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Woodland Trust Energy | Prices, tariffs & reviews of gas supplier Woodland Trust Energy

2013-05-14 00:00:00 +0000

Woodland Trust Energy is the new green energy supplier powered by Ovo Energy.

To compare all energy suppliers including Woodland Trust Energy and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now. To learn more about Woodland Trust Energy, keep reading:

Woodland Trust Energy is a partnership between Ovo Energy and Woodland Trust.

Ovo Energy is an independent energy supplier offering simple and green tariffs.

Woodland Trust is a woodland conservation charity, ensuring protection of the UK’s woodlands for both wildlife and people.

Woodland Trust Energy offers just two simple plans: the New Energy Plan, which consists of 15% renewable electricity, and the Green Energy Plan, which consists of 100% renewable electricity. Both are fixed price energy plans, and are payable by direct debit.

Why we like Woodland Trust Energy

Woodland Trust Energy helps consumers save money as well as trees and woods; when customers switch to Woodland Trust Energy, on average a £30 donation will be made to The Woodland Trust to help protect the UK's native woodlands.

The energy supplier’s aim is to offer green energy without sacrificing quality, providing UK-based customers service.

Customers can also get 3% interest on credit balances.

Gas and electricity price changes: Who has changed gas and electricity prices?

2012-09-20 00:00:00 +0000

Keep up to date with the latest gas and electricity prices rises and price cuts with uSwitch.

See which energy suppliers have made gas and electricity prices rises and price cuts, how much prices went up or down by, and when the price change will come into effect.

And don't forget, whether gas and electricity prices are rising or falling, it's always a good idea to compare energy prices in your area. When you switch your energy supplier with uSwitch you could save up to £294.

We update our site with new prices promptly, so you can be sure that you're getting accurate results when you do a comparison.

Latest price changes

Date effective	Date updated on uSwitch	Average gas price change (%)	Average electricity price change (%)
18/01/2013	10/12/2012	9.4%	7.7%
07/12/2012	26/11/2012	10.8%	10.8%
03/12/2012	15/10/2012	7%	7%
26/11/2012	12/10/2012	8.8%	9%
16/11/2012	12/10/2012	6%	6%
15/10/2012	22/08/2012	9%	9%

Gas and electricity prices since 2004

This handy infographic shows a quick and easy visual summary of how energy price changes affect your bills.

Embed this infographic on your own website (copy & paste below code):
<a href=http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/gas-electricity-prices/><img src=http://uswitch-wp-cms-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/600x1900-infoGraphic-Percent-Rise-Compare.4-27-01-11-01MedRes-2.jpg alt=uSwitch-Gas-Price-Rises-Infographic></a>

Table of price changes - 2005 to Present

Below is our table of all the price changes for the 'big six' suppliers over the last seven years, so you can see how British Gas prices compared to E.ON for example.

Supplier	Date effective	Date updated on uSwitch	Average gas price change (%)	Average electricity price change (%)
	07/12/2012	26/11/2012	10.8%	10.8%
	03/12/2012	15/10/2012	7%	7%
	26/11/2012	12/10/2012	8.8%	9%
	16/11/2012	12/10/2012	6%	6%
	15/10/2012	22/08/2012	9%	9%
	27/02/2012	03/02/2012	5%	0%
	27/02/2012	27/01/2012	0%	6%
	01/02/2012	24/01/2012	5%
	26/03/2012	26/03/2012	4.5%	0%
	12/01/2012	12/01/2012	0%	5%
	07/02/2012	07/02/2012	5%	0%
	10/11/2011	15/09/2011	4.5%	15.4%
	1/10/2011	17/08/2011	15.7%	7.2%
	13/09/2011	05/08/2011	18%	11%
	14/09/2011	21/07/2011	18%	11%
	18/08/2011	08/07/2011	18%	16%
	01/08/2011	08/06/2011	19%	10%
	02/03/2011	03/0202011	6.5%	7.5%
	04/02/2011	11/01/2011	3%	9%
	04/01/2011	10/12/2010	5%	5%
	25/11/2010	19/11/2010	2%	8.9%
	10/12/2010	12/11/2010	7%	7%
	01/12/2010	29/10/2010	9.40%	0%
	1/10/2010	31/08/2010	0%	2.60%
	31/03/2010	11/03/2010	-8%	0%
	26/03/2010	10/03/2010	-4%	0%
	26/03/2010	09/03/2010	-7%	0%
	31/03/2010	08/03/2010	-6%	0%
	04/03/2010	29/03/2010	-4% (dual fuel) -7% single fuel	0%
	04/02/2010	04/02/2010	-7%	0%
	04/07/2009	03/07/2009	-3.30%	0%
	07/05/2009	07/05/2009	0%	-10%
	31/03/2009	16/03/2009	0%	-8%
	31/03/2009	27/022009	-7.50%	-3%
	31/03/2009	13/02/2009	0%	-8.80%
	31/03/2009	12/02/2009	0%	-9%
	30/03/2009	06/02/2009	-4%	-9%
	19/02/1009	22/01/2009	-10%	0%
	01/09/08	29/08/08	34.40%	9.40%
	29/08/08	29/08/08	26%	14%
	22/08/2008	21/08/2008	26%	16%
	25/08/2008	21/08/2008	29%	19%
	30/07/2008	30/07/2008	35%	9%
	25/07/2008	25/07/2008	22%	17%
	01/04/2008	19/03/2008	15.80%	14.20%
	08/02/2008	07/02/2008	15%	9.70%
	02/02/2008	01/02/2008	15%	14%
	18/01/2008	18/01/2008	15%	15%
	18/01/2008	15/01/2008	12.90%	7.90%
	05/01/2008	04/01/2008	17.20%	12.70%
	Jun-07	Yes	-10.20%	0%
	Jun-07	Yes	-16.50%	-6%
	Apr-07	Yes	-	-5.50%
	Apr-07	Yes	-3%	-6%
	Apr-07	Yes	-16%	-5%
	Apr-07	Yes	-	-5%
	Apr-07	Yes	-	-5%
	Apr-07	Yes	-	-5%
	Mar-07	Yes	-12.80%	-
	Mar-07	Yes	-17%	-11%
	Mar-07	Yes	-	-3%
	Mar-07	Yes	-12%	-
	Mar-07	Yes	-12%	-
	Mar-07	Yes	-12%	-
	Jan-07	Yes	12.20%	9.40%
	Jan-07	Yes	12.20%	9.40%
	Jan-07	Yes	12.20%	9.40%
	Jan-07	Yes	12.20%	9.40%
	Oct-06	Yes	17.20%	9.90%
	Sep-06	Yes	12.40%	9.40%
	Aug-06	Yes	18.40%	9.70%
	Jul-06	Yes	19%	8%
London Energy	Jul-06	Yes	19%	8%
	Jul-06	Yes	17%	10%
	Jul-06	Yes	17%	10%
SEEBOARD Energy	Jul-06	Yes	19%	8%
SWEB Energy	Jul-06	Yes	19%	8%
	May-06	Yes	16.20%	9.50%
	May-06	Yes	16.50%	9.40%
	May-06	Yes	16.50%	9.40%
	May-06	Yes	16.50%	9.40%
Telecom plus	May-06	Yes	7.40%	9.70%
Ecotricity	Apr-06	Yes	-	22.80%
	Apr-06	Yes	-	43.80%
	Apr-06	Yes	15%	13.40%
	Mar-06	Yes	22%	22%
Countrywide Energy	Mar-06	Yes	-27.40%	-
	Mar-06	Yes	24.40%	18.40%
	Mar-06	Yes	14.70%	4.70%
	Mar-06	Yes	-	34.40%
London Energy	Mar-06	Yes	14.70%	4.70%
	Mar-06	Yes	15%	8%
	Mar-06	Yes	15%	8%
SEEBOARD Energy	Mar-06	Yes	14.70%	4.70%
SWEB Energy	Mar-06	Yes	14.70%	4.70%
Telecom plus	Mar-06	Yes	10.50%	8.80%
Countrywide Energy	Feb-06	Yes	69.80%	-
	Jan-06	Yes	15%	12%
	Jan-06	Yes	13.90%	11.70%
	Jan-06	Yes	13.90%	11.70%
	Jan-06	Yes	13.90%	11.70%
Lloyds TSB	Nov-05	Yes	39.70%	15.60%
	Oct-05	Yes	15.50%	10.60%
	Oct-05	Yes	-	3.20%
London Energy	Oct-05	Yes	15.50%	10.60%
SEEBOARD Energy	Oct-05	Yes	15.50%	10.60%
SWEB Energy	Oct-05	Yes	15.50%	10.60%
Telecom plus	Oct-05	Yes	27.80%	18.40%
	Sep-05	Yes	14.20%	14.20%
Countrywide Energy	Sep-05	Yes	19.90%	-
EBICo	Sep-05	Yes	-	11.60%
	Jul-05	Yes	11.90%	7.20%
	Jul-05	Yes	12%	7.80%
	Jul-05	Yes	12%	7.80%
	Jun-05	Yes	-	4.90%
Countrywide Energy	May-05	Yes	-11.20%	-
	Apr-05	Yes	-	2%
	Apr-05	Yes	9.10%	6.20%
	Apr-05	Yes	4.30%	-
	Apr-05	Yes	4.30%	-
	Apr-05	Yes	9.10%	6.20%
	Apr-05	Yes	9.10%	6.20%
Telecom plus	Feb-05	Yes	5.10%	10.90%
	Jan-05	Yes	8.10%	7.50%
London Energy	Jan-05	Yes	8.10%	7.50%
SEEBOARD Energy	Jan-05	Yes	8.10%	7.50%

Fixed price energy tariffs

2012-09-20 00:00:00 +0000

Fixed price energy tariffs have allowed millions of people over the last few years fix their energy prices to protect themselves against price rises.

But is a fixed price tariff the right choice for you? Will it save you money? What should you do when your tariff ends? Find out with our guide to fixed price energy.

What is a fixed price energy tariff?

Fixed price gas and electricity tariffs offer you the reassurance that the cost of your energy will not go up.

Depending on the tariff, your prices could be fixed for anywhere between a year and four years.

However, fixed price energy can also be more expensive than the cheapest online energy tariffs, and often come with high cancellation fees if you decide you want to switch your tariff before your contract is due to end.

For these reasons, switching to a fixed price gas and electricity tariff can be a gamble - if energy prices rise you stand to make some big savings, but if they don't, you could end up paying over the odds.

