Ten Easy Tips That Help Saving Gas Bills
Posted January 29, 2009 – 10:36 am in: GasCentrica, the parent company of British Gas, has projected that the average annual gas bills could rise by up to 70 per cent. This has two important finance implications – first that the reserves are depleting must faster and the second that an immediate action plan should be designed in order to save gas and ever rising bills. For the latter some common practices are -
1. Use Direct Debit: Paying by direct debit can save up to ten per cent of on one’s bill. It is because with direct debit one can ensure timely payment. In case of delays, interest is charged and this can further inflate your gas bills.
2. Use Sweaters: In chilly evenings try to avoid centralized heating systems by pulling on sweaters.
3. Use Thermostat As Per Need: One can reduce one’s thermostat by a couple of degrees. It may also help saving ten per cent on your bills. Turn the thermostat down, if leaving the house for some time.
4. Get Appliances Checked: Get your appliances checked by the concerned authorities to make sure that they are not consuming too much of fuel.
5. Have Meter Reading Regularly: Keep a record of the reading of the meter at regular intervals. There is a possibility that one ends up paying more on the bills due to a faulty meter.
6. Use Insulated Doors and Thick Curtains: Having well insulated doors and windows and thick carpets and curtains. This can help keeping the heat inside the house. One can also significantly save on gas bills by putting silver foils behind the radiators.
7. Use Solar Power and Good Showers and Taps: Water saving showers and taps and solar powered hot water systems can save up to fifteen per cent on the bills. Dripping taps can waste as much water in a week as is required to fill a bath.
8. Select the Right Gas Supplier: The gas supply industry is highly competitive and is running for your share of business. Before finalizing a supplier, make sure that you are getting the right deal. Go for the energy company that offers the best price. Often overlooked, it is one of the most important ways of reducing your bills. Shopping around will definitely not require too much of your effort. In fact there are certain suppliers who offer incentives like cash back, online management of account and billing, etc.
9. Choose Capped Rate: Another option for saving on gas bills can be to go for a capped rate from your supplier. Capped rate can benefit in case when the fuel prices are surging high.
10. Reduce Consumption: And last but not the least, try using less energy as it will also help saving the planet. Make a conscious effort of switching off appliances whenever not required, in order to decrease consumption
Following any of the mentioned steps would help you move in the direction of savings.So what is in your action plan? Happy Savings!
By Nancy Dodds of Financemate.co.uk
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