Swindon Borough Council has issued further advice for people worried about energy bills amid rising costs and falling temperatures.
It is urging people to contact specialist helpful organisations as well as adopting some relatively simple measures in their own daily lives.
The council advises:
- Obtain free and impartial energy advice from Warm and Safe Wiltshire at www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk and on 0800 038 5722. Warm and Safe Wiltshire helps people to manage energy costs and keep their homes warm. Its work includes offering free energy advice and free home visits to eligible residents to help lower bills and keep homes warm.
- Lowering your combi boiler’s flow temperature could save up to eight percent of your gas use, and turning off your boiler’s preheat setting could save another five to 10 per cent, while still keeping your home warm.
- Use draught excluders to keep the heat in - plugging the gaps around windows and doors could save you up to £60 a year.
- Choose thick or thermally lined curtains and close them at night, but don’t block your radiators with them as the heat won’t get into your room. You could save up to 15 per cent on energy costs.
- If you have a hot water tank at home, install an 80mm thick jacket (around £16) and you could save up to £70 a year by keeping the water hotter for longer. Insulate hot water pipes too for extra savings.
- Visit websites such as Money Saving Expert - www.moneysavingexpert.com - for further advice and tips.
Swindon Borough Council has also issued a reminder that people should check their eligibility for cost of living help through the Household Support Fund.
The council advises:
- Obtain free and impartial energy advice from Warm and Safe Wiltshire at www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk and on 0800 038 5722. Warm and Safe Wiltshire helps people to manage energy costs and keep their homes warm. Its work includes offering free energy advice and free home visits to eligible residents to help lower bills and keep homes warm.
- Lowering your combi boiler’s flow temperature could save up to eight percent of your gas use, and turning off your boiler’s preheat setting could save another five to 10 per cent, while still keeping your home warm.
- Use draught excluders to keep the heat in - plugging the gaps around windows and doors could save you up to £60 a year.
- Choose thick or thermally lined curtains and close them at night, but don’t block your radiators with them as the heat won’t get into your room. You could save up to 15 per cent on energy costs.
- If you have a hot water tank at home, install an 80mm thick jacket (around £16) and you could save up to £70 a year by keeping the water hotter for longer. Insulate hot water pipes too for extra savings.
- Visit websites such as Money Saving Expert - www.moneysavingexpert.com - for further advice and tips.
Swindon Borough Council has also issued a reminder that people should check their eligibility for cost of living help through the Household Support Fund.
Low income families in Swindon have automatically been receiving energy and food vouchers through Government funding, administered by the council.
Residents who have not received this help and have experienced an unexpected expense which affects their ability to meet the cost of energy, food or other essential bills, may be eligible for assistance, and are asked to check their eligibility by searching for 'cost of living' at www.swindon.gov.uk
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article