy and warm sleep sanctuary, without even needing to turn the heating to the max!
Things break, so get them fixed quickly
On the other hand, winter is the season during which minor issues can take gigantic proportions. Flickering fuses, for instance, can leave your boiler struggling to maintain the temperature. As a result, you might find yourself wasting a tonne of energy. Additionally, if your fuse box needs updating, it’s a good idea to do it before the worst of the winter. Indeed, the additional electric consumption could put a lot of pressure on your system. Getting in touch with your local electrician to describe the situation is the safest course of action. Not only can you get the issue monitored and tackled rapidly, but you can also avoid unnecessary waste!
Do you need all the lights on?
Last but not least, as the days grow shorter, households rely more on their light switches. Admittedly, you don’t want to stay in the dark! However, your lighting habits might cause a significant increase in your energy bills. Using sensors and timers can transform the way you use lights inside your home and keep your usage under control. Additionally, keeping your lights away from the temperature sensors can also affect your A/C system.
As one of the worst winters the UK has seen in years is coming, it’s now time for households to brace themselves. Keeping warm and bright on a budget during the cold and dark months can be challenging. But it’s not impossible to manage your energy bill with mindful tips!