'Easy tips' for cheaper gas and electricity bills

Gas and electricity bills can form a major part of the average UK household's financial outgoings, but pledging to live a greener lifestyle through energy efficiency could be one way of saving some much needed cash.

In an article for Lovemoney.com, Mark Adams said that while many Britons may be enjoying the sunshine of the end of the summer, the days are already drawing in and the winter is approaching.

"The colder weather will see savvy money-savers spring into action and take steps to dramatically cut their gas and electricity costs," he explained.

He added that taking such action could see people significantly lowering their bills.

Could energy efficiency help?

According to the Energy Saving Trust, households could fill their piggy banks with around £400 each year, just by following some simple tips in energy efficiency.

The first of these is to put DIY skills to good use by fitting cavity wall insulation, should a property not already have it - an action which could reduce heat loss by around a third and see £120 being saved.

Insulating the loft and fitting double glazing are other ways recommended to save money through cheaper gas bills and could reduce a heating bill by up to 25 per cent by boosting energy efficiency.

And Britons who have some money to spare are advised to put it towards purchasing a new low-energy LCD television set and ensuring it is switched off at the mains when not in use, or to buy a new condensing gas boiler if their current model is not in shape.

The trust recommends a condensing boiler as it is currently one of the most energy efficient models on the market.

Cheaper bills on Economy

Mr Adams noted that one way Britons could save money is through switching to an Economy 7 tariff - such as the one we offer our customers.

"This deal sees you pay more for energy used during the day but gives you half-price energy at off-peak times," he explained, adding that consumption is calculated by a meter which measures off-peak consumption.

"So if you're happy to leave major appliances, such as washing machines, running in the small hours, you could see your bills shrink in size," he added.

By following these steps, Britons could see their gas and electricity bills shrink just in time for Christmas.