AN everyday household item could be driving up your energy bills by nearly £400 a year, new research has found.
The average UK family is forking out £1,834 a year on gas and electricity – and those with pets could be forking out even more.
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That’s based on new research from Uswitch which reveals the common fish tank could be adding hundreds of pounds to bills.
The price comparison website found tropical fish are the priciest pet to own, with tropical and marine tanks costing you £385 a year.
That’s factoring in the cost of running a 200 watt heater and 90 watt lights for 12 hours a day, and seven watt pump 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Uswitch also found that keeping fish in a pond was the second priciest option when it comes to owning a pet, costing households £241 a year.
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This was based on a 95 watt pump running constantly year-round.
Uswitch found someone with a cat leaving the heating, TV and radio on for eight hours a day, and a water fountain running constantly would fork out £233 a year on the furry felines.
Meanwhile, the cost of owning a cat and dog came in third and fourth respectively.
While for pooch owners, leaving the heating, TV and radio on for eight hours, plus the cost of six baths a year, would cost the owners £206 every 12 months.
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In fifth, was indoor birds, tarantulas in sixth and reptiles and snakes in seventh, costing £206, £145 and £136 respectively.
Meanwhile, indoor rabbits and hamster came in eight and ninth, seeing yearly bills go up by £127.
Meanwhile, indoor rabbits and hamster came in eight and ninth.
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But the cost of having an outdoor rabbit was calculated to cost households nothing, ideal if you’re looking to save cash.
Natalie Mathie, dog owner and energy expert at Uswitch, said: “Pet owners are used to spending a lot on food, grooming and vet bills, but many might not have considered what their beloved animals are doing to their energy costs.”
If you do have one of the above pets, there are ways to drive down costs so you don’t end up paying out so much.
It might be harder if you have a spider, reptile or indoor bird.
But anyone with a dog or cat doesn’t have to have the heating, TV or radio on eight hours a day.
How else to save money on energy bills
Energy-saving gadgets such as heated throws and electric blankets can help drive down costs.
Draught excluders can save you around £50 a year by stopping warm air from escaping outside too.
Meanwhile, dialling down your thermostat by one or two degrees can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
Plus, having your heating on for just a few hours a day instead of constantly on a low temperature will save you cash.
Insulating your loft can save you around £300 a year on your energy bills too, according to consumer group Which?.
Wickes is selling some for £4.63 per square metre while B&Q has some for £3.71 per square metre.
How to get extra money towards energy bills
The Household Support Fund is one option. It is worth £842million and has been shared between councils in England.
They then decide how to distribute their portion.
But what you are entitled to varies on where you live as each local authority sets its own eligibility criteria.
In the vast majority of cases, you will qualify if you are on benefits or a low income, or struggling financially.
You should approach your council to see if any help is on offer. You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government’s council locator tool online.
But you’ll have to be quick as councils have to allot their share of the recent fund by March 31.
You might also be able to claim a free grant from your energy firm if you’re struggling to make payments as well.
British Gas, Octopus Energy and EDF are some of the major companies that offer help.
Meanwhile, check if you’re eligible for benefits as it could make you thousands of pounds better off a year.
A number of websites have free calculators you can use to figure out what you might be able to get:
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Make sure you’ve got all the information on your savings, income, outgoings and council tax bill ready beforehand using the calculators though.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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