How to save money on your utility bill

In recent months homeowners have seen their energy prices soar and things are unlikely to change anytime soon, to prevent being stung the experts at Moneysupermarket and Moneysavingexpert would suggest fixing your tariff or switching providers but there are smaller things you can do at home that will reduce your energy output and therefore reduce your energy bills:

1. Turn room thermostats down

Turning down the thermostat by only 1 degree typically cuts heating bills by over 10

2. Make sure your cylinder water isn't too hot

The water temperature should be no higher than 60 degrees

 3. Close curtains at dusk to prevent heat escaping through the window

4. Always turn out any lights when you leave a room- if you have dimmer switches check they are off and not just low.

5. Don't leave appliances on standby and never leave mobiles and laptops on charge for longer than necessary- it is easy to plug in your phone or laptop and just leave it plugged in overnight so its fully charged for the morning but it only takes a few hours to charge, any longer and you are just wasting electricity.

6. Ensure all appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and dryers are run at capacity as two half loads consumes more power than one full load.

7. Only boil as much water as you need for a pot or drinks but always cover th eheating element in the kettle

8. Fix leaping taps as a dripping tap will fill a bath full of hot water in one week

9. Fit energy saving lightbulbs- many people are under the illusion that they do not work as well as normal lightbulbs but this isnt the case, read the energysavingtrust's case study.

10. Conduct a home energy check through someone such as the Energy Saving Trust