Fixed plans currently available

So you know what fixed price energy tariffs are, but what's currently out there? Below is a table of fixed plans currently available on the uSwitch site, with the date the plan is fixed to and any cancellation fees.

Average bill size will give you an indication of the average cost of the plans currently available, but this will vary according to how much energy you use and the size of your property.

These figures are based on a medium user profile consuming 3,300 kWh of electricity and 16,500 kWh of gas a year paying by monthly direct debit (averaged across all regions). This table does not include advanced payment plans.

Plan name	Date prices are fixed to	Average Bill Size (£)	Cancellation Fee	Additional Info
Online Price Fix February 2015	28 February 2015	£1,181	No cancellation fee	FREE case of wine**
Blue + Price Promise February 2015	28 February 2015	£1,192	No cancellation fee
Online Fixed Price Energy October 2014	30 September 2014	£1,201	£25 per fuel
Age UK Energy Fixed 1 Year	1 year from sign-up	£1,220	No cancellation fee	Cashback
iSave Fixed V8 Sept 2014	30 September 2014	£1,225	£30 per fuel
E.ON Energy Fixed 1 Year	1 year from sign-up	£1,231	£5 per fuel	Tesco ClubCard points
New Energy Fixed	12 months from going live	£1,240	Cancellation fee of £60
Unifi Fixed Energy May 2014 (Online)	30 April 2014	£1,261	£25 per fuel
Unifi Fixed Energy November 2014	31 October 2014	£1,271	£25 per fuel
E.ON Energy Fixed 2 Year	2 years from sign-up	£1,275	£10 per fuel	Tesco ClubCard points
Fixed Price Energy February 2016	31 January 2016	£1,301	£25 per fuel
Green Energy Fixed	12 months from going live	£1,303	Cancellation fee of £60
Price Fix December 2015	31 December 2015	£1,305	£50 per fuel	FREE case of wine**
Price Fix September 2016	30 September 2014	£1,318	No cancellation fee	FREE case of wine**
Price Promise July 2014	31 July 2014	£1,353	£35 per fuel	Nectar points
Price Promise July 2014	31 July 2014	£1,353	£35 per fuel
Fixed Price Energy March 2015	28 February 2015	£1,380	£25 per fuel	Pay on Receipt & Quarterly Direct Debit only
Price Promise April 2015	30 April 2015	£1,391	£50 per fuel

Table does not include plans requiring advanced payment.

**New customers only. Only available on dual fuel plans.

What should I do when my fixed price plan ends?

When your fixed plan is about to end, the first thing to do is find out which plan your supplier will be moving you to. This may be your supplier's 'Standard' plan, although some suppliers may offer you the chance to fix your prices again.

Standard energy plans are among the most expensive in the market and there are usually cheaper plans available. If you're offered the chance to fix your prices again, you may wish to take it, if you are willing to pay above-average prices in return for security against potential price rises in the future.

Once you know what energy plan you're being moved to:

compare all available energy plans online and find out how your new plan compares to other deals.
switch your gas and electricity supplier if you find that you could be saving money with another energy supplier.

Where can I find fixed price tariffs on the uSwitch website?

We have a special comparison tool that lets you just compare fixed rate plans.

Alternatively, when you compare gas and electricity the normal way, just look for the 'Fixed or capped plans' tab on the results table to see the fixed plans available in your area.

Fixed price plans ending in the next few months

Some of the biggest fixed price plans will ending in the next few months (see below). To find the cheapest tariff on the market just pop your postcode into the green box, or hit the 'compare' button in the table.

npower plans ending

Plan	End date	Predicted increase at end of plan	Exit fee?
Go Fix 11	21 May 2013	£225	Yes
Go Fix 12	31 August 2013	£96	Yes

British Gas plans ending

Plan	End date	Predicted increase at end of plan	Exit fee?
Fixed Price June 2013	1 June 2013	£110	Yes

Sainsbury's Energy plans ending

Plan	End date	Predicted increase at end of plan	Exit fee?
Online Price Freeze June 2013	30 June 2013	£212	No

ScottishPower plans ending

Plan	End date	Predicted increase at end of plan	Exit fee?
Fixed Saver June 2013	31 May 2013	£146	Yes
Online Fixed Price Energy April	31 May 2013	£176	Yes
Online Fixed Energy July 2013	30 June 2013	£216	Yes
Platinum Fixed Energy July 2013 v6	30 June 2013	£7	Yes
Platinum Fixed Energy July 2013 Online v6	30 June 2013	£22	Yes
Online Fixed Price Energy August 2013	31 July 2013	£185	Yes

E.ON plans ending

Plan	End date	Predicted increase at end of plan	Exit fee?
Age UK Fixed Price Saver June 2013	1 June 2013	£138	No
Fixed Price Saver June 2013	1 June 2013	£135	No
Age UK Fixed Price July 2013	1 July 2013	£136	No

Energy bills explained - a guide to energy bills

2012-09-20 00:00:00 +0000

Energy bills can be difficult to understand, with even simple things like how much you're paying seemingly hidden.

YouGov research on behalf of uSwitch found 75% of people find energy bills confusing, and only 4 in 10 could understand the calculations on their bill.

"Cut out all the jargon - just tell me what I've used and how much it costs."

We've got a full energy bill breakdown, listing all the key parts of your bill and what they mean for you. There's also a video which will lead you through the maze, and a jargon buster to help tell your MPAN's from your MPRN's.

Energy bills explained

We've put together this bill based on a number of energy bills from different suppliers, but please remember that your bill might not look like this one.

1. Any contact details you need to get in touch with your energy supplier will be provided.

2. You'll usually find your customer reference number or account number on the front of your bill. This is your unique identifier should you need to contact your supplier.

3. This is the date your bill was issued

4. The bill period shows you the dates that your energy bill relates to.

5. This is the date and amount of the last payment you made to your energy supplier .

6. This is the total cost of the energy you've used in this period before VAT is added.

7. VAT at a standard level of 5% (and not the usual 15%) will be added to your bill here.

8. This is the final total of your bill and is the amount you need to pay your energy supplier.

9. Any additional information that your supplier wishes to show you will often appear on the front of the bill.

10. Your electricity supply number will appear in this box format - however it will often appear very small so you might need to look for it carefully.

11. This is your meter point reference number , which you will need if you choose to switch your gas plan . This is sometimes referred to as an MPRN. It will usually be between 6 and 10 digits long.

12. Your current plan name will often be shown on your bill - but if it isn't displayed, you may need to contact your supplier to find out what it is.

13. A detailed breakdown of your energy usage is provided, including the kilowatt hours (kWh) used, the cost per kilowatt hour and your latest meter readings . You can also find out here if your meter readings are estimated or actual and the dates your readings were taken or estimated.

14. You'll be given a contact number to call if you have any specific requirements such as large print or braille bills.

15. A payment slip will be provided if you wish to pay your bill at the bank or by post.

For further information about what any of these terms mean, check our energy bills jargon guide for full details.

Energy bills explained video

Energy bills jargon buster

Our glossary lists all the terms you're likely to find, either on your bills or across our site. Simply click on the term you need explained and we'll tell you what it all means.

If you need any help finding your way around your bill, then you can also check our guide on how to read your energy bills.

Account number
Calorific Value (CV)
Discounts
Dual Fuel
Economy 7
Economy 10
Estimated (E) or actual (A) readings
Fixed Monthly Direct Debit (MDD)
How to convert units to kWh
IGT Network/charges
Kilowatt hours (kWh)
Loyalty points
Meter point administration number (MPAN)
Meter point reference number (MPRN)
Metric conversion factor
MPRN/MPAN
NSC - No Standing Charge
Plan/tariff name
Standing charges
Standing Order
Supply number
Tiers
Units
Variable Direct Debit (VDD)
VAT
Volume correction factor

Account number

Your account number refers to the account you hold with your energy supplier. This number will be printed on your bill and you will be asked to provide it when you contact your energy supplier.

Calorific Value (CV)

'Calorific Value' (CV) is a scientific term used to describe how much heat is generated when a known volume of gas is completely burned away.

Gas passing through the National Grid has a CV of 37.5MH/m3 to 43.0MJ/m3, but the CV for your specific area should be displayed on your gas bill.

Put simply - the CV measures how 'useful' your gas is, so your supplier can charge you based on the quality of the gas that is supplied to you.

For more information on calorific values and how they're calculated, please refer to the National Grid website.

Discounts

If you have any discounts applied to your energy bills, they should be marked clearly near the final total. There is a large range of discounts available (common examples include dual fuel discounts and direct debit discounts), so if you're not sure which discounts you're entitled to, you can run through our energy calculator and check your current plan details or contact your energy supplier for more information.

Dual Fuel

Dual fuel is where you receive your gas and your electricity supply from the same energy company. Read more about dual fuel.

Economy 7

Economy 7 is a type of electricity tariff that uses different prices for the electricity you use during the day and the electricity you use during the night.

Typically the electricity you use at night will cost you less than electricity used during the day. With Economy 7, the 'night' usually refers to the early hours, between around 1am to 8am, but these hours can vary between suppliers. Read more about Economy 7.

Economy 10

This structure gives you three off-peak hours in the afternoon, two in the evening and five hours overnight. The designated hours will change between suppliers. Unfortunately we cannot support economy 10 switching on uSwitch.

Estimated (E) or actual (A) readings

If your meter reading has been estimated - then your energy supplier has assumed your usage for the period in question, based on your energy usage patterns in the past.

If they don't hold this information, they will use national average figures. If you've had a meter reading recently, then your usage will be marked as 'actual' and not estimated.

This isn't always obvious - and might only be denoted by a capital 'A' for 'actual' or 'E' for 'estimated'.

Fixed Monthly Direct Debit (MDD)

If you hold a monthly direct debit with your supplier, then you will pay a set amount to your supplier every month. However this does not mean that your energy prices are fixed.

Your energy supplier needs to give you notice if they intend to change the amount of the monthly direct debit.

How to convert units to kWh

On your energy bill, your gas units will be converted to kilowatt hours. Please note that the Calorific Value will change depending on your area - so please check your bill for the correct figure.

Use the following formula to convert units to kWh:

Total units used x metric conversion factor (2.83) x volume conversion factor (1.02264) x calorific value /kilowatt hour conversion factor (3.6).

This works for meters that record hundreds of cubic feet where your gas meter shows 'ft3' next to the reading. If your meter measures in cubic meters with an 'm3' next to the reading, then go through the same sum while removing the metric conversion factor of 2.83.

