Whether you are moving or just reviewing, let me help you with the choosing.
Energy
As the 1st October approaches, households are encouraged to look at how to reduce their energy bills and one of the most important benefits comes from improving insulation. Last year door curtains became very popular. Don’t forget loft insulation and making sure windows are double glazed. Do you have a hot water cylinder? That needs good insulation too. Do your windows have a vent for the summer setting that can be adjusted with an allen key to prevent draughts? Please don’t put your furniture in front of or against a radiator – you do not benefit from the heat unless it is free to circulate round the room.
- Insulate your home
- Draught-proof your windows and doors
- Insulate your pipes and hot water tank
- Set your heating controls
- Check your boiler – a serviced boiler is more efficient
Finance
Are you able to qualify for a grant or a loan from your local Council?
Would your property benefit from solar panels? Remember if you send any surplus energy back to your supplier you get paid too. If you are a tenant, would your landlord install the solar panels, so your bills are lower and he gets the payments back to the grid. Win Win. Take a look at moneyhelper.org.uk or the Government website for tips for Saving energy
The basic rule about condensation is to understand that if warm air hits a cold surface there will be droplets of water. So if you have a shower, close the bathroom door, open a window a small amount or turn on an extractor fan (that is dust free I hope). If you are cooking, again use an extractor or open a window. Not all cooking areas are contained, but if you do have a door you can close it will stop the food smells permeating into furnishings.
Did you know that your energy monitor has a 12 month guarantee?
If it stops working you can ask for a replacement. After the first year you may find a charge of around £30 and you will be asked to return the faulty monitor.
Average usage of Gas is 11,500 kWh and Elec 2,700 is kWh (medium sized household) Elec 3,900 kWh for Economy 7 customers – varies by region
Should you fix? Please bear in mind the exit fees for each service gas and electricity. But as it is predicted bills will go up in October and again in January and April is still uncertain, you may find the peace of mind makes taking a one year fix for your energy now – before October prices start – the right thing for your household.
Whether you are moving or just reviewing, let me help you with the choosing.
Pamela Hatswell, The Shrink, contact me on support@shrinkourbills.co.uk