How to Reduce My Gas Bill

With the hike in energy prices and homeowners becoming more climate conscious, many of us are looking for alternative ways to lead eco-friendly lives. Small steps can make a big difference in reducing our environmental impact, particularly when it comes to energy use in our homes. In turn, this can significantly lower energy bills, so you’re saving money and helping to save the planet at the same time!

If you’ve been left wondering what causes a high gas bill and how you can lower yours, follow the five simple steps in this article to reap the benefits of smarter living.

Ways to Reduce Your Gas Bill

1. Break energy-wasting habits

The following minor changes in your daily routine can go a long way in helping cut down the amount of energy you use:

• Turn down your thermostat – popping a jumper on and lowering the temperature even just a few degrees can make a difference.
• Switch off the radiators in rooms that don’t require heating.
• Adjust the times your radiators turn on during the day and at night. In general, homes can stay warm for another hour or so after your heating is turned off, so be mindful of how long your heating is on for. Where possible, use a ‘1-hour boost’ option on your thermostat.
• Lower the temperature of the water from your tap by adjusting the dial on your boiler. This can be a big drain on energy and money.

2. Improve insulation

Insulation plays a very important role in lowering energy bills as it keeps your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summer, significantly reducing heat loss throughout your property.

Pipework insulation also keeps your water hotter for longer, so you use less energy heating it up – less wasted energy means less wasted money! Areas throughout your home that can be insulated include:

• Loft
• Cavity walls
• Flooring

Double glazed windows are also a highly efficient way of reducing heat loss in your home. As the name suggests, they feature two panes of glass within a sealed unit that prevents air from passing through. Most properties these days have double glazed windows fitted, however, some older homes may still have single glazed windows which do not have the same heat retention qualities as double or triple glazed windows. In fact, it has been reported that up to 70% of heat is lost through single glazed windows, so homes with these fitted should seriously consider upgrading.

3. Service your boiler

Your boiler needs to be serviced every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure that it is working at maximum efficiency. During a service, the engineer will be able to detect any problems with your boiler before they escalate into major issues such as a breakdown. Checking whether your boiler is operating at full capacity will determine how much energy it’s really using to generate heating and hot water. Simply put, the more efficient your boiler is, the less fuel it will need to provide hot water and heating for your home, meaning the lower your energy bills will be.

If the engineer deems your boiler to be low efficiency, they will recommend a replacement – upgrading to a new modern combi boiler can save you between 20 – 35% on your gas bills,so it’s well worth the investment and you won’t have to wait long to see a return!

4. Invest in a smart thermostat

Technological advancements have enabled us to run a more efficient home. The convenience of a smart thermostat is second to none, allowing you to adjust the temperature in your home from a smart device while you’re at work, at the gym or even on holiday. You are able to track exactly how much gas you are using and can programme the thermostats throughout your home, setting different timers and temperatures depending on when you require it – that way, you’re not spending money on heating when you don’t need it.

5. Draught-proofing

While it may not seem obvious, there are likely areas in your home that are letting in draughts. Windows, doors, loft hatches and floorboards are some of the areas where heat can escape. Fortunately, there are some quick and easy fixes for this – quality sealant, adhesive foam steps and curtains with a thermal lining to name just a few.