Example for meter that records hundreds of cubic feet:

1 unit x 2.83 x 1.02264 x 39.1 / 3.6 = 31.43 kWh

IGT Network/charges

IGT stands for 'Independent Gas Transporter'. If your home is supplied by an Independent Gas Transporter Network, it means that it is not connected to the National Grid, which supplies most of the UK's home's with gas.

You will often find an extra charge applied to your bill if you are supplied by an IGT network, due to the extra costs involved in having your gas delivered.

If your MPRN number is 10 digits long and begins with 74 or 75 then you are supplied by an IGT.

Kilowatt hours (kWh)

A kilowatt hour is the standard measurement of energy that your energy supplier will use to bill you. A kilowatt hour refers to a person using 1000 watts of electricity for 1 hour. Your prices will be set per kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy you use.

Loyalty points

Loyalty points will only apply to certain tariffs, and can come in different formats. Sainsbury's Nectar Points and Tesco Clubcard points can be earned on energy bills with suppliers who have a commercial arrangement with specific supermarkets. The number of points you've accrued on your bill should be displayed clearly.

Meter point administration number (MPAN)

Your meter point administration number will often be referred to as your MPAN or your supply number. It can also be referred to as your 'S' number. This number is assigned to the electricity meter at your property to identify it, and can be found on your electricity bill. It is displayed in a very specific format as pictured below:

If you can't find your supply number anywhere, your energy supplier should be able to help you.

Meter point reference number (MPRN)

Your meter point reference number will often be referred to as your MPRN number. This number is assigned to the gas meter at your property, and can be between 6 and 10 digits long.

On your bill this number may be referred to as an 'M' number, but if you can't find it you can call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 for help.

Metric conversion factor

An imperial to metric conversion factor of 2.83 is used in the calculation to convert units into kilowatt hours (kWh).

MPRN/MPAN

MPRN is the abbreviation for meter point reference number and MPAN is the abbreviation for meter point administration number. Please see above for further details on what this means.

NSC - No Standing Charge

If you plan name includes the abbreviation 'NSC' or the words 'No Standing Charge', then your supplier does not apply a fixed charge to your plan.

Plan/tariff name

The name of your energy plan identifies which tariff you are on, which in turn dictates the prices you are charged. There are hundreds of different plans available in the market, and naming conventions will differ between suppliers.

Standing charges

Some energy plans include a standing charge, where a fixed charge is applied to your bill. This does not necessarily mean that the plan is more expensive than a no standing charge plan, as the kilowatt hour(kWh) rates can be lower.

Standing Order

If you hold a standing order with your energy supplier, you have arranged for a fixed amount to be sent from your bank account to pay your energy bill as often as necessary.

You have control of this payment method, so your energy supplier cannot change the payments at their end, even with your permission.

Supply number

Your supply number can also be referred to as your MPAN or electricity meter point administration number.

Tiers

Sometimes your gas and electricity prices are charged using different 'tiers' on your energy bills. This means that you get charged at one rate until you've used a certain amount of energy, and then at a different rate for any energy used over that level.

Plans that include a standing charge won't tend to have different tiers, whereas no standing charge plans will, as this is their way of introducing a type of minimum charge.

Units

Although your gas will be charged according to kilowatt hours (kWh) used, your gas will initially be measured in units. This is then converted to kilowatt hours on your bill using a standard formula. Find out how to convert kWh's into units.

Variable Direct Debit (VDD)

If you have a variable direct debit set up with your energy supplier, then you are giving them control over the direct debit. They will amend the amount taken each month to pay off the outstanding bill, and they do not have to give you notice before changing the amount.

VAT

VAT will be charged on top of your total bill at a standard rate of 5% instead of the usual 17.5%. It is important to note that your gas and electricity bills will show all unit prices before VAT, whereas uSwitch is required to display all unit prices with VAT included. This allows us to make the most accurate and relevant comparison for you.

Volume correction factor

The volume correction factor of 1.02264 takes into account the changes in the volume of gas based on temperature and pressure.

Electricity meter explained | How to read your electricity meter

2012-09-20 00:00:00 +0000

An electricity meter is the window into you electricity consumption, so it's vital to understand how to take accurate measurements.

Your electricity meter will tell you how much you actually use - rather than the estimate your supplier uses for each bill - and will help you decide whether you can get a better rate by switching.

Why do I need to read my electricity meter?

It's important to take accurate measurements of your electricity consumption so you don't pay more than you need to with estimates from your supplier.

Knowing how much you actually use, rather than the estimate your supplier uses for each bill, will also help you decide whether you can get a better rate by switching.

Estimates from your supplier

Unless you have a prepayment meter, your supplier will estimate how much electricity you are consuming and use this figure in your monthly or quarterly bills.

This will either be based on past use or, if you have recently moved, typical or average figures.

Too much or too little?

In either case, you'll need to check that you aren't paying more or less than you need to - this won't take into account any effort you've made to save energy for which you'd be owed compensation, or changes in routine for which you could be stung at the end of the period unless you pay as you go along.

Different types of meters and how to read them

There are five main types of meters, which differ in how they display the information and what readings they give you. Standard, digital and dial are three ways to show you a basic meter reading.

You'll need a different sort of meter (and need to give a different sort of reading) for special tariffs such as Economy 7, and another still for prepayment electricity meters.

Standard meter (or electric mechanical meter)

This is the most common type of meter and uses a mechanical display to show your readings. You'll need to take a reading of five black numbers from left to right - ignoring any red numbers (if present).

Dial meter

Dial meters - which look like small traditional clocks - are slightly more complex. When reading your dial meter, always remember that dials next to each other go round in opposite directions.

Read the numbers on the dials from left to right, ignoring the last red dial (if it is present), or any dials without figures or hands. If the needle is between two figures, write down the figure the dial has just passed.

The reading now needs adjusting to make allowances for any small variations in the pointer positions. If the figure is directly over the figure, say 5, write down that figure and underline it. Look at the figure underlined.

If one of those numbers in the sequence is followed by a 9, reduce the underlined figure by 1 (so the underlined '5' becomes '4').

Digital meters

Use the first five figures on the digital display, and ignore any last figure that begins 0.1. You may need to press a button to get the figure to display.

Special tariffs: Economy 7 and prepayment meters

Economy 7 - There are two types of Economy 7 meter. The first type has two displays - the top row is for 'day rate' electricity marked 'Normal' and the bottom row, which is marked 'Low', shows 'night rate'. You can read more in our Economy 7 guide.

Prepayment meters - There are several types of prepayment meters. Standard prepayment meters can be single or two-rate (with two rows of figures, as with Economy 7). Token meters are read as digital meters.

To take a meter reading, you will usually have to press a button on the meter (sometimes it's blue). This will change the display from showing the remaining credit to showing the actual reading. From there on, it's just like taking a normal meter reading.

When you read this meter, always check both displays. The second type has a single row of numbers that shows 'day rate' electricity. To provide a reading for 'night rate' electricity, press the red button. You can read more in our prepayment meters guide.

What to do with your meter reading

Once you have your reading check your last bill and see what the estimated reading was. If it looks like you have been overpaying, you are entitled to a refund from your electricity supplier.

If you have been underpaying contact your supplier to increase your Direct Debit payments or pay it off in one go if it is a small amount. Once you've paid off what you owe, you can search for a cheaper supplier.

The suppliers often have a dedicated phoneline you can use to provide your own meter readings. This number should appear clearly on your bill. Some companies will automatically send you a fresh bill based on your reading, others may ask whether you want a fresh bill.

Customers who have difficulties reading their meters

If you are disabled, chronically sick or of pensionable age, you can ask the electricity supplier to read your meter every three months if neither you nor anyone else in your household can do so.

If you are in any of these groups, you can also get special advice from your supplier on special controls or adaptors for prepayment meters or electricity appliances owned by your supplier.

If you think the meter reading is wrong

You could also be eligible for the repositioning of the meter if it is owned by the electricity supplier and it is in a position which makes it difficult for you to read it. This should be free of charge.

If your meter reading seems wrong, you might want to provide an alternative reading, or contact your supplier to let them know there could be something wrong with your meter.

Start switching

Your results are accurate and impartial, and we use the latest rates that we get directly from the suppliers. Start switching now to find out how much you could save today.

Top ten energy saving tips: our easiest ways to save energy

2012-09-13 00:00:00 +0000

uSwitch energy expert Ann Robinson explains her top ten energy saving tips. Find out how to use less energy and save money on your gas and electricity bills.

Everyone is talking about energy efficiency - using less gas and electricity isn't just good for the environment, it can save you money on your gas and electricity bills too.

We show you our top ten energy saving tips, which can help you to reduce your energy bills, as well as the amount of gas and electricity you use.

Why not use our gas and electricity comparison service? It takes just minutes to get personalized results, and you could save up to £458 when you switch your gas and electricity. Video transcript

Ann's top energy saving tips

Draughts. Let me start with the obvious one - make sure you don't have any draughts. Seal off your windows and doors.

Full load. If you're using your dishwasher or washing machine make sure you have a full load. 30 degrees. When you are using your washing machine, make sure you have it at thirty degrees. You can get a really good wash that way - in fact, you can drop down to fifteen degrees.

1 degree. Turn your heating down by one degree.

Curtains. Close your curtains when it gets dark.

Boiling water. Only put as much water as you need in the kettle, so if you're making a cup of tea for one, don't fill it to the top.

Light bulbs. Use energy saving light bulbs.

Standby. Turn appliances off, don't keep them on standby.

Family. If you've got a family, watch what your children are doing - they'll cost you the earth if they are leaving their appliances on and they're in their bedrooms for hours playing with their computers or DVDs or whatever.

Energy grants. Talk to your energy suppliers or your local energy advisory centre. There's lots of money available for grants and financial help to install energy saving measures.

SSE (parent of Atlantic, Scottish Hydro, Southern Electric and SWALEC) have announced a price rise

2012-09-10 00:00:00 +0000

SSE (parent of Atlantic, Scottish Hydro, Southern Electric and SWALEC) have announced a 9% price rise.

Latest price change

SSE have announced a price rise of 9% on both gas and electricity prices, which will add £119 to the average dual-fuel bill for SSE customers.

The changes will come into force on the 15th of October 2012, and will add £119 to the average SSE dual-fuel customer.

Supplier	Date effective	Average gas price change (%)	Average electricity price change (%)
	15/10/2012	9%	9%

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is Britain's second largest energy supplier and the fifth of the 'big six' suppliers to announce a price decrease.

