Winter can be tough on our wallets, with Christmas presents to buy, parties to attend and of course the big day itself! Another expense that winter brings is increased utility bills. iCount spoke to families across the country and found out that 40% of us have had to borrow money to pay utility bills, and over a third have had to choose between cooking a meal or putting on the heating in winter.
If your utility bills are a challenge over winter, there are some simple steps you can follow to help reduce your bills and make your usage more efficient.
Switch your payment method
One of the easiest ways to cut down your bills is to switch your payment method. If you pay monthly, you may not be getting the best deal. Many utilities providers offer a discount if you opt to pay by direct debit, with the average saving being around £75 per year. It’s worth giving your utility providers a call to see what discounts you could be eligible for.
Keep an eye out for deals
Many of us avoid switching providers for fear of the amount of hassle or admin involved. Luckily, switching providers is easy, with most providers taking care of everything for you.
Use price comparison websites to have a look what deals are being offered, or call your existing provider to see if they are offering any new plans that you may be eligible for.
Get into good habits
Picking up a few good habits can also help to drive down your utility bills this winter. Make sure to switch off lights that aren’t needed, pop on a jumper instead of turning up the heating, and switch appliances off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby.
There are other simple changes you can make around the house too, such as moving bulky items like sofas away from the radiator, and blocking up gaps around doorways to help your heating be more efficient.
Hopefully these easy tips will help you to reduce your utility bills this winter, and ease the financial pressures that Christmas can bring!
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