How to save money on gas bills and stay warm

news source: Daily Record

GAS bills could go through the roof for millions of us in the next 10 years.
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, even say the average annual bill could rise by up to 70 per cent. This means that families could soon be paying around £1000 a year for their gas.
But there are ways and means of keeping your bill to a minimum, so here's our guide to beating the soaring gas costs.
Even people on pre-payment meters can switch and save, as most energy comparison sites can find companies with the cheapest charges.
Some companies have special tariffs for signing-up online.
These can often be at alower rate to the standard tariffs as suppliers pass on the savings from their reduced administration costs.
Money experts also reckon now is a good time to consider a capped tariff.
Martin warned that capped rates are around 10 per cent more expensive than the cheapest tariffs, but said it is a good idea if you are unable to afford further price rises.
In fact, he urges everyone to consider capped tariffs on the back of the latest news about expected rises and recommends that you contact suppliers as soon as possible, as companies are starting to withdraw capped rates in anticipation of price rises.
Companies offer caps of between one and three years and Martin also warned those interested in capping to check if the company will lock you into a one-year deal before you sign up.
Experts also recommend that everybody pays by direct debit where possible, as you can save up to 10 per cent on your bill, as companies are sure you won't default and they earn interest on any overpayments. Having your gas and electricity with the same provider is not necessarily the cheapest option, so always check.
The Energy Saving Trust provides information on those grants available to improve heating, insulation and home improvements, which can have a dramatic impact on fuel bills. It sounds obvious, but using less energy is a simple way to cut your fuel bills, while also doing your bit to save the planet.
Instead of automatically switching on the heating when it gets a bit chilly, opt for putting a sweater on instead and keep throws in the living room so people can wrap themselves up in them when they are watching TV.
Reducing your thermostat by just one degrees can also make a significant difference to the amount of gas you use, and can even reducing gas bills by up to 10 per cent, or around £46 a year.
It even helps to turn your thermostat down whenever you are leaving the house for more than two hours so the heating would be left on.
Have your appliances checked to make sure they are running at their most efficient and not wasting fuel.
High efficiency condensing boilers can save a third on heating bills.
It is also a good idea to check your meter and bill regularly.
Energy suppliers only have to read your meter every two years, which means that your energy bills are based on what they think you might use up.
Make sure you check your own meter on a regular basis and let your supplier know the reading.
Consider how well windows and doors are insulated as otherwise you are just losing the heat.
Even having thick curtains and carpets can help keep heat in, which leads to lower gas bills. And simply insulating your loft could save as much as £180 a year.
Check that your water isn't too hot. The cylinder thermostat should not need to be set higher than 60 deg C/140 deg F.
And dripping taps can waste enough water in a week to fill a bath.
Scottish Gas even say that by putting silver foil behind radiators could save you around £14.50 a year from your gas bill.

If you are thinking of getting Loft Insulation for your loft log on to http://www.thinkinsulation.co.uk and order now!!!

Fylde householders benefit from free energy deal

news source : The Citizen

Seventeen households have now received free insulation for their homes with more having treatment at a reduced cost thanks to a government initiative around Fylde.
Fylde Low Waste and Energy (FLoWE) and Fylde Borough Council are backing the Home Carbon Saver scheme which offers householders grant funded discounts on loft and cavity wall insulation.
The scheme is operated by Energy Services and is part of the government’s initiative to drive down the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010.
Over the last month surveyors have been visiting homes in the Park and Central wards of Fylde Borough and carrying out inspections to discover what, if any, improvements can be made to the insulation in the home.
Residents are then given advice on how to access the funding which can see them getting their insulation fitted completely free.
A progress report shows that, between 16 June to the 26 June, 31 households were surveyed, recommended and signed up for insulation.
Houses that were owned by residents over 70 years of age are going to get free loft and/or cavity wall insulation and 14 further households will receive reduced cost measures.
Andrew Loynd, Project Manager of FLoWE said: “It should be noted that all these measures are funded by a national scheme contributed to by all energy utility companies.
"These insulation measures are therefore available to anyone.
"Those who are over 70, no matter what their financial situation, are eligible for free loft and cavity wall insulation.
"Those who are over 60 and on benefits, with children under 16 or pregnant and are on benefits or those on a form of disability benefit are eligible for free loft and cavity wall insulation, draft proofing measures and potentially new heating systems.
"Everyone else can get vastly reduced insulation.
"Everyone could benefit from the savings that good insulation can provide to heating bills.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about these grants and details of suitable installers can contact the Lancashire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 or see www.MyFyldeCred.co.uk.
The scheme in Park and Central wards is set to continue for the next few months so more homes can become energy efficient.