ENERGY bills are expected to hit £3,554 from October 1 when the new energy price cap comes into force.
And fresh predictions by energy analysts at Cornwall Insight predict energy prices will hit £5,341 in April.
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Energy regulator Ofgem will announce on Friday, August 26 what the energy price cap will increase to this autumn.
The new price cap will then come into effect on Saturday, October 1.
Stephen Murray, energy expert at MoneySuperMarket shares his six top tips that households should do now before energy bills hit the roof in October.
From adjusting your payment method to making sure you’ve got a smart meter, Stephen’s checks are here to help you before the mercury drops.
Check you’re paying by monthly direct debit
Save: £100 a year
We’ve previously reported that paying your energy bills by direct debit can save you up to £100 a year.
According to MoneySavingExpert.com, paying by direct debit is around 6% cheaper than paying by credit or debit card.
Paying by direct debit also makes it easier for energy firms to refund any overpayments made – as they’ll already have your bank account details on their systems.
Stephen said: “If you can pay by monthly direct debit, rather than quarterly payments by cash or cheque, not only is it cheaper, but it will help spread the costs of your energy bills.”
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You can contact your supplier to set up a Direct Debit.
Get a smart meter fitted
Save: £100s a year
If you have a smart meter, your meter readings will automatically be sent to your supplier at a minimum of once a month, so estimated bills become a thing of the past.
Smart meters save you from having to manually note down and then upload meter readers onto your energy supplier’s website.
Stephen said: “Smart meters typically come with an in-home display screen so you can see exactly what energy you’re using in real time.
“So, if you’re trying to cut down how much energy you’re using, you can spot where you might be able to make changes – small things like turning off the lights in rooms you’re not using, not boiling a full kettle for one cup, and using the eco mode on appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, can all help.”
Check for draughts
Save: £100 a year
Tackling draughts now is an easy way to cut down on your energy usage later on in the year.
Stephen said: “For instance, around loft hatches, windows, and doors – and seal any you find.
“A draught excluder by doors that go outside can help too, and they can be made from things you probably already have at home.”
Draught excluders can cost as little as £1 and could save you hundreds on your energy usage every year.
If you don’t have curtains, consider getting some as they help keep the heat in and draughts out. If you can’t afford new ones, check your local Facebook Marketplace, eBay or other selling site.
Check your radiators are working efficiently
Save: £1,000s a year
You might avoiding them while it’s warm outside but ignoring your radiators altogether could leave your boiler working double time later in the year.
Make sure to regularly bleed your radiators. Bleeding gets rid of trapped air, and it’s recommended you carry out the radiator maintenance at least once a year.
Stephen said: “This will keep costs down as your boiler won’t have to work harder to get the heat pumped around your house.
“It’s also worth considering fitting insulation foil behind them to help keep radiant heat in.”
Don’t overpack your fridge and freezer
Save: £100
You should try to avoid squeezing in too much food in your fridge or freezer.
When your appliance is overstuffed it can make it harder to keep your food cold, forcing the motor to work harder – and using more energy.
Stephen said: “Make sure the cold air can circulate around the inside of your appliances and check the appliances have plenty of ventilation at the rear, so the cooling elements work as efficiently as possible.”
This doesn’t mean you should keep your fridge too empty though as this can waste energy too.
Check the programme you’re using on appliances
Save: £146 a year
Appliances which use water to work – like washing machines and dishwashers – account for 25% of the total average household’s electricity bill, according to Currys.
You could save £15 a year if you switch to using your washing machine on eco mode.
With this in mind, Stephen said: “Try to use the eco mode on your dishwasher and washing machine to help lower your overall energy usage.”
Switching your dishwasher on eco mode can lead to potential savings of £146 a year.