What we say

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: "This is a serious blow for cash-strapped consumers. With winter on its way households will now have to brace themselves for higher fuel prices too.

Last winter, over eight in ten households (83%) rationed their energy use because of cost - a round of price hikes this winter will condemn many more to this misery too.

“It’s important that consumers now take action to protect themselves. There are two key steps to keeping a lid on your energy bills – use less energy by making your home more energy efficient and move to a more competitive energy deal.

There’s good news here on both fronts, with many free or heavily-subsidised insulation offers on the market and some extremely competitive ‘best buy’ energy deals too. Some of these plans are also fixed price so offer certainty and security too.

Learn more - Are you affected by the SSE price rise?

Why has SSE raised its prices? Learn more at the uSwitch blog:

Compare energy prices- Find cheap energy

2012-09-10 00:00:00 +0000

Comparing energy prices is essential to ensure you're not overpaying on your energy bills. Here's a quick guide to help you compare energy prices today.

When you think about switching your energy the first thing to consider is how much money you can save. This is easy to find out – simply compare energy prices online and we'll do the hard work for you.

But will the cheapest plan always be the best option for you? Maybe not, but by running a price comparison with uSwitch you can compare anything from customer ratings to your supplier's green credentials.

Who's the cheapest gas and electricity supplier on average?

Here is the table of the cheapest tariff available based on a price comparison of a medium user consuming 3,300kWh electricity and 16,500kWh gas with bill sizes averaged across all regions:

This can give you some indication as to who's cheapest, but you won't know which is best for you, and how much you'll pay, until you run a price comparison.

Supplier	Plan Name	Price
	Discount Energy Bonus April 2015	£1,134
	iSave V14	£1,150
	Pioneer	£1,157
	iSave Fixed v6	£1,170
	New Energy Fixed*	£1,172
	Blue +Price Promise June 2014	£1,182
	Energy Online August 2014	£1,183
	Online Variable Feb 2014	£1,193

What to consider when comparing energy prices

After you have compared energy prices online, you may find that you’re presented with a new supplier as your cheapest option that you may not have heard of, or know very little about.

So if price isn’t the only factor involved, what else should you consider before you choose a new energy supplier? You may want to consider:

Payment options available
Contract terms (e.g. are there cancellation fees, a tie-in period, is it fixed rate or variable?)
Reward schemes/other benefits
Customer service
Online services
Transfer process

What is most important to you?

Our research shows that when choosing a new energy supplier, price is the most important factor to most of you.

To find the cheapest supplier for you, compare energy prices online with uSwitch. But if you’re not all about the money, then it is important to consider the terms of the contract that the suppliers are offering you.

For example, are they going to charge you exit fees for switching early? Try to avoid signing up to any contracts that seriously restrict your ability to switch later, unless they are a particularly good deal.

Reward schemes and other similar benefits could have a big sway on your decision, as some suppliers actually offer incentives such as supermarket reward points, which could represent great value to you if you use a specific supermarket.

Customer services can also be a huge bug bear for some customers. An energy supplier with an effective customer services team can make a massive difference to your experience with them, and may even help to retain you as a customer.

How to find the right energy supplier for you

Once you have compared energy prices online, you can also use our price comparison service to find out what other people think of your new energy supplier.

You’ll find a customer satisfaction score next to each supplier, and if you click on this, you can find out specifically what our customers rated the suppliers in each of the areas listed above.

Compare gas and electricity prices online today and see if you could save up to £294 by switching your energy supplier.

How much do solar panels cost?

2012-08-23 00:00:00 +0000

Solar panels can cut your electricity bills by as much as half. Here, we look at the cost of solar panels and the options available.

Solar panels costs have reduced over time as they become more commonplace. When looking at the cost of solar panels, it is important not to forget to consider the financial benefits, such such as how much they can cut your electricity bills, what your return on the Feed-in Tariff might be and whether you could be eligible for free solar panels.

Here, we breakdown the finances of solar panels and evaluate the solar panel costs.

How much do solar panels cost?

The cost of an average 3 Kw solar panel installation is normally around £6,500.

There are some schemes that offer free solar panels, where you keep the free electricity the panels generate but the installer keeps the Feed-in Tariff payments. Find out more about the Feed-in Tariff.

Should I go for free solar panels, or should I buy them outright?

Buy your own if:

You have £2,500-£15,000 available to invest.
You want to make a profit. With a Feed-in Tariff you could earn up to £455 a year for generating your own electricity and selling the excess you don't use back to the Grid. Over 20 years your solar panels could earn you up to £12,819* - tax free and index-linked over 20 years.
You want to make long-term savings on your energy bills. Energy prices will go up over time, so the amount your solar panels save you will go up too. In fact, eight in ten of those with solar panels (78%) installed them to protect themselves against future energy price rises.*

Get free solar panels if:

You don't have the initial money to invest, and aren’t able to secure solar panel loan.
You're happy to just make savings on your electricity bill. You won't make any money from Feed-in Tariff with these schemes, but you will still save up to 50% off your electricity bill.
You're worried about ongoing maintenance costs. Maintenance is included in free solar schemes.
You want to make long-term savings on your energy bills. Energy prices will go up over time, so the amount your solar panels save you will go up too.

Get a solar panel loan if:

You don’t want to or you can’t afford to pay for your solar panels upfront.
You want to take advantage of Feed-in Tariff in the future and earn a tax-free income over the next 20 years. Your Feed-in Tariff payments and savings on your bill will pay back your loan over 10 years, and you’re free to keep the income for the following 10 years.
You want to make long-term savings on your energy bills. Energy prices will go up over time, so the amount your solar panels save you will go up too.

How can companies afford to offer free solar panels?

In April 2010, the government introduced the Feed-in Tariff as part of a drive to reduce carbon emissions in the UK. With the Feed-in Tariff you get paid for generating your own renewable energy.

The company will take the money your solar panels earn from the Feed-in Tariff to recoup its investment.

Are solar panels a good investment?

Yes. If you buy solar panels outright or secure a solar loan, they'll give you a good return on your money. In fact, they could well be a better place to invest than a savings account. 9 out of 10 solar panel owners would recommend them to their friends and family.

Can solar panels add value to my property?

Yes, they could. A YouGov survey from 2009 found that home buyers ranked energy efficiency as the third most important reason to buy a property, just behind outdoor space and a garage and recent uSwitch research showed that solar panels were the fourth most important consideration for potential homeowners.

Does my mortgage company need to know?

Solar may be viewed as a modification by mortgage lenders - just like an extension or dormer window - so it's best to let them know.

Will the quality of my electricity suffer?

No. You won't notice any difference. If the panels aren't producing much electricity, for instance at night, you'll just use electricity from the Grid instead.

How much money could I save?

You could save up to 50% on your electricity bills by using the free electricity your panels generate.

If you buy your solar panels outright, you could also earn up to £455 with the Feed-in Tariff.*

* A 3kW 12 solar panel system, with a tilt of 30 degrees, South facing, with no shading and a 0.8 constant (used to make the calculation accurate for UK conditions), will generate 2575.2 Kwhs of electricity per year. By signing up to the Feed-in Tariff, you can earn 15.44p for every unit of electricity generated (£397), plus 4.5p for every unit sold back to the Grid (£57) meaning total Feed-in Tariff earnings of £455. By adding together the savings on electricity and the earnings on the Feed-in Tariff, you get a total saving of £640. Over the 20 years of the feed-in tariff, this means total income of £12,819.

Green Deal providers | All you need to know before you hire your Green Deal provider

2012-08-13 00:00:00 +0000

How to find a Green Deal provider and what to look out for when you hire one.

Green Deal providers have to be authorised and must carry the Green Deal Quality Mark.
A Green Deal provider will quote for the energy-efficiency improvements your Green Deal assessor has recommended and provide the finance.
Once you choose a Green Deal provider you will need to sign a Green Deal plan, this is the loan contract between you and the provider. The provider will then arrange for the improvements to be carried out.
What is a Green Deal provider?

A Green Deal provider is an organisation that has been authorised to provide finance under the Green Deal. Once you have had a Green Deal assessment carried out you can contact Green Deal providers to get some quotes.
Green Deal providers must carry the Green Deal Quality Mark, which shows they meet the Green Deal standards.
A list of Green Deal Providers can be found on the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) website.

What should a Green Deal provider do?

A Green Deal Provider should quote for the energy-efficiency improvements that have been recommended by your Green Deal assessor.
A provider also should discuss the Green Deal plan with you and explain how it works to help you decide whether it is right for you.
Once you have chosen a provider they will draw up a Green Deal plan. This document is the contract between you and the provider and should include the total cost of the improvements, the term of the loan, the interest rate and your schedule of monthly repayments, as well as any other terms and conditions that apply to the financing, such as early repayment charges.
When you have signed the Green Deal plan the provider will arrange for a Green Deal installer to carry out the energy-efficiency improvements.

How do you find a Green Deal provider?

Your Green Deal assessor may be able to recommend a Green Deal provider to you, but even if this is the case, it makes sense to get quotes from a number of different providers.
A full list of providers is on the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) website. Alternatively the Energy Saving Advice Service can help you find a provider, call 0300 123 1234.

What do I need to look out for in a Green Deal provider?

A Green Deal provider should carry the Green Deal Quality Mark. This means they meet Green Deal standards and are authorised to work under the Green Deal.
If a Green Deal assessor recommends a particular provider then you need to check what their arrangement is. For instance, a ‘free’ assessment may be linked to you choosing the recommended provider, and you may be charged for the assessment if you choose a different provider.
Not all providers offer all types of products, so you need to find one that matches your requirements.
When you are weighing up your options check the small print. Make sure you are clear about the terms and conditions of the finance deal that is being offered and that you are comparing like with like.
Pay particular attention to any early repayment charges and whether this may affect you in the future, for instance if you sell your home and a prospective buyer is unwilling to take on the debt.

What can I do if I’m not happy with my Green Deal provider?

The first thing you should do if you’re not happy with your provider is to go back to them directly. Green Deal providers must adhere to the Green Deal code of practice, which gives you additional consumer protections if something goes wrong.
If you are still not happy and don’t feel the matter has been resolved, then you should contact the Green Deal Ombudsman.

Green deal mark

2012-08-13 00:00:00 +0000

The Green Deal Mark is the accreditation mark which will be given to approved Green Deal installers.

Only authorised Green Deal installers will be allowed to install energy efficiency measures like insulation.

The Green Deal Mark allows authorised installers to identify them to you.

What will be covered?

