The UK is in the middle of a cost of living crisis, with the price of goods and services increasing on what seems like a daily basis. Inflation is currently just below 9.9%, almost eight per cent higher than the Bank of England’s target. People are feeling the pinch, especially regarding electricity and gas prices. Therefore, it’s not unreasonable for homeowners and tenants to think about how they can reduce their energy bills, including gas. With that in mind, we’ve put together some top tips: how to use less gas at home.
What is the average gas and electric bill?
Average gas prices vary depending on the size of the home. A five-bedroom period property from the Victorian era will likely consume more gas than a two-bedroom post-war home. Generally speaking, newer homes are more energy efficient because they’re better insulated.
In 2021, the average gas bill per household was about £47.90 per month. Throughout 2022, however, prices have been rising exponentially as the cost of living crisis worsens due to inflation and worldwide events. In April 2022, they rose by 54%. Prices will increase further in October when the price cap goes up yet again.
How much will energy bills cost from October?
From 1 October 2022, energy bills increased by a further 80%. However, government intervention has led to an energy price cap. Consequently, the new Energy Price Guarantee will limit the October increase to 27%.
Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, calculates the new price cap based on default energy tariffs, whether paid by direct debit, standard credit or a prepayment meter. It’s suggested the price cap can save households up to £2,500 per year on energy prices. But even with this limit, households face considerably higher energy prices than they were just 12 months ago.
How can I reduce my gas bills?
Many homeowners actively seek ways to consume less energy and make their homes more energy efficient. Some may wonder, how to heat your home without gas? One way to go about this involves home improvements, but it’s not the only option on the table. It’s also good to ask yourself what appliances use gas in the house? Here are quick actions you can take to reduce your gas bills and save energy around the home.
1. Use an air fryer over an oven
We’ve looked into air fryer electricity usage vs oven. Air fryers are regarded as a cheaper alternative to oven cooking, meaning you use less energy than other cooking methods. So, theoretically speaking, switching from an oven to an air fryer will save energy in the home. If you decide to purchase an air fryer, consider the size. You’ll need a larger one if you have several mouths to feed. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself back using the oven.
2. Consider replacing the gas boiler (get it serviced)
Older boilers aren’t economically efficient and are more likely to break down. A new one, however, will help you save on your gas bill and reduce costs. Boilers aren’t cheap and can cost upwards of £1,500. But newer ones are more energy efficient and can prove to be a savvy long-term investment. Even if you don’t replace your boiler, it’s worth getting the current one serviced. Doing so will ensure it’s performing to its maximum capabilities.
3. Lower your thermostat
Asking people to turn their heating down during the winter isn’t particularly fair, and ideally, households shouldn’t need to choose between being warm and skyrocketing energy prices. But even if you have your heating on for most of the day, reducing the flow temperature will help reduce energy bills as you’ll have lower temperatures for longer periods. At the moment, it’s arguably the best trade-off when it comes to finding a balance between energy bills and keeping your home warm.
4. Invest in a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats have been found to reduce energy bills by as much as 16% per year. It’s also easier to control your energy around the home with a smart thermostat, as you have all the information to hand on the touchscreen.
5. Stop heat escaping
Ventilation in a home is necessary for good air and health. However, it’s also the first place heat escapes, so it’s worth filling some of those extra drafty areas with a draught excluder to plug the gaps.
6. Use hot water, but don’t make it too hot
How often have you turned the water up to max heat only to use cold water because it’s too hot? It’s easy enough to do, but it also increases your gas bill. Keeping water temp down from 60c to 30-40c (along with dish soap) can help reduce gas bills while still providing enough heat to kill bacteria from the surface of your dishes.
Keeping costs down this winter
Unfortunately, households will almost certainly see their energy bills increase this winter. But with the price cap in effect and smart usage of your gas and electricity, you can mitigate those costs and save money while being more energy efficient around the home.
Last Updated: August 22nd, 2023
