1. Insulate and
draught-proof your home
Insulating your loft and walls where possible will
reduce your energy needs and save you money. Draughtproofing reduces unwanted
ventilation. If your home has draughty windows, doors or a letterbox then
seals can be easily fitted to reduce unwanted ventilation. Avoid blocking air vents.
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2. Check your eligibility for insulation and heating improvements
Households in receipt of certain welfare benefits may
be eligible for free assistance for heating
and/or insulation improvements; all other households may be eligible for
reduced cost measures. Also consider
having a benefit entitlement check as it may help with eligibility for
services.
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3. Change your behaviour
Make simple behavioural changes that will help you to
save energy and save money. Switch
lights off when not in use. Keep your
curtains shut at night to keep the heat
in and open in the daytime to allow radiant sunlight in. Have a shower instead of a bath. When cooking, choose the right size of pan
and lid and use a slow cooker where possible.
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4. Seek fuel debt advice
If you are having difficulty paying your
energy bills, then get advice. Energy
suppliers should agree an affordable repayment plan with you. The “ability to
pay” under this plan refers to what you can afford not what the supplier suggests.
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5.
Register for priority services
Energy suppliers and network operators keep a Priority
Services Register for householders with special medical or communication needs.
Services may include special assistance during power cuts, talking fuel bills
and special controls.
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6.
Control your heating
If you have heating
controls and timers, make sure you can use them correctly. This includes using the timer so the
system only heats the home when it is needed. Ask for help from friends, family or a
local energy champion if you are unsure.
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7. Control your hot water
If you have hot water controls then use them. Avoid leaving electric immersion heaters on for a long time as they are expensive
to use. If your hot water cylinder
doesn’t have a jacket, purchase one for around £10 and you can save up to £20
a year on your energy bills.
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8. Use
appliances efficiently
Turn off appliances when not in use and avoid using the
stand-by facility as this wastes energy. Only boil what water is needed in your
kettle. A microwave uses less energy than an electric oven on full power. Defrost your freezer regularly and keep
containers filled with water in it if it is not filled with food.
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9.
Condensation problems
Warm air on a cold wall can lead to condensation mould
growth. Ventilate your home as much as
possible. And remember; try not to dry
washing on radiators but on a rail in a room with a closed door and open window. Try not to use portable liquid propane gas
(LPG) heaters – they produce a lot of moisture.
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10. Check your energy use and look for the
best deal.
Monitor your energy consumption and cost. Avoid estimated bills by supplying your own
meter readings if necessary.
Make sure you are getting the best deal on your gas and
electricity costs. To help you do
this, use a switching site displaying the Consumer Focus Confidence code. For solid fuel,
bulk/bottled gas or oil, get a number of quotes and ask around for bulk
buying cooperatives. These could help
you secure a better price. Also be aware of the regulations protecting
you.
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Home
Heat Helpline – provides advice on benefits, information
on schemes available for home heating and insulation and special payment
options energy companies provide to help those struggling with their fuel
bills.
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Register
for Priority Services
If you are in receipt of certain benefits, are over 60,
are chronically sick, disabled, or have hearing or visual impairments you can
benefit from a range of free services from your energy supplier under their Priority Services Register, including
free gas safety checks, regular meter readings, having your meter moved
somewhere it is easier to access, and priority reconnection if your supply is
interrupted. Each supplier has its own Priority Services Register, and you
need to contact them directly to ask to be placed on this register.
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Energy efficiency advice
Energy Saving Advice Service provides
impartial advice to all households
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Tel: 0300 123 1234 (local rates apply)
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Warm
Home Discount
People
receiving age or income-related benefits may be eligible for a Warm Home
Discount, either automatically or on application.
Tel:
0845 603 9439 or visit https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
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Best deal for energy costs
Consumer
Focus publish a list of accredited switching agencies on their website:
http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/get-advice/energy/confidence-code
For advice on switching supplier call Citizens
Advice Consumer Service on: 08454 040506
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Benefit entitlement checks
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Your first point of contact should be
your local authority benefits team or Citizens Advice Bureau.
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Citizens
Advice Bureau (CAB) may provide this service locally.
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Tel:
08444 111 444
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Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
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Other agencies such as the Department
for Work and Pensions (see local phonebook) or voluntary sector agencies such
as Age UK (Tel: 0800 169 6565) may also provide advice for some households
Off-grid
consumer protection
If
you have a complaint about a supplier of heating oil or LPG your first contact
should be with Citizens Advice Consumer Service on: 08454 040506
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Fuel debt advice
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If you are having difficulty paying
for electricity you should contact your supplier direct. You can also get
advice and guidance from the Home Heat Helpline: 0800 336 699
Home
Improvement Agencies
These
are locally-based organisations that assist vulnerable homeowners and private
sector tenants to repair, improve, maintain or adapt their homes. They can
offer a range of services such as helping to make a home more energy
efficient. Call Foundations on 0845
8645210 or visit www.foundations.uk.com/hiasearch
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