To get the Green Deal Mark installers have to meet the PAS 2030 requirements and abide by the Green Deal Code of Practice

The PAS 2030 requirements lay out the installation processes and what is required from installers before, during and after installation. They cover:

Condensing boilers, natural gas-fired and liquefied petroleum gas-fired (domestic and non-domestic)
Condensing boilers, oil-fired (domestic and non-domestic)
Heating controls
Under-floor heating
Flue-gas recovery devices
Gas-fired warm-air heating systems (domestic and non-domestic)
Electric storage heaters (domestic and non-domestic)
Cavity wall insulation
Loft insulation
Pitched roof insulation
Flat roof insulation
Internal wall insulation
External wall insulation
Hybrid wall insulation
Draught proofing
Floor insulation
Heating system insulation (pipes and cylinders
Energy efficient glazing and doors
Lighting fittings
Lighting controls (non-domestic)
Ground and air source heat pumps
Solar thermal
Solar PV
Biomass boilers
Micro-combined heat and power (CHP)
Micro- and small-scale wind turbine systems

How do Green Deal installers register?

From August 2012 installers can join the Green Deal register. Registration will be goverened by the Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body.

Green Deal Cashback Scheme | What is the Green Deal Cashback Scheme?

2012-08-13 00:00:00 +0000

The Green Deal Cashback Scheme could offer you up to £1,000 for taking up a Green Deal plan.

The money is being offered on a 'first come, first served' basis to encourage early take-up of the new scheme, but how does it work?

The government has set aside a total of £125m set aside for the scheme, but only the first £40m is guaranteed at the rates we've shown below.

How it works

To qualify for the cashback offer you simply need to go through four steps:

Get a Green Deal assessment done on your property

Choose a quote from a Green Deal provider

Apply for cashback

Complete the improvements within 3 months, or 6 months if you're having solid-wall insulation installed.

That's it! The only real requirement is that you have the improvements carried out by a registered Green Deal provider.

The more work you do the bigger the potential cashback, but if you're looking for cashback on a package of improvements by careful: you can only apply for cashback once.

You'll receive your cashback once your works are complete and your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has been upgraded.

Who qualifies for the Green Deal cashback scheme and what are the limits?

The cashback scheme is open to anyone using a Green Deal provider to make home improvements. The cashback still applies whether you take out a Green Deal loan or not.

The scheme also isn't limited to homeowners: owner-occupiers, those renting, and both private and social landlords can also apply.

However, it is important to note that cashback is capped at 50% of the amount you pay for the works.

There are also some improvements that won't qualify, most notably solar PV and thermal.

How much you could receive?

Below is a table of energy efficiency upgrades that are eligible for the cashback scheme and how much each is worth:

Energy efficiency upgrade Cashback level

Loft insulation (incl. top up) £100

Cavity wall insulation £250

Solid wall insulation* £650

Flat roof insulation £390

Room in roof insulation £220

Floor insulation £150

Hot water cylinder insulation (incl. top up)** £10

Draught proofing £50

Heating controls £70

Condensing oil boiler*** £310

Upgrade boiler to condensing gas boiler £270

Flue gas heat recovery £90

New or replacement storage heaters £150

Replacement warm-air unit £320

Waste water heat recovery systems £60

Double/triple glazing (old single to A) £20-320

High performance replacement doors £40

Secondary glazing £15-230

Find out more

Learn more at www.gov.uk/greendealcashback or contact the Energy Savings Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.

*Where Cashback is claimed on solid wall insulation, the solid wall insulation must be applied to at least 50% of the external wall area.
**Cannot be claimed at same time as boiler replacement (as this is a regulatory requirement).
***Off gas-grid households should consider their renewable heat options – higher payments may be available through the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme than the Green Deal Cashback offered for condensing boilers.

Green Deal Assessor | how to arrange a Green Deal Assessor and what you need.

2012-08-13 00:00:00 +0000

What is a Green Deal assessor?

A Green Deal assessor, also known as a Green Deal advisor, is the person who will carry out your Green Deal assessment.

Green Deal assessors can work as sole traders if they are certified by the Green Deal Certification Body, or as part of an Green Deal organisation.

Despite this, they are supposed to be impartial, and ensure that any work that is recommended follows the 'Golden Rule' - that any work that is carried will save you more on your energy bills that it costs.

What will my Green Deal assessor do?

Your Green Deal advisor is qualified to make recommendations of what measures would be most suitable for your home.

During their visit, the Green Deal assessor will note any energy-saving measures that your house could use to improve its energy efficiency (and lower your bills).

There is a full list below, but Green Deal measurements include energy-saving improvements like insulation, or replacing an old boiler.

He or she will visit you and provide you with your Green Deal Advice Report, which is comprised of an Occupancy Assessment and an Energy Performance Certificate.

What is on my Green Deal advice report?

Your Green Deal assessor will give you two documents: one is called the Occupancy Assessment and other is called an Energy Performance Certificate, otherwise known as the EPC.
The Occupancy Assessment will tell you how much you stand to save from the Green Deal based on your energy use, as well as recommendations for what improvements can be made for your home under the Green Deal.

It will also advise you on how you can use energy in your home more efficiently.

The Energy Performance Certificate gives your home a rating from A to G based on how energy efficient your home is.

What will the Green Deal advisor recommend?

There is a long list of what is included on the Green Deal, but your assessor is likely to recommend one of the following depending on your energy use and how inefficient your home is:

Heating your home

Condensing boilers
Heating controls
Under-floor heating
Heat recovery systems
Mechanical ventilation (non-domestic)
Flue gas recovery devices
Ground and air source heat pumps

Insulating your home

Cavity wall insulation
Loft insulation
Flat roof insulation
Internal wall insulation
External wall insulation
Draught proofing
Floor insulation
Heating system insulation (cylinder, pipes)
Energy efficient glazing and doors

Lighting your home

Lighting fittings
Lighting controls

Heating your water

Innovative hot water systems
Water efficient taps
Water efficient showers

Renewable energy

Ground and air source heat pumps
Solar thermal
Solar PV
Biomass boilers
Micro-CHP

Where can I find a Green Deal Advisor? Do I need one?

You can find a Green Deal Advisor by visiting the government website, which you can find at http://greendealorb.co.uk/consumersearch.

You will not be able to apply for any financing without a qualified Green Deal Assessor and the subsequent assessment.

Green Deal assessments - how to arrange a Green Deal assessor and what you need.

2012-08-13 00:00:00 +0000

What is a Green Deal Assessor?

A Green Deal assessor, also known as a Green Deal advisor, is the person who will carry out your Green Deal assessment. Green Deal assessors can work as sole traders if they are certified by the Green Deal Certification Body, or as part of an Green Deal organisation. Despite this, they are supposed to be impartial, and ensure that any work that is recommended follows the 'Golden Rule' - that any work that is carried will save you more on your energy bills that it costs.

What will my Green Deal Assessor do?

Your Green Deal Advisor is qualified to make recommendations of what measures would be most suitable for your home. During their visit, the Green Deal assessor will note any energy-saving measures that your house could use to improve its energy efficiency (and lower your bills!). There is a full list below, but Green Deal measurements include energy-saving improvements like insulation, or replacing an old boiler.
He or she will visit you and provide you with your Green Deal Advice Report, which is comprised of an Occupancy Assessment and an Energy Performance Certificate.

What is on my Green Deal Advice Report?

Your Green Deal Assessor will give you two documents: one is called the Occupancy Assessment and other is called an Energy Performance Certificate, otherwise known as the EPC.
The Occupancy Assessment will tell you how much you stand to save from the Green Deal based on your energy use, as well as recommendations for what improvements can be made for your home under the Green Deal. It will also advise you on how you can use energy in your home more efficiently.
The Energy Performance Certificate gives your home a rating from A to G based on how energy efficient your home is.

What will the Green Deal Advisor recommend?

There is a long list of what is included on the Green Deal, but your assessor is likely to recommend one of the following depending on your energy use and how inefficient your home is:

Heating your home

Condensing boilers
Heating controls
Under-floor heating
Heat recovery systems
Mechanical ventilation (non-domestic)
Flue gas recovery devices
Ground and air source heat pumps

Insulating your home

Cavity wall insulation
Loft insulation
Flat roof insulation
Internal wall insulation
External wall insulation
Draught proofing
Floor insulation
Heating system insulation (cylinder, pipes)
Energy efficient glazing and doors

Lighting your home

Lighting fittings
Lighting controls

Heating your water

Innovative hot water systems
Water efficient taps
Water efficient showers
Renewable energy

Ground and air source heat pumps
Solar thermal
Solar PV
Biomass boilers
Micro-CHP

Where can I find a Green Deal Advisor?

You can find a Green Deal Advisor by visiting the government website, which you can find at http://greendealorb.co.uk/consumersearch.

Do I need a Green Deal Assessment to qualify for the Green Deal?

Yes. You will not be able to apply for any financing without a qualified Green Deal Assessor and the subsequent assessment. This is because a he or she is qualified to spot where your house is in need of energy efficiency measures and the best solutions.

Gas and electricity in the UK

2012-08-10 00:00:00 +0000

Here at uSwitch we are often asked lots of questions about energy suppliers, bills and switching.

From 'what is a standard charge?' to 'What is an MPAN number?', here is our list of the most common questions we are asked - and the explanations you'll need to answer them.

Where does our gas and electricity come from?

How can I find out who my gas and electricity suppliers are?

What is dual fuel?

What gas and electricity plans are available?

What is Economy 7 and can it help me save money?

What is a standing charge?

What are online gas and electricity plans?

What is green energy?

How are my gas and electricity bills calculated?

What information should my gas and electricity bills contain?

What are the options for paying my gas and electricity bills?

How often should I read my gas and electricity meters?

What are MPAN and MPRN numbers and where do I find them?

What do the symbols next to my gas and electricity meter readings mean?

Who should I contact if I have a complaint about my energy supplier?

Where does our gas and electricity come from?

More than 2,000 power stations across the UK generate our energy. They are powered by coal, gas and nuclear energy. Around 4% of our electricity comes from renewable energy installations including hydro power schemes and wind farms.
The UK is split into different regions for gas and electricity. Originally, each region had only one option for their energy supplier. However since regulation in 1999, consumers have been free to choose who supplies their gas and electricity.

How can I find out who my gas and electricity suppliers are?

Your gas and electricity bills will tell you who your energy suppliers are. If you don't have access to bills and need to find out who your gas supplieris, call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524.

To find out who your electricity supplier is, you'll need to contact the distributor for your area.
What is dual fuel?

