Saving Money On Gas Bills

Are there any cheaper alternatives to insulation?

When trying to save money on gas bills, the cheapest way to insulate your room is the simplest. Just get some old tights, stuff them with newspaper or any old rags, pop them up against your door at night, keep it nice and draft free. What I do in winter is to save on gas heating bills is to make a special insulating lining for my curtains which I just hook or Velcro in. That sweeps down to the floor right at the very bottom of the curtains and it really keeps the drafts in from the windows. Another tip to save on gas bills is to get some duct tape and tape around the drafty bits of your window for the winter and then just peel it off. That insulation tip saves absolutely hundreds in special double glazing.

Are there any grants available to help me heat my house?

There are grants available to help you heat your house, especially if you're on a low income or disabled. You may be able to get a benefit, check with lawcenters.co.uk or your local citizens advice bureau or library. Pensioners of course, get a fuel grant each winter. The over 60's can also be entitled to money and should ask 'Age Concern'. British Gas has a scheme called 'Warmer Life' which offers help to all elderly people, not just their own customers. All of these options are worth exploring with regard to finding help with your heating bill.

Where can I get information on energy-saving appliances?

Now, first and foremost have a look on the labels when you're shopping for those rated Triple A or with a Green rating. They can save you up to forty pounds a year. Also, never buy old gas appliances without having them reconditioned or checked out first. You can also talk to the Energy Saving Trust. Other options include buying a special energy-saver plug to plug into your fridge. That will cost you between twenty and thirty pounds, but it regulates its energy use, and can save you twenty-five pounds a year. My final tip: Never put your freezer in a cold place like the garage. Modern freezers can't cope with cold.