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Cut energy costs and not your heating
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Brits are taking drastic action in a bid to save money on energy bills this winter. According to a new report from moneysupermarket.com, 750,000 will be wrapping up rather than turning on their heating
When to turn on the central heating appears to be a sensitive subject in many UK households. Research from price comparison site moneysupermarket.com found that 24% of bill payers argue with their family about when to turn on the heat, while 16% admit to being irritated because someone else turns the heating on before they want to.
The survey also reveals that five million people delay turning their heating on for as long as possible, with two thirds of those admitting they do so in a bid to save money, while one in five claim they can’t actually afford to put the heating on. Worryingly 750,000 people say they wouldn’t be putting the heating at all this winter, but will be wearing extra layers instead.
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Cutting costs
With the average standard tariff for annual energy bills from the six main providers coming in at £1,232.75 according to moneysupermarket.com, it’s no wonder people are taking extreme measures to cut their fuel costs this winter. There are however, other ways to cut your energy bills without resorting to wearing extra layers.
“Energy consumption is at its highest over the winter months. On average we use 40% of our annual fuel consumption between November and January,” says moneysupermarket.com utilities manager Scott Byrom. “Taking action to combat the cost of fuel bills will be a savvy move for many bill payers this year but it’s concerning more than 750,000 households will not be turning on their heating this winter, choosing instead to put a jumper on as compensation, especially where children and the elderly are concerned.”
Instead Byrom offers an alternative way to cut your fuel bill and beat the freeze: “I advise customers looking to make savings on their energy bills to swap to a monthly direct debit scheme and manage their account online. While we have seen prices falling over recent months, bills will still be high for anyone not on a provider’s online deal – those on standard tariffs, who pay their bills quarterly, will be paying over the odds as providers haven’t made cuts to these types of tariffs.”
By shopping around for the best deal, Byrom reveals you could save yourself £261 – while staying warm this winter.
Published 6 November 2009
