Energy bills payers can make a major saving on their costs with an easy switch you can make in just a few seconds.
Consumer experts are encouraging people to turn down their thermostat by just one degree celsius as this can add up to a big reduction for your bills.
Analysts at University College London found you could save up to £130 a year with the change. Experts recommend that the ideal temperature for homes ranges from 18C to 22C.
Yet many people have their heating set at a level above what they need, such as at 23C or higher. Llewellyn Kinch, CEO of solar platform and home energy specialists MakeMyHouseGreen, said: “An ideal temperature while you’re up and active at home is about 20C.
“You should find this to be about right for moderate levels of activity in the house.” If this feels a bit chilly, Mr Kinch recommends putting on some warm clothing or donning a blanket, rather than turning up the heating.
The question of how to keep your energy bills down was brought into sharp relief at the start of the year as the energy price cap for January to March has increased.
Average energy bills for a typical household are now at £1,738 a year. Citizens Advice said the number of people seeking help with their bills last year was double the number in 2020.
With bills rising, experts at energy comparison site Bionic have also shared a simple tip to do with your thermostat, to bring down your heating bills.
Les Roberts, business energy comparison expert with the group, said: “Only heating up your home when you need to can be done by simply setting the timer on the thermostat to start the heating at certain times or consider a time of use tariff that offers cheaper rates at certain times.
“On this point, it may also be worth switching to a time of use tariff or off-peak tariff, where the price of energy will be lower at times when the grid is under less pressure and demand is lowest, which tends to be between 10pm-8am.”
It could also be a good idea to upgrade your appliances to more modern and more energy efficient devices. Mr Roberts explained: “It might be worth upgrading your large appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers if you’ve had them for more than 10 years.
“More efficient models cut the KwH used significantly, so running costs will be much lower and over time, the money spent on the appliance will be made back in savings.”
Struggling households amy also wonder what happens if you are unable to pay your bills. Mr Roberts said the rules state that your supplier has to give you at least 28 days to repay any debt before they take any action.
After this, they may take steps to install a prepayment meter in your home, in which case they need to give at least seven days’ notice.
But the expert said this is a “last resort” and your supplier should first offer you a repayment plan to settle the outstanding amount.
Mr Roberts warned: “Do note that if all the above conditions are met and your supplier does supply you with all the above assistance and you still refuse to pay, they do have the right to gain a warrant to enter your home and install a prepayment meter or they could change your smart meter setting to a pay-as-you-go set up.
“Your provider is also obliged to move your prepayment meter to a more accessible location if you are struggling to access it. For example, if you are disabled or have limited mobility and the prepayment meter has been installed out of your reach.”
