If you’re hunting for ways to save money, your utility bills can be a great place to start. It’s not uncommon for people to be spending more than they need to on gas, water and electricity without even realising it.
Not only is cutting energy costs great for your bank account, but it’s also a fantastic way to help the environment. You don't have to cut back completely or live in freezing temperatures to save money. A few minor changes to your lifestyle and the way you run your home can be effective – small changes can lead to big results.
Switch Suppliers
Many people stick with the same energy supplier out of convenience, but often there is a better deal if you take some time to shop around. Let comparison websites do the work for you to find the cheapest and most efficient deal. Making the switch is easy and can be done either online or on the phone - it’ll only take ten minutes and could save a lot of money in the long run.
Use a smart meter
Using a smart energy meter is a great way to track your day to day energy usage. This is a small device that sits in your home and tracks your energy consumption, allowing you to be conscious of your spending while ensuring you are billed accurately.
Having a smart meter gives you a quick and efficient way to check your spending each day and keep tabs on how much you use. This can deter you from overusing, or encourage you to switch off appliances that aren't in use. It will also make you aware of where you use the most energy and where you can improve. A free smart meter should be available from your energy supplier – contact them to find out how to get yours.
Use less energy
There are several ways you can cut down on the amount of energy used in your household. Some sound simple but every positive change you make will add to the savings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Switch off lights and appliances when you leave a room. You can also choose to use energy saving lightbulbs - they don't cost much more and will last a lot longer
- Wash your clothes at a low or cold temperature. Even taking it down just one heat setting can save money over the year.
- Turn the taps off - when you're brushing your teeth or washing the dishes.
- Set your heating to come on at certain times of the day, ensuring you don't waste energy by accidentally leaving it on all night or while nobody is home.
- Hang your washing on a washing line or clothes horse to save energy on the tumble drier.
- Turn down the thermostat. Depending on your energy tariff, you could save up to £80 a year simply by switching your thermostat down a couple of degrees.
- Swap your standard shower head for a water-efficient one. This can significantly reduce your water usage.
Realistically you don’t need to make drastic changes for your energy bills to be reduced. By paying attention to where you spend the most, and adding in a few smart changes, you can save money throughout the year while also living a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
At Morses Club, we want our customers to feel more in control of their finances. Of course, it isn’t always possible to plan for those little surprises that life throws at us. Unexpected events such as your car or boiler breaking down can put a real strain on your time and your finances. We specialise in providing cash loans to cover any financial emergencies that crop up; you can find out more about what we do in our about us section.