With a dual fuel plan you get your gas and electricity from the same energy supplier . This usually works out cheaper than a single fuel plan where you buy your gas and electricity from different suppliers.

This is because energy suppliers often offer discounts and reduced rates for dual fuel plans. Plus, with a dual fuel plan, you only have to deal with one energy company if you have any queries or problems with your gas and electricity. Compare dual fuel plans with uSwitch.

What gas and electricity plans are available?

Energy suppliers offer a range of pricing structures for gas and electricity, known as plans. It's possible to have a combination of these plans. As well as standard , or default plans, these include:

Economy 7 plans - where electricity used at night is charged at a cheaper rate

Green plans - which are designed to help combat climate change

Fixed plans - where the price of each unit of energy is fixed for a certain period. This does not mean that you will pay a fixed rate every month.

Capped plans - where the price of each unit of energy won't rise for a set period, but can go down if gas and electricity prices fall

Online plans - with these gas and electricity tariffs you can sign up online or manage your account completely via the Internet

Business energy plans - which are designed for commercial gas and electricity use. If you require a business tariff, simply contact our business energy team for a quote.

Social plans - energy companies must provide these to help the most vulnerable consumers pay their energy bills. Social tariffs have to be equal to the energy supplier's cheapest deal.

What is Economy 7 and can it help me save money?

If you opt for an Economy 7 plan, the electricity you use at night costs less than that used during the day. As a general rule, if you use at least 20% of your electricity at night, an Economy 7 plan can help you save.

To go on to an Economy 7 plan, you will need to change your meter to one with readings for day and night. Your energy supplier may charge you for this. If you want to switch from an Economy 7 plan, you'll also need to get your meter changed.

What is a standing charge?

This is a fixed charge made by your energy supplier for each day you are connected to the gas and electricity network. It pays for maintaining your supply and isn't related to the amount of gas and electricity you actually use.

Some energy plans don't have a standing charge - this is often referred to as Nil service charge / No Standing Charge. However, they may charge more per unit or you will have two unit rates i.e. a higher primary rate and a lower secondary rate.

What are online gas and electricity plans?

You can get online plans . These plans offer a way to make savings on your gas and electricity bills, with energy suppliers offering discounts for customers who opt for them.

Some plans only require you to sign up online to receive a discount, whilst with others 'online' means that you will get your bills online and enter your meter readings online too. You will usually be required to pay via direct debit with this type of plan.

What is green energy?

Green energy is electricity derived from renewable or clean resources such as hydro energy , wind energy , solar energy , geothermal energy and biofuels. Nuclear power plants do not emit carbon dioxide, and as a result are considered to be a green energy source.

Green energy plans work by providing electricity from renewable or clean sources to the National Grid, which will then be used to power your home.

How are my gas and electricity bills calculated?

Your energy bills are calculated on the basis of how many units of energy you consume. You may also pay a standing charge .

When your meter is read, the energy company will subtract the amount shown on the previous meter reading from the most recent one to work out your bill.

If your meter isn't read, you will get an estimated bill based on your past use or a standard rate. Units of electricity are measured in kilowatt hours . This is shown on your electricity meter .

Gas meters measure the volume of gas you used in cubic feet or cubic metres and the gas companies convert this into kilowatt hours. The price charged for each unit of energy varies according to what pricing plan or tariff you are on.

What information should my gas and electricity bills contain?

Your gas and electricity bills should give:

your current meter reading

your last meter reading

the amount of electricity or gas you've used

the period this covers

VAT charges

unit costs.

Further reading: how to read and understand your energy bill .

What are the options for paying my gas and electricity bills?

Energy suppliers offer discounts for customers who pay by direct debit, making this the cheapest way to pay your bills.

You can choose a fixed Direct Debit , where you pay the same amount monthly or quarterly, spreading your energy payments over the year, or a variable Direct Debit , where you pay at regular intervals based on the amount of gas and electricity you've used.

You can also pay for gas and electricity by:

cash

cheque

standing order

prepayment meter

credit or debit cards.

How often should I read my gas and electricity meters?

To avoid inaccurate estimated gas and electricity bills, it is recommended that you call your energy supplier with your actual meter readings when you get your bill .

This ensures that you make any savings you're entitled to and don't get any nasty surprises when your energy supplier reads your meter.

What are MPAN and MPRN numbers and where do I find them?

MPRN (meter point reference number) and MPAN (metering point administration number) are the unique reference numbers for your gas and electricity supplies .

The MPAN is also called a "supply number" or "S number". You can find it on your electricity bill. If you don't have a bill, contact your energy supplier.

Your MPRN, also called an "M number" can be found on your gas bill. If you don't have a bill, contact the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 and ask for your number.

What do the symbols next to my gas and electricity meter readings mean?

(E) estimated reading
(A) actual meter reading
(C) your energy supplier has used the reading you provided (or this can mean "company estimated read")
(R) a final reading from a meter that has now been removed
(N) the first reading from a new meter
(F) a final meter reading when leaving a property, discontinuing a supply or switching energy supplier.

Who should I contact if I have a complaint about my energy supplier?

First, you need to contact your energy supplier and go through their complaints procedure. If you need advice, go to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. or call 08454 04 05 06.

Gas and electricity glossary

2012-08-10 00:00:00 +0000

The uSwitch gas and electricity glossary: a guide through the world of energy jargon.

Biomass Biomass is a type of renewable fuel derived from plants. It is increasingly being used to generate electricity. You can also buy biomass stoves and boilers.

Business plans Commercial gas and electricity use is different from home energy use, and is usually higher. Energy suppliers offer gas and electricity plans especially designed for businesses.

Capped plans With a capped plan, the amount you pay for each unit of energy will not rise for a set period of time, but may go down if gas and electricity prices fall.

Citizens Advice Consumer Service Energy consumers can get information and advice on energy issues from the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. Go to Citizens Advice Consumer Service or call on 08454 04 05 06.

Consumer Focus Energywatch, the independent watchdog for consumers, was merged in October 2008 with Postwatch and the National Consumer Council to form Consumer Focus. It was announced in 2010 that the governing body would be abolished and, in March 2013, Ofgem took over its Confidence Code for comparision websites.

Direct debit Direct debits are regular payments taken directly from your bank account. Because they save on administration costs and ensure bills are paid on time, energy suppliers offer discounts to customers who pay by direct debit, making this the cheapest way to pay your gas and electricity bills.

Dual fuel With a dual fuel energy plan, you get your gas and electricity from the same energy supplier. This usually works out cheaper. More about dual fuel

Economy 7 With this electricity plan, electricity you use during the night costs less. As a general rule, you'll need to be using around 20% of your energy consumption at night to make a saving on an Economy 7 plan. More about Economy 7

Energywatch The independent watchdog for consumers was merged in October 2008 with Postwatch and the National Consumer Council to form Consumer Focus . Consumers can now get information and advice on energy issues from Consumer Direct , which is operated by the Office of Fair Trading.

Estimated bills Your gas and electricity supplier usually estimates your monthly energy consumption based on what you've used in the past or a standard usage. You pay for estimated consumption each month or quarter. You'll find out how much gas and electricity you've actually used when your energy supplier reads your meter. You'll then be asked to pay more if you've used more than estimated.

Fixed price plan With a fixed plan, the amount you pay for each unit of energy is fixed for certain period of time. This means you're protected if gas and electricity prices go up.

Green energy This is energy derived from renewable or clean source, such as hydro energy, wind energy, solar energy and biofuels.

Hydro energy Hydro energy is generated from moving water, which is most often done using hydroelectric dams. These dams use falling or flowing water to rotate turbines, which in turn run a power generator.

Kilowatt hour (kWh) Units of electricity are measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). One kilowatt hour is 1 kilowatt (1,000 watts) of electricity. used for one hour. Electrical appliances are rated in watts or kilowatts. So, if you use a 1,000 watt appliance for an hour, you will have used 1 unit of electricity. Gas companies convert the figure shown on your meter into kilowatt hours.

Nil service charge / No Standing Charge Some plans don't have a standing charge - a fixed charge made by the energy supplier for every day you are connected to the gas and electricity network. This type of plan is referred to as nil service charge. However, they may charge more per unit of electricity or gas.

Online plans Gas and electricity plans that are predominantly managed via the internet. Many plans will only require sign up online and will allow customers to continue to receive paper bills.

Ofgem Ofgem is the regulator for the gas and electricity markets in Britain.

Prepayment meters With a prepayment meter, you pay for your energy supply when you use it. Although prepayment meters are often used for help with budgeting, uSwitch and Ofgem research shows that they are often more expensive than low-cost online gas and electricity plans. More about prepayment meters

Renewable energy This is energy that comes from sources that renew themselves naturally - for example, water, wind and the sun.

Single fuel plans You have a single fuel plan when you buy your gas and electricity from separate suppliers . This is usually more expensive than opting for a dual fuel deal, but you'll need to check to be sure.

Social plans Energy companies must provide these plans for their most vulnerable customers. They must be equal to the energy suppliers cheapest deal. If more than 10% of your income goes on fuel, you may be eligible for a social plan.

Solar energy Solar energy is energy from the sun. It can be used to provide heat for water heating systems and to generate electricity using solar photovoltaic panels.

Standard plans These are the default energy plans - in other words, what you will have if you haven't chosen another type of gas and electricity plan. The precise structures of standard plans vary depending on the energy supplier, but they are usually among the most expensive.

Standing charge This is a fixed charge made by your energy supplier for every day you are connected to the gas and electricity network.

Tiers Energy suppliers often use tier-based billing systems, particularly if you choose a plan without a standing charge . You are charged one price for using gas and electricity units up to a certain amount, and another price for those exceeding it. The second tier costs are usually lower.

Wind energy Energy from the wind is used to drive turbines and generate electricity.

Energy tariff ending? Find out what to do when your energy tariff ends.

2012-06-11 00:00:00 +0000

Some energy tariffs are fixed or discounted for a certain period of time, but what happens when they end, and what should you do?

When your tariff end date comes around it's important that you take action or you could end up out of pocket.

Plans ending soon

Energy tariffs come in all shapes and sizes, but those with fixed, capped or discounted prices have become increasingly popular, offering a guarenttee on prices and peace of mind. That is until the tariff end date.

Typically your supplier will then revert you onto a more expensive tariff, often their 'standard' tariff with the highest rates, meaning higher bills unless you take action.

