Customers of all major energy suppliers such as British Gas, EDF Energy, E. ON, and ScottishPower are being urged to consider simple energy techniques which could see them save over £100 a year on energy bills.
Rising energy costs and the removal of Winter Fuel Payments have made it crucial for pensioners to find effective ways to reduce their energy bills.
Gordon Wallis, energy expert at NRG, explains that one of the simplest ways to cut costs is adjusting your thermostat.
He said “With the Winter Fuel Payment scheme now excluding many pensioners, it is more important than ever to adopt simple yet effective measures to save on heating costs this winter.
“Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can reduce your energy usage by up to 10 per cent, potentially saving more than £100 a year on energy bills, without any noticeable difference in room temperature.”
The Energy Saving Trust advises setting thermostats to the lowest comfortable temperature, typically between 18C and 21C.
Energy bills are set to rise again this spring, with the typical annual bill expected to reach £1,785GETTY The Trust confirms that reducing your thermostat from 22C to 21C alone can save £90 annually in Great Britain and £100 in Northern Ireland.
The changes to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme have left millions of pensioners seeking alternative ways to manage their energy costs.
The scheme, which has helped pensioners with heating costs since 1997, has recently narrowed its eligibility to only those receiving means-tested benefits.
The adjustment has affected approximately 10 million individuals who previously received this crucial support.
Wallis emphasised that bleeding radiators is also a crucial method to enable cost savings.
He said: “If you notice cold spots, its likely due to air trapped in the system. Releasing that air allows your heating system to work more efficiently, making sure you’re not wasting money.”
Smart meters can also help households track their energy usage more effectively.
Wallis added: “Smart meters can provide invaluable insights into your energy use, helping to identify where you can cut back.”
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Smart thermostats offer additional as they allow people to set schedules based on their daily routine. Wallis said: “So your heating is only on when needed, saving up to 10 per cent annually.”
For longer-term savings, Wallis advises those with boilers over 15 years old may wish to consider upgrading.
He said: “Depending on your current boiler’s efficiency rating and the size of your home, a new A-rated boiler could save you nearly £500 a year.”
The type of boiler matters significantly for different households.
The expert explained a system boiler might be more suitable for larger households using lots of hot water, whereas a combi boiler can be more efficient for smaller homes,
Basic insulation measures can also deliver immediate benefits.
Wallis said: “Fitting a hot water cylinder jacket is a straightforward and cost-effective way to boost efficiency and start saving immediately.”
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