How to save money on gas

In July 2008, British Gas announced that they are putting up their gas prices by a whopping 35%, with immediate effect. British Gas is the largest supplier of domestic energy in the UK and this is the biggest ever single increase in UK gas prices. Consumers are both angered and concerned by this huge increase.

However, it's not just British Gas that are increasing their prices. EDF had already increased their gas prices by 22% and it is expected that all other gas suppliers will soon put up their prices too.

Such dramatic increases will have a significant effect on all UK consumers. However, there are many things that individuals can do to counteract these price hikes and save money on their gas bills.

In the average UK home, 84% of all energy consumed is used for central heating and hot water. The energy used for cooking is usually only about 3% of the total energy consumption. Therefore, tackling the amount of energy used for central heating and hot water is one of the most effective ways to reduce gas consumption and, ultimately, gas bills.

Here are some tips on how to reduce your gas consumption and save money.

1. Insulate

There's no point using all that gas to heat your home if the warm air is just lost due to bad insulation. A well insulated home can knock around 20% off your bill and it doesn't cost much to improve your insulation. The most important area to concentrate on is the loft as most heat is lost through the roof. Laying down loft insulation is quick, easy and cheap. Double glazed windows also help to keep in the heat, as does a simple thick curtain. And don't forget to insulate your hot water tank too.

2. Turn down your thermostat

Turning don your thermostat by just 1 degree C can reduce your heating bills by 10%. You don't need to have your home heated to the extent that you can go around in just a T-shirt. Layer up with an extra jumper and watch the size of you gas bills fall.

3. Turn down the temperature of your hot water

Many homes have the temperature of the hot water turned up much higher than they actually need. If your hot water boiler is set to higher than 60 degrees C then this is too hot. Turning it down to 60 degrees C will definitely save you money.

4. Replace your old boiler with a new energy efficient model

Old boilers can be really inefficient and use far more gas than is necessary. Replacing your old boiler with a new model can save huge amounts of money in the long term. What's more, many gas companies offer discounts to replace your old boiler with a new one so look around and see what is available. Alternatively, just having your boiler serviced could save you money as the engineer will make sure that it is working at its most efficient.

5. Only have your radiators on in rooms that need them

If you only use your spare room once in a while then you don't need to have the radiator on in there all the time. Turn it off when you're not using the room and you will save money. Also, installing radiators with their own individual thermostats can help to save money, as you can set some to a cooler temperature than others.

6. Use your central heating less

Set your central heating timer for 15 minutes less and the start and end of each cycle and you will save many days' worth of gas over the winter. What's more, you'll hardly notice the difference.

7. Wash your clothes at 30 degrees C

Detergents have improved greatly over recent years and they will clean your clothes just as well at 30 degrees C as at 40. What's more, you'll be using 40% less energy if you wash at 30 than for hot washes, saving your loads of money on your gas bill.

8. Make use of dual fuel and direct debit discounts

Most energy suppliers offer so-called 'dual fuel' and 'direct debit' discounts if you get both your gas and electricity from the same supplier and pay by direct debit. If you are not already making use of such schemes then you should sign up to one now.

9. Long term tips

Consider using renewable ways to obtain your energy, such as intalling solar panels on your roof to heat your hot water. These panels are extremely efficient and there are many different grants available for these types of green energy projects. What's more, as it's green you don't need planning permission. Have a look around and see how you could make your home safe from future energy price rises by using green energy.

These are just a few of the ways you can save money on your gas bill. For more inspirational ideas and further information on all of the tips mentioned above check out www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.