By: Eugene Sabri
Submitted: 2009-05-24 23:55:56 | Word Count: 442
We're all looking for ways to save these days, especially when it comes t utilities. Gas and electricity price hikes are the things making UK consumers feel the pinch most. Thankfully there are things all of us can do to reduce our gas bills, and what's more they won't cost you a penny to implement.
Learn how to control your thermostat properly. By lowering your thermostat by just one degree you'll be saving money, and setting it to automatically lower or switch off when everybody goes to bed will save you even more. And when it turns wintry and you do go to bed, try throwing on an extra blanket or duvet rather than keeping the heating on all night.
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Lower the temperature of your hot water by a few degrees. While most people have theirs set to 120 degrees, try reducing yours to 105 degrees and see the difference it makes to your bills.
Try changing your usual washing machine setting. You can now buy washing powder that works at low temperatures, so if your washing machine allows this, you can urn your washing temperature down to a cooler, and cheaper, 30 degrees.
Windows and doors can let your precious heating out into the cold. Don't allow this to happen - simply feel around the edges of your windows and doors for any cold air or drafts - you see, if cold air is getting I then the chances are that the heating that you're paying for is getting out. Tighten up windows and doors with replacement seals, and if need be, replacement windows and/or doors. This may seem expensive, but will save you a lot in energy bills over the years to come.
If you have to go away for any period of time over winter, you are advised not to turn your heating off to prevent the dangers of freezing and burst water pipes. Some people then go on to leave their heating up far too high - remember that you're not trying to keep your house warm, just the pipes. Turn your thermostat own to 60 when you leave, which should protect your pipes, without costing you the earth.
Check with your local authority and gas supplier to see if any grants are available in your area towards better insulation and more efficient central heating systems. Grants have been introduced in the UK to help those on lower incomes, those with children and the elderly, so check to see if you qualify.
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