Top Tips To Cut Your Energy Bill

As the temperatures slowly but surely drop we spend a lot more time inside and don’t, we all like to have a warm and cozy home? Unfortunately, this is also the time, when we will notice a rapid rise in energy costs due to increased heating and other energy guzzlers. This can be frustrating, especially as costs of living keep increasing and with Christmas on the doorstep wouldn’t it be lovely to save a few quid viagra genérico españa?

To help to save some money, we have put together a top 5 list with tips to cut your energy bill:

1 – Switch Energy Supplier

Switching your energy supplier or tariff can be an easy and efficient way to save money. The consumer website Which? has found out that you can save at least £300 per year by switching from the priciest standard tariff on the market to the cheapest available deal.

Around 58% of all households are on a standard or default tariff, according to energy regulator Ofgem, meaning there are big savings you could make on your energy bill.

2 – Replace Light Bulbs

Energy-saving light bulbs can help cut your energy bills easily. An LED light bulb costs around £1.71 to run per year. Over its lifetime, it could cut up to £180 from your energy bills, compared with an old-style bulb.

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LEDs are the most energy-efficient light bulbs and use almost 90% less energy than traditional incandescent. Best Buy LEDs cost from around £2.49 for one and some can pay for themselves through energy savings in a few months.

3 – Home insulation

Insulating can save you up to £275 per year, Which? found out. Laying loft insulation to a thickness of 270mm in a typical non-insulated three-bedroom semi could trim £130 a year from energy bills, as less heat will be lost through the roof.

Insulating cavity walls can save up to £145 a year in a semi-detached house. Solid-wall insulation, although more expensive to fit, could save you £245 in the same type of house.

Even if you already have some loft insulation, you could save an extra £10 a year by topping it up from 120mm to the recommended 270mm. You can also reduce heat loss through your windows by replacing single-glazing with double-glazing.

4 – Keep your energy bill under control

Paying your energy bill through direct debit means you spread your costs over the year and avoid big shock winter bills. Providing your energy supplier with regular meter readings will keep your bill as accurate as possible. This helps avoid building up a big credit or debit balance.

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If you think you’ve been paying too much and are in credit with your energy supplier, take a meter reading. You can ask for a credit refund at any time, even if it doesn’t fit with your energy supplier’s automatic refund policy. Your right to do this is legislated in Condition 27 of the Gas and Electricity Supply Licence Conditions. This says that any credit balance must be refunded if asked for by the customer.

5 – Quick Energy Tips

Finally, some quick and easy energy tips:

  • Understand your energy bill. It’s the first step in knowing how much gas and electricity you’re using and where you can cut back. A smart meter will tell you how much energy you use in real-time, or you can buy an energy monitor.
  • Don’t leave your gadgets on standby. This could save you up to £30 per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.top-tips-to-cut-your-energy-bill
  • Fit a water-efficient showerhead. These keep your shower feeling powerful while cutting down on your hot water use.
  • Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they’re full, and use energy-efficient programmes. Dry your washing outside, rather than using your tumble dryer.

Please note the above tips were originally published on www.which.co.uk

How to Find the Right Storage Unit

How to Find the Right Storage Unit
If you’re moving to a new house or you have to store away some valuable items from your home or office, it is ideal to get a storage unit. But before renting one, you have to assess if the facility can ensure that your belongings will be kept secure and well taken care of. Here’s a short guide when selecting the right storage unit.

Consider its location

Storage units are often built sturdily and are hardly affected by outside factors. Then again, changes in temperature and humidity level can affect the items that are stored inside. If the storage unit is outdoors, it is more susceptible to heat, humidity and violent winds. On the other hand, if it is located indoors, the temperature and moisture content may still vary, especially if it receives direct sunlight or rain. Moisture in walls can leak into the unit and could cause mould growth in your valuables. As such, it is important to stack your boxes several inches away from the wall.

Picking a climate-controlled storage is a great idea for items that are vulnerable to these factors, such as seasonal clothing, antiques, furniture and electrical appliances. This way, your belongings will be stored in a more consistent climate, making them less likely to be damaged by the changing weather conditions.

Tight security

One of the things you would like to avoid is to get your items stolen, that is why it is essential that the storage facility you choose has tight security. Make sure to check the lock, access keypad and burglar alarm to confirm they are in good working condition. There should also be adequate lighting inside and outside the unit and surveillance cameras must be in place. Ultimately, it would be best if someone constantly monitors the activities in the facility.

Proper maintenance

A number of people may have used the storage unit before you so it is vital to inspect the space. Make sure that there are no spills or leakage in the room that could possibly damage your items. There shouldn’t be gaps or cracks as these can allow insects, rodents and pests to enter and damage your items. Having a clean and pest-free storage unit can give you peace of mind that your belongings are secure, no matter what.

Picking the right size

Storage units come in a variety of sizes. Before choosing a unit, you have to assess the size of the items that you’re going to store, to avoid paying for a space that you won’t use. There are some tools online like storage calculators and size guides that you can use to determine the space that you need. Asking a facility staff member can help you attain the best size perfect for your items.

Cost can vary widely

Storage unit prices vary, depending on the size, location and features. It is best to shop around and look for the best deals before signing a contract. This can provide you with a good idea of what you require for a price that won’t hurt your wallet. Just take note of the important features like climate control, security and cleanliness when making your decision.

Stashed Away Storage Solutions is a local self-storage company based in Bristol offering multiple storage options with transparent pricing. All our units are made of steel and with unique locking systems. You can be assured that each storage unit is clean and secure, all within a temperature controlled warehouse suitable for both personal and business users. Call us on 01179 516325 or email us at info@stashedaway.co.uk for more details.