15 ways to fight the Big Freeze

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With the cold snap set to continue, it's vital to ensure you're not paying over the odds for your heating bills. Here is my bumper guide to cutting your energy costs this winter…

It's the bitterest winter Britain has had to deal with in decades. And after a week of heavy snow, harsh frost and freezing temperatures it's unsurprising that many people are worried about how much it is going to cost to keep their home warm this winter.

To help you fight the Big Freeze and take the bite out of your energy bills, I've rounded up 15 useful cost cutting tips to make sure your home stays cosy.

1. Switch and save

If you have never changed your energy supplier, it's likely you are paying far more than you need to for your gas and electricity. In fact, by switching to a better tariff today you could save you up to a whopping £430!

2. Shop around

When it comes to tracking down a competitive tariff it's important you do your homework. Using an online price comparison service will help you dig out the best deals quickly and easily.

3. Ask for a better deal

Before you jump ship to another provider it's a good idea to contact your existing supplier and explain you are unhappy with how much you're paying for your gas and electricity. In this day and age, many energy companies would much rather offer you a better deal than risk losing you as a customer altogether.

4. Read your meter regularly

If you don't track your own energy usage carefully you could find you're paying too much, or too little, for your gas and electricity. This could prove very costly later down the line. Therefore, every time you receive a bill, it's important to check your supplier's reading matches what you can see on the meter.

5. Go online

Right now, many of the most competitive energy tariffs around are for online customers only. Therefore, if you have easy access to the internet you could save a significant sum by opting to manage your account via the world wide web.

6. Pay by direct debit

Many energy suppliers offer discounts in return for the peace of mind you will pay your bills on time. Therefore by agreeing to pay your energy bills by direct debit rather than on receipt of bill you could save a tidy sum.

7. Opt for dual fuel

Dual fuel plans (where you buy your gas and electricity from the same supplier) often work out cheaper than purchasing your gas and electricity separately. What's more this is likely to be more convenient for you as you only have to deal with one energy provider.

8. Get help with your heating bills

If you're struggling to pay your energy bills it's vital you claim any benefits you are entitled to. For example, if you're over 60 you're likely to qualify for Winter Fuel Payments. Meanwhile, if you're receiving Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance you may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment.

9. Use less energy

Taking simple steps to improve your energy efficiency should help shave a few pounds off your energy bills. For example, always run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, turn off the lights when you leave the room, don't leave electrical appliances on standby and defrost your freezer regularly. You can check out the Energy Saving Trust website for more ideas.

10. Go green

Once you have seen how small changes can make a difference, why not take your energy saving to the next level. Try to use energy saving light bulbs wherever possible as they not only last up to 15 times longer than ordinary bulbs, they use less energy. And if your washing machine or television packs in, replace it with a more energy efficient appliance that costs you less to run.

11. Keep the heat in

Check you're making the most of your central heating. Draft proof your home using strips and excluders around your window frames and doors. Thick, lined curtains will help stop heat escaping through the window frame - and always keep them drawn at night. Try placing a sheet of reflective foil behind your radiators as this will help prevent the heat disappearing into the walls.

12. Turn down your thermostat

I know it's cold outside, but turning your thermostat down by as little as 1 degrees could reduce your energy bills by as much as 10% and save you an extra £55 a year - and you probably won't even notice the difference.

13. Insulation

Around half of heat loss in the average home is through the walls and loft so it's worth considering how you can insulate yours more effectively. Although measures such as cavity wall insulation and double glazing can be expensive initially, in the long term they can dramatically reduce your bills - and your carbon footprint.

14. Apply for a grant

It is worth finding out if you're eligible for a grant to help improve the insulation in your home. The government, energy suppliers and local authorities all offer financial help, so make sure you don't miss out. Check out the Energy Saving Trust website for more information.

15. Trade in your boiler

If you replace an old, inefficient G-rated boiler with a modern, energy efficient 'A-rated' boiler you could be able to claim back £800 of the cost. Check out my article 'Get paid £800 to replace your old boiler' to find out more.

Eight top tariffs

Finally, to help give you an idea of what some of the most competitively priced tariffs are costing customers today, I've compiled a table of eight top plans from leading suppliers.

** Prices correct as of the 11/01/2010

All of the above tariffs are dual fuel energy plans and only available for those who can manage their account online. It's also important to be aware that some deals may not be available in certain regions.

To ensure you pick the best deal for you, make sure you always go through the terms and conditions of any tariff you're considering carefully before you sign on the dotted line.

* Based on a average energy user, consuming 3,300 kWh of electricity and 20,500 kWh of gas per annum, paying by Monthly direct debit

**This material is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly encourage our readers not to rely solely on this content, but to seek independent advice when making financial decisions.**

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