Saving Money and Being Green: Top Tips on Lowering your Energy Consumption - Guest Post

It’s not easy, living in this day and age when you don’t get anything cheaply. Gone are the days when gas and electricity were reasonably priced commodities and with energy prices being hiked by inflation year after year, families have to find new ways of lowering their energy consumption to help keep control of their finances.

Luckily, British Gas gas prices are some of the most competitively priced available, so if you’re signed with the supplier, you know without even trying, that you are getting a good deal for your money. It’s good practice to review gas prices often, to make sure that even with the fluctuating market, you’re benefiting from the best deal available for your requirements. Throughout the year, energy providers have various offers and contracts available so that customers can take advantage of the good deals – you just need to make sure you’re comparing the providers and are prepared to switch if you can get a better deal elsewhere.

Now that you are signed with the best energy provider for your needs, it’s time to take a look at how much energy you use and what you can do to reduce the consumption. Many of the tips require no financial input, just a little savvy thinking on your part. Take a look at these top ways in which to reduce your usage and, in turn, lower the cost of your utility bill:

·         Make sure your home is effectively insulated, particularly older homes that may not adhere to the latest guidelines. Loft and cavity wall insulation can help massively in reducing your energy consumption, by keeping heat from escaping and ensuring that your home is naturally warm, even without using a radiator. Of course, this sort of home improvement costs money, so keep an eye out for initiatives such as the Green Deal that can help.

·         Single-glazed windows are nowhere near as effective at keeping your home insulated as double-glazing is. If you have the finances to support such an upgrade, be sure to consider them. If you can’t afford this improvement, consider window sealants and draught excluders to help keep the outside, out.

·         During the summer months at least, turn your thermostat down. A drop of one degree can be hugely beneficial to your utility bill without affecting your comfort.

·         Turn off electrical appliances when not in use – leaving them on standby will use energy that in most cases, is unnecessary.

·         Swap your light bulbs for the energy-saving alternatives to save a bundle on your energy bill.

Simple steps will help you to see an impressive change in your future energy bills. Use your head and reduce your energy consumption to see a positive impact on your finances and the environment.