ScottishPower plans ending

Plan	End date	Exit fee?	Price rise at end of plan
Online Energy Saver 18	30 June 2013	Yes	£186
Online Fixed Price Energy July 2013	30 June 2013	Yes	£216
Platinum Fixed Energy Online July 2013	30 June 2013	Yes	£7
Platinum Fixed Energy July 2013	30 June 2013	Yes	£22
Online Energy Saver 19	31 July 2013	Yes	£216
Online Fixed Price Energy August 2013	31 July 2013	Yes	£185

British Gas plans ending

Plan	End date	Exit fee?	Price rise at end of plan
Discount Energy 2013	30 June 2013	No	£54

Sainsbury's Energy plans ending

Plan	End date	Exit fee?	Price rise at end of plan
Online Price Freeze June 2013	30 June 2013	No	£212

What should I do if my energy tariff is ending?

When your energy tariff or discount is about to end, you should get a letter from your supplier giving you a warning and telling you what they are going to do with your account.

Read this letter carefully - in some cases you could be automatically 'rolled-over' onto a new tariff unless you tell your supplier otherwise.

The tariff may be your supplier's 'standard' plan, an online plan or a fixed plan. This may not be right for you because:

standard plans are among the most expensive in the market,
the online plan you're given may not be the most competitive for you,
online and fixed plans sometimes come with an exit fee that means you have to pay if you decide you want to switch.

When you've got this letter, come to uSwitch and compare all available energy plans to find the best deal for you. You can either use the tariff that's ending or the tariff that your supplier wants to switch you to to do your comparison. Just remember to use the number of kWh you use in an year so that you get the most accurate result.

If you decide to switch, you need to get your timing right - if you leave it too late you could already have been rolled onto a new tariff with an exit fee.

Check your terms and conditions or speak to your supplier to find out when you can switch without the risk of a penalty charge.

I've compared prices there's nothing cheaper - what should I do?

If your tariff was very competitive you may find that there's nothing that's cheaper on the market at the moment.

This doesn't mean that you shouldn't switch - your tariff is ending so you have to switch to a new one. Rather than looking for a big saving, look for a tariff that offers the lowest possible price.

What type of energy tariff should I switch to?

If you're considering switching your gas and electricity, the cheapest plans are the online tariffs available from various suppliers. The advantages of these plans include:

cheaper rates due to lower administration costs for the suppliers,
extra discounts,
accounts can be easily managed online, although some do still offer paper billing if you prefer,
meter readings can be submitted online for more accurate billing.

Low energy lighting: energy-saving light bulbs and other options

2012-05-12 00:00:00 +0000

In a typical home, lighting accounts for around 10-20% of the electricity bill, but if you change your old-fashioned incandescent lighting to more energy-efficient options, you can lower this proportion and save on your overall energy bill. Installing five low energy light bulbs will cost about £15 and could save you as much as £32 a year.

Read our guide to find out more about how to make changes to your lighting to save on your electricity bill, or read our top tips for a quick summary.

Lighting: eight top tips to save on your energy bills

Only turn the lights on if you have to. Daylight is the most energy-efficient form of light.
Turn off lights when you leave a room, unless you are going back within a few minutes.
Choose low energy (compact fluorescent) lighting, there is a bulb available for virtually every situation and to suit all tastes.
Avoid installing halogen lighting, especially the low voltage types which go in recessed fittings in ceilings and walls.
Install low energy bulbs of the correct light output - to match the output you had with traditional lighting, simply divide by five to calculate the low energy equivalent.
Fluorescent tubes are energy-efficient, and cast the safest light in kitchens.
Use side lights with low energy bulbs installed in them if you are stuck with fixed halogen lights that are difficult to replace.
Start to think of light bulbs as one-off purchases that last many years, like a lamp itself, rather than something you simply throw away after a short time.

What is the best form of lighting to use?

This is a bit of a trick question - the best and most energy-efficient form of lighting is actually daylight.

Make the most of it by drawing back curtains and if possible net curtains too, cleaning your windows and decorating your rooms in light colours. If you are truly enthusiastic about maximising daylight, a dark corner of your home might benefit from a light-pipe, which funnels light from a roof down a long tube.

If you are refurbishing your home, you could think about opening it up from a light perspective, by installing indoor windows, glass doors or glass bricks.

As well as being energy-efficient and free, daylight also tends to make people feel good.

Why should I avoid using traditional incandescent light bulbs in my home?

The incandescent, tungsten, or filament light bulb as it is known, isn't energy-efficient at all. It converts very little of the electricity it uses into light, most of it is wasted as heat, which also tends to shorten the life of light fittings and shades.

The other downside of an incandescent light bulb is its short life. The typical incandescent light bulb (known as GLS - or general lighting service) will last 1,000 hours or one year's typical use. Turning them on and off regularly shortens their lives even more.

Incandescent light bulbs are being phased out by the end of 2011 under a government initiative.

What is the difference between a low energy and a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL)?

There is some confusion about this because compact fluorescent light bulbs (or CFLs) have typically been referred to as 'low energy light bulbs' by retailers. However, the reality is that there are a number of different kinds of low energy light bulbs available, including CFL and LED light bulbs.

Just to make things more confusing, some rather inefficient lighting products, such as traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs, come in 'low energy' versions. However, these are nowhere near as energy-efficient as compact fluorescent bulbs, and they have short lives too.

Energy-saving light bulbs seem so expensive: will they really save me money?

In short, yes.

One of the key reasons why more people haven't switched to energy-efficient lighting is because they see them as more expensive. Often people base this assessment on the purchase price only, rather than the whole-life cost of a light bulb. Incandescent bulbs have to be replaced much more often, and they use five times the electricity of low energy light bulbs, which means they actually work out to be very expensive.

As CFLs have become more popular, the costs have come down significantly. At around £3 or less for good quality versions of common bulb types, they soon pay for themselves. Savings will be in the region of £6 a year for average use of a bulb, so it's easy to see that the upfront cost will be recovered within a few months.

What about ordinary fluorescent lighting, I've heard it uses a lot of energy when it's switched on, is this true?

Old-style fluorescent tubes are a source of efficient and effective lighting in homes, and are most commonly found in kitchens. Smaller strips are sometimes also used for giving extra light on work-surfaces partially covered by kitchen cupboards. Fluorescent tubes are also found in garages, lofts and bathrooms.

There's actually no foundation to the belief that fluorescent tubes use a huge amount of electricity when they are switched on. The extra electricity used is negligible; if this wasn't the case, it would blow your fuses and trip switches.

How long do old-style fluorescent tubes last?

Fluorescent tubes do have a limited life, although this will be several years. If there are signs of flicker, or a tube looks as though it has failed, it is worth checking if you need a replacement 'starter' before you consider replacing the tube. A starter is a small cylinder with two small T shaped pins protruding from one end. It is mounted in a socket on the side of the lamp housing - it may not be immediately obvious, as it does not protrude much, and its end surface is only about the size of a penny. Starters only cost a couple of pounds and it is always worth keeping a spare one.

Why do halogen light bulbs use so much energy?

Halogen light bulbs are more efficient than incandescent light bulbs on a like for like basis. But, unfortunately, this is often cancelled out because people use more of them. There has been a trend to place a number of halogen lights in a row along a ceiling, partly for design reasons, but also because of the directionality of the light produced, several lights are normally required. The overall energy consumption can therefore be greater, even though a typical halogen bulb might have a maximum of 40 watts power, compared to a 60 or 100 watt incandescent, with the result that your electricity bills may be higher if you have halogen lighting.

What types of halogen bulbs are there?

Halogen bulbs tend to come in two types.

There are the low voltage (but not low energy) bulbs recessed into ceilings (known as 'down-lighters') and walls. These are usually MR16 bulbs. These have a hidden transformer, stepping down from mains 230 voltage to the 12 volts of the bulbs; they are 'reflectors', giving directional light.

There are also halogen bulbs that are put in open mounts, typically GU10 mounts, and these are normally found in kitchens, on spotlight ceiling bars, or ceiling plates. Although popular, they are not necessarily the most practical, as they cast shadows and generate a lot of heat. However, it is possible to buy compact-fluorescent ('low energy') bulbs to replace these, giving a more energy-efficient and less directional light, which is more practical. You can also fit LED replacements, although these are generally more expensive and do not cast as good a light as the compact fluorescent bulbs.

The G9 variety of halogen bulbs, which are very small, are often used in decorative light fittings. There are now LED energy-efficient alternatives for these, which although they cost more initially, they save on energy and last a lot longer, making them cheaper in the long run.

How does the life of a halogen bulb compare with that of a compact fluorescent bulb?

Halogen bulbs typically have a 2,000 hour (or two year) life, only a fraction of the life of a compact fluorescent bulb, which typically lasts 6-15 years (or 6,000 to 15,000 hours).

If you can't replace your halogen lighting, then it is best to make use of free standing lighting like lamps as much as possible, and fit energy-efficient bulbs in these.

Why are compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) so energy-efficient?

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are much more efficient because they don't produce so much waste heat. They use only a fifth of the electricity, in other words they are 400% more efficient. In terms of energy efficiency, switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs has more impact than anything else you can do. Nothing else comes anywhere near to this level of saving and improvement in efficiency. Not to mention the fact that your light fittings and shades will last longer because they won't be exposed to so much heat.

What types of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can I buy?

CFLs are now available in a wide variety of powers, mounts (caps) and shapes. Reflector bulbs, for spot lamp applications, are also now commonly available. The caps that low energy bulbs are available in include bayonet (BC or B22), small bayonet (SBC or B15), standard Edison screw (ES or E27), small Edison screw (SES or E14), and GU-10 (to replace many non-recessed kitchen halogen bulbs). However, they are not available to replace 'low voltage' halogen lights, as used in housings recessed into ceilings.

Compact fluorescent bulbs come in a variety of shapes, including uncovered, covered and reflector types. Uncovered shapes include curly (or spiral) and the very common stick varieties. Covered shapes include the conventional pear shaped (or 'GLS'), golf-ball, globe, and candle. Covered shapes tend to have greater physical strength, as the fluorescent tube itself is hidden behind a layer of stronger glass. However this reduces their energy efficiency a little, sometimes being B rather than A rated (for comparison, incandescent bulbs are G rated). So, you should be able to find one to work with your existing light fittings.

I've just moved into a new-build home and the light sockets are different to the ones I'm used to. Why is this?

Under building regulations, new homes, and extensions to existing homes, must ensure that around 30% of the light sockets fit energy-efficient bulbs only. This means you can't use conventional bayonet and screw mounts at all - they're not compatible.

