Fuel price hikes can be alleviated by some simple household tips, say award-winning St Albans plumbers
WITH today’s ‘surprise’ hike in gas and electricity prices by one main supplier, an award-winning husband and wife plumbing company has offered some tips to help people keep warm and keep their costs down this winter.
In an announcement this morning, one supplier, SSE, will raise gas and electricity prices by an average 8.2% from 15 November – three times the rate of inflation. The energy firm said the rise reflected higher costs of buying wholesale energy and paying to deliver it to customers’ homes, plus government levies.
The price rises will affect about 4.4 million electricity customers and 2.9 million gas customers, not including those on fixed-price tariffs.
SSE’s average annual standard dual-fuel energy bill will rise to £1,224. It is expected other firms will follow with similar rises in the next few weeks.
Anne Timpany, who runs On Tap Plumbers with her husband Raff Agalliu and who won Best New Business in this summer’s FSB Awards, said: “With the announcement today about the rise in energy prices, it is becoming more and more important to be energy smart in our homes. Make an energy assessment of your home before prices go up because by making a few adjustments you can save up to hundreds of pounds a year.
“Properly preparing your home for cold weather can save energy, help keep your winter energy bills under control, and keep you and your family warm when temperatures drop.”
She offered the following tips to householders and businesses alike:
- Adjust the Temperature
Adjust the temperature by turning down your thermostat by just a few degrees you could save up to 10% on your heating bills. By wearing warmer clothing and losing these few degrees you will save money, you will probably not even notice very much of a difference in the temperature. At night or when not in the house, your thermostat could be set even lower to make additional savings.
- Find and seal leaks
Seal leaks around doors and windows to reduce cold air penetration.
- Flush your water heater
Your water heater works harder during winter months. Flush it out and remove sediment build up, which causes corrosion, shortens life span and reduces heating efficiency. Drain several gallons from the tap near the bottom of the tank. Connect a hose to the tap and direct water into a nearby drain. Check your water heater manufacturer’s website for specific instructions concerning your make and model.
- Service your Boiler
If you are a home owner, get your boiler serviced once a year as preventative action will save you money in the long run.
- Insulate your loft
Insulating your loft can prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering
your home therefore lowering your heating bills.
- Don’t Block your Radiators
Don’t block your Radiator with furniture or curtains as this will stop the heat
- Always keep doors to unused rooms closed.