In the UK, it was estimated that a typical household used 11,500 kWh of gas last year. As gas costs have risen 5% higher than in 2023, homeowners and tenants are becoming more conscious of how much money is being spent on their gas bills.
Using less gas at home simply means using your gas more efficiently. Here are 10 easy ways you can cut down your gas bill, save money, and do your bit for the environment.
Keep track via apps
In today’s world, there is an abundance of technology available to help you manage your gas bill. If you’re concerned about wasting energy, there are apps and controls available such as Loop that can connect to your home’s appliances to monitor your energy usage.
Some of these will even allow you to access your appliances when you are not at home. For example, you can create timers to turn the heating off while you’re sleeping or away from the house.
Insulate yourself
Heating yourself with an electric blanket or an electric heated fan is a more cost-effective way of keeping yourself warm compared to trying to heat the entire home. Additionally, wearing an extra layer of clothing at home can make a huge difference when trying to stay warm while cutting down your gas bill.
Remember: heat yourself before your home.
Insulate your home
Checking you have sufficient insulation in your home should be a priority when attempting to cut down on your gas bill. Investing in insulation will keep your home warmer for longer, reducing your gas bill.
Loft insulation is one of the most efficient types, as a quarter of the heat produced can be lost through your roof.
Related: How to winter-proof your home
Take shorter showers
One way of making sure you use less heated water in your home is by showering for a shorter amount of time. Water-efficient shower heads can also help cut down on your gas bill as they aerate the flow of water through the shower, reducing the amount of heated water required.
Double-glaze windows
Double or triple-glazes are a great way to insulate your home. This is where there are two or three glass panes with a layer of air or gas between them instead of just one, producing layers of insulation. This helps prevent heat transfer during the hotter and colder months, maintaining a pleasant, level temperature within your home.
It is estimated that double-glazed windows reduce heat loss by up to 50%. So, investing in double-glazed windows can cut down on your overall gas bill in the long term.
Use a smart thermostat
Using a smart thermostat to track the temperature of your property is a smart way to cut down on your gas bill. Slightly decreasing your home’s overall temperature by a couple of degrees can allow you to save up to 10% a year off your gas bill.
A smart thermostat can also have automated settings in place, turning off automatically when it reaches certain temperatures.
Related: 11 ways to add real value to your home on a budget
Upgrade to energy-saving appliances
Using energy-saving models of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges is a great way to cut down your gas bill. They are designed to consume less energy and gas than regular appliances.
These energy-saving products can be found by looking for their energy label, which identifies how much energy they use compared to their counterparts.
Draught-proof your home
When attempting to cut down your gas bill, one cheap and easy way to reduce your heating usage is by trapping the heat inside your home. This can be done by using draught excluders or tape around your windows and doors. Find out how windows can add value to your home.
Use more efficient heating
Making sure your home is efficiently heated is vital. Check radiators are exposed in rooms, allowing their heat to circulate evenly. This will ensure you won’t have to have your heating on for as long, reducing your overall gas bill.
Related: Everything you need to know about solar panels
Review your bills
Reviewing your bills at the end of the month can help you identify whether you need to cut down on your gas usage. This can help you to compare the prices of different businesses and fixed rates, identifying if it’s the right company for you.
Reviewing your bills can also allow you to create a long-term plan for how you could reduce your gas bill.
Thinking about moving this year? Get in touch with your local Ellis & Co agent
