British Gas, EDF and Octopus Energy customers could save £170 on energy bills with 'small changes'
Customers at various energy suppliers could make their own savings to avoid the pending price cap hike
PA
British Gas, EDF, EON, Ovo, and Octopus Energy customers could potentially save up to £170 by implementing energy-saving measures.
Energy bills are set to rise by £149 from October 1, with the average annual cost reaching £1,771 but experts are revealing how families can savings.
Mark McShane, a heating guru from Boiler Cover UK, has shared innovative tips to slash costs for households which he believes could save families 10 per cent on their bill.
These include using empty crisp packets as makeshift radiator reflectors and employing bubble wrap for draught-proofing.
"By placing a reflective material, such as an empty crisp packet, behind your radiators, you can bounce the heat back into your room instead of letting it escape through the walls," McShane explained.
Daniel McCowan, an energy expert, warns that energy bills could double or even triple compared to summer months due to increased consumption during colder periods. He advises taking shorter showers and installing low-flow showerheads to reduce water heating costs.
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Households are looking for ways to cut their energy bills this winter
GETTY"You can significantly reduce your energy bill by making small changes to your habits," McCowan stated.
In the kitchen, he recommends using lids on pots and pans, avoiding preheating the oven unnecessarily, and opting for air fryers when possible. He also suggests fully loading dishwashers and unplugging appliances when not in use.
McCowan estimates that a typical British household could save around £300 in the final quarter of the year by implementing these energy-saving tips.
The new energy price cap, announced by industry regulator Ofgem, will see a 10 per cent increase in energy prices from October.
Under this new cap, the average annual energy bill for gas and electricity will rise to £1,717, up £149 from its current level of £1,568.
McShane advises turning on heating at the end of October to prepare for colder weather whilst avoiding frozen pipes. He recommends maintaining a minimum thermostat setting of 10C to protect pipes from freezing, which can lead to costly repairs.
Other energy-saving tips include leaving the oven door open after cooking to warm the kitchen and using bubble wrap for draught-proofing. These simple measures are example of how families can reduce costs by 10 per cent or £170.
Experts emphasise the importance of implementing these energy-saving measures as winter approaches.
McShane suggests that turning on heating at the end of October is a good strategy, allowing households to prepare for colder weather whilst avoiding frozen pipes.
"Maintaining a minimum thermostat setting of 10C can protect your pipes from freezing, which can lead to costly repairs," he advised.
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Energy bills are set to riseGETTY McCowan added that lowering blinds to block drafts and setting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature can help keep living spaces warm. He also recommends unplugging electronics when not in use to prevent phantom energy consumption.
Insulation techniques, such as using crisp packets and bubble wrap, with mindful energy consumption in bathrooms and kitchens, can also help.
As the new energy price cap takes effect, these simple yet effective strategies can help British Gas, EDF, EON, Ovo, and Octopus customers mitigate the impact of rising costs whilst ensuring a warm and comfortable home environment.
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