Top 10 ways to cut costs on your gas bill

If you’re feeling the pinch and need to tighten the purse strings this winter, you can save a reasonable amount by cutting costs on your gas bill.

Do you want to know the best way to lower your energy bill?

1. Seal windows and doors

A significant amount of heat generated by your central heating system is lost through doors, windows, walls and the roof. Insulating your loft and walls together with installing A+++ triple-glazing doors and windows can cut your gas bill by as much as £75 a year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 330kg.

2. Perform an energy audit

Before you spend money re-fitting your home, performing an energy audit can help you identify where you will make the most cost savings. You don’t need a professional to conduct an energy audit, simply go round each room and check for draughts and leaks.

3. Install an energy efficient boiler

Ageing boilers drive up your gas bill – especially over the winter. Installing a new A-rated energy-efficient model can lower your energy usage considerably. Consumer watch magazine Which? report modern boilers can save between £45 and £300 a year.

4. Switch gas providers

If your fixed-rate tariff is due to expire with your current gas provider, consider switching to another provider. There are only a handful of energy firms in the UK and they compete with each other by offering attractive deals to win over new customers. Don’t let your fixed-rate tariff switch on to a standard variable tariff otherwise, you will pay several hundred pounds more for your gas.

5. Regulate your thermostat

The Energy Saving Trust estimate the average home in the UK can save £55 and lower carbon emission by 300kg simply by turning your thermostat down by one degree. Installing a smart thermostat that gauges room temperature and monitors whether anybody is in a room can save you even more.

6. Take more showers

Baths take more water which means using more gas to heat them. Whilst baths are a valuable way to relax, opting for the shower is more cost-efficient. Fitting a low-flow showerhead and taking quicker showers will also reduce your gas bill.

7. Upgrade your ageing gas oven

Gas ovens may be more energy-efficient than electric, but they are not as energy efficient as convection ovens. The new A+++ standards are designed to use about 30% less gas.

8. Pay online

Energy providers offer discounts if you pay online rather than traditional methods. There are no admin fees when using online payment gateways.

9. Switch to solar power

From the choice of alternative heating systems, solar panels appear to be the most promising. Whilst solar panels are not effective enough to cover all your heating needs, a photovoltaic system could save you between £100 and £270 a year.

10. Cuddle up on the sofa

It’s old skool, but turning off the heating will naturally trim your heating bills. To keep warm, snuggle up on the sofa with your partner and a quilt to watch Netflix.