Some top tips to help reduce your energy bills

Fuel poverty is a term that has become increasingly prevalent in today’s society. With recent gas and electricity price increases from major suppliers, we are all aware of the need to make our homes as energy efficient as possible.

Fuel poverty is where someone has to spend ten per cent of their disposable income on keeping themselves warm.

Whether you are using energy to heat your home, heat water or for cooking, making sure that you use only the energy you need is an easy way to keep your energy bills as low as possible.

Here are some top tips to help reduce your energy bills:

• switch off lights in empty rooms
• close curtains at dusk to keep the heat in – thick curtains reduce draughts and heat loss
• set your thermostats correctly: hot water thermostats should be at 60?C and room thermostats should be between 18-21?C – turning down your thermostat by 1?C can save you up to £40 a year on your bills
• an appliance left on standby will use up to 90 per cent of its energy in this mode – so remember to switch off those TVs, DVD players and computers!
• when boiling the kettle, just fill it with as much water as you need
• if you have a washing machine, wait until you have a full load before using it. Choose the low temperature wash (between 30-40?C) – it uses one third less electricity
• use the shower – it uses 60 per cent less electricity than a bath
• tumble-dryers are expensive – dry clothes outside or on a clothes rail. It’s free!
• when cooking, think about using a microwave instead of the oven/cooker. Cook with lids on pans and match ring size to saucepan size
• if you have radiators, don’t block them with furniture
• make sure your central heating is serviced regularly (if you rent, your landlord should do this) and make sure that you know how to use the timer
• if you have storage heaters, remember to turn the ‘output’ or ‘boost’ control right down before you go to bed.

The Warmburgh Unit works with the Council to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.

The Warmburgh Plan aims to improve the energy efficiency of Edinburgh homes by 30.9 per cent over ten years.

HOT TIPS

Changing supplier could save up to 25 per cent of your energy bills. You can compare energy suppliers’ prices by visiting www.energyhelpline.com or phoning the energy helpline on 0800 074 0745.

LEEP has new funding from the Big Lottery Fund for a Fuel Debt Advocacy and Advice Service, which offers independent advice on bills.

The fuel billing advice team can answer any questions about your fuel bills. For example, what you have been billed for, if the amount you’ve been asked to pay is correct, and what you can do if you are struggling to pay for your bill.

You can also get help if you are having difficulties in resolving complaints with your supplier.

The advice is free and available to anyone in Edinburgh, Midlothian or East Lothian. Call the fuel billing advice team on 0131 468 8671 and they can help you over the phone or face to face.

• For free and impartial advice on energy efficiency issues including grants, contact the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) on 0800 512012.