A compact fluorescent light bulb normally has its electronics embedded in its base, but the specialist 2-pin and occasionally 4-pin light fittings have the electronics in the socket, so when the bulb needs replacing, it is only the tube itself that needs to be replaced (usually with a PLS lamp). However, the range of energy-efficient bulbs available to work with this type of light fitting, especially as regards power levels, is limited.

I've heard that compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) take a long time to light up and that the light is very white, is this true?

One reason for people's reluctance to use low energy bulbs is because of their experiences with early models. These took longer to light up to their full brightness, and they cast a very white light, which wasn't to everyone's taste, plus they were also bulky. But all these issues have been addressed.

CFLs vary in their 'colour temperature', which is expressed in degrees Kelvin (K). Higher temperatures mean whiter light, cooler temperatures mean yellower light. People's tastes vary regarding colour temperature, some finding the more yellowish colours warmer and more welcoming. Some low energy bulbs have a colour temperature which is 'daylight balanced', and this is thought to help people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, which is due to lack of daylight in winter.

The reality is that CFLs have moved on considerably since they were first introduced, and they now offer a range of lighting options.

Can I use a dimmer with compact fluorescent lamps, and what about time switches and light sensitive switches?

Instructions for some time switches and light sensitive switches sometimes allege that compact fluorescent light bulbs can't be used with them. In most instances, this isn't the case.

This advice may have arisen because some early CFLs took a long time to light up, which may have disrupted any light sensitive circuitry in the switching device. The best way to find out is to experiment, to make sure the switches will work.

Key indicators of incompatibility will be buzzing from the device or the bulb, and the bulb failing to light up properly.

Dimmable CFLs are available, but these tend to be quite expensive. The only other alternative would be to replace dimmer switches with conventional ones.

Find out how to fit a dimmer switch.

I've been using 100-watt incandescent bulbs, how do I know what CFL bulb to buy?

When replacing an old-fashioned bulb with a CFL bulb, you need to use the one to five ratio . For example, if you are replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb, a CFL bulb of 20 watts is required, (CFLs are commonly available up to 23 watts and can be found as low as 5 watts).

Old bulb	New low energy bulb
100w	20w
80w	16w
60w	12w
50w	10w
40w	8w

Is LED lighting more energy-efficient than low energy light bulbs?

LED lighting (LED stands for light emitting diode) has a possible future potential to be more efficient than compact fluorescent lighting. LED lights also have a longer life - they can last up to 20 years, and they have the advantage of reaching full illumination almost immediately, as well as being very compact.

The problem at the moment though is that the quality of the light given is not good enough for general indoor lighting. They are a good replacement for low voltage halogen bulbs, and are an option in your garden, for decorative and even security lighting.

Currently, for general indoor lighting, compact fluorescent light bulbs are definitely your best option.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

2012-05-12 00:00:00 +0000

New boiler: What's the real cost of a new boiler?

2012-05-11 00:00:00 +0000

New boilers aren't cheap. The cost of a new boiler can be anywhere upwards of £1800 when you include installation, so it's important to get all the facts before you make a decision.

Here we look at whether or not it's worth replacing your old boiler and how long it will take for the investment to pay for itself.

How long it will take the make back the cost of a new boiler in savings

If you decide to install a new boiler in place of an old energy-inefficient one you can expect to save some money on your gas bills.

If you opted for a new boiler with 90% efficiency costing £1800, here's how much you could expect to save on a typical gas bill and how long it would take to pay for itself:

Efficiency of your old boiler	Annual saving on your gas bill in %	Annual saving on your gas bill in £	How long it will take for your boiler to pay for itself
60%	33%	£237	7.6 years
65%	28%	£201	9 years
70%	22%	£158	11.4 years
75%	17%	£122	14.8 years
80%	11%	£79	22.8 years

Calculations based on a home with gas-powered central heating, using an average 17252 kWh gas p/a at a cost of £666 p/a.

A new boiler could also add to the value of your home, so take this into consideration when you're adding up the costs.

When to get a new boiler

If your boiler is beyond the point where it's cost-efficient to repair it. If you've called out a qualified engineer to look at your boiler and they've told you that it's at the point of no return then it's time to make the investment in a new one.
If your boiler doesn't give you the control over your heating that you need - for example if the controls or timer aren't very flexible, or there isn't a thermostat - a new boiler might be a good option when it comes to helping to cut your heating bills. In some circumstance, you might be able to get away with just installing new controls.
If your system has a 'dry cycle'. A dry cycle is a feature found on older boilers which means that if the heating is on, but your home is already at the temperature set by the thermostat, it won't switch off, but instead will send the heat to an 'overflow radiator' (usually in the bathroom). This can be a real energy waster, because you're heating your home when you don't need to be.
+If your boiler has a continuous pilot light. (This is the flame you can see burning through a small window on the front of some boilers.) This is a common feature on older boilers and it's a real waste of gas.
If your boiler is on the floor rather than on the wall, it is likely to be older and much less energy-efficient.
If your boiler is G-rated for energy efficiency it's a good idea to replace it. You can find out the energy efficiency rating of your boiler at www.boilers.org.uk .
If you want to sell your house or you're renovating your home a new boiler could add to its value.

Things to do before you buy a new boiler

Have your boiler serviced . A service will make sure that it's running properly and can eliminate lots of problems. Read our boiler maintenance tips for some simple measures you can take yourself to help your boiler run better.

A new boiler is a big investment, so it can take a while to make your money back in savings. Here are a few cheaper measures that you could take to cut your heating bill:

insulate your loft;
insulate your walls;
draught-proof your home;
insulate your windows;
get new heating controls - a new thermostat, thermostats (thermostat radiator valves of TRVs) on your radiators, a new timer, and new radiators could all help;
switch gas and electricity to make sure you're paying the lowest possible price;

Feed-in Tariff: get paid for generating green energy

2012-05-11 00:00:00 +0000

Use this guide to find out everything you need to know about the Feed-in Tariff.

Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) have dominated headlines and stirred no end of debate, but what's the fuss all about, what are the actual rates, and how does the scheme work?

What is the Feed-in Tariff scheme?

The Feed-in Tariff scheme - also known as FiTs or the Clean Energy Cashback scheme - means that people who generate their own green or renewable energy will be paid for doing so.

To qualify for the Feed-in Tariff figures quoted below, your house needs an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or higher.

If you have a lower EPC rating, or your system produces more than 4Kw, you'll be on a slightly different rate - visit the DECC website for more information.

Below is the table of Feed-in Tariffs for households that meet the criteria:

Feed-in Tariff per kWh	Date systems must be live by
15.44p	Before 31st January 2013

Feed-in Tariffs are already popular across Europe - in the Netherlands, for example, 40% of its electricity is generated through similar schemes. Currently, the UK only gets about 9.4%* of its electricity from renewable sources and the Feed-in Tariff scheme could help to increase this percentage.

How does the Feed-in Tariff work?

How the Feed-in Tariff works

You install solar panels or a wind turbine and start generating your own renewable energy.
You use the 'free' electricity you generate in your home, get paid for every unit you generate and buy any extra energy you need from your energy supplier.
You sell any extra electricity you're producing to the National Grid.

The amount you get paid for the electricity you generate will depend on what energy source you're using.

Tariffs are index-linked, which means they will track market prices and, depending on the type of technology you use to generate electricity, they're guaranteed for up to 20 years.

Is it possible to make money from the Feed-in Tariff scheme?

Yes. As well as cutting your electricity bills, you can earn a significant amount of money from the energy you generate. For example:

A 3kW system with 12 solar panels will generate 2575kWhs of electricity per year. A household can use up to 50% of the electricity the panels generate, making a saving of £185.
By signing up to the Feed-in Tariff, you will earn 15.44p for every unit of electricity generated (up to £397), plus £0.045 for every unit sold back to the Grid (£57) meaning total Feed-in tariff earnings of up to £455.
Over the 20 year lifetime of the Feed-in Tariff rate you'll generate an income of up to £12,819*.

What sources of renewable energy generation does the Feed-in Tariff scheme cover?

Wind power
Solar or photo voltaic power
Hydro Anaerobic digestion - plant and animal material is broken down by bacteria, which produces methane that can then be used to generate energy.
Domestic Micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) - this produces both heat and electricity from one process, and it's a more efficient way of using both fossil and renewable fuels.

The graphs below from Ofgem shows the total number of installations by technology type between April 2010 and March 2012:

If you've already got a solar panel/wind turbine, can you be part of the scheme?

Yes. The Feed-in Tariff scheme doesn't just apply to new installations. If you've installed a way of harvesting one of the kinds of renewable energy listed above since July 2009, you can join the scheme.

If you started generating your own electricity before July 2009, you can also be part of the scheme but at a lower tariff rate.

What about renewable heat generation - is that covered?

The generation of renewable heat through things like ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and air source heat pumps is not covered by the Feed-in Tariff scheme.

However, the DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) has announced that from April 2011, there will be incentives for renewable heat generation.

I want to switch suppliers, do I have to switch my Feed-in Tariff too?

No. You can continue to receive your Feed-in Tariff payment from your existing energy supplier when you switch energy provider.

More information about Feed-in Tariffs

Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS): an independent scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers. Any solar panels, wind turbines that you want to use for the Feed-In Tariff Scheme will have to be approved by the MCS and installed by a MCS-approved engineer.
For more information about getting involved in the Feed-In Tariff Scheme, you can also speak to your energy supplier.

*Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)

** A 3kW 12 solar panel system, with a tilt of 30 degrees, South facing, with no shading and a 0.8 constant (used to make the calculation accurate for UK conditions), will generate 2575.2 Kwhs of electricity per year. By signing up to the Feed-in Tariff, you can earn 15.44p for every unit of electricity generated (£397), plus 4.5p for every unit sold back to the Grid (£57) meaning total Feed-in Tariff earnings of £455. By adding together the savings on electricity and the earnings on the Feed-in Tariff, you get a total saving of £640. Over the 20 years of the feed-in tariff, this means total income of £12,819.

Energy-saving heating - tools and gadgets to help cut heating bills

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If you are looking for ways to save on your heating bills, there are a number of small purchases you can make in order to monitor and reduce your heating costs.

Here are 15 tools and gadgets to help you towards energy-saving heating at home

1. A digital thermometer

Digital thermometers that record the maximum and minimum temperature since last being reset can show you just how warm or cold different parts of your home are. This is basic tool that will help you to identify specific rooms in your home that need attention. On the basis of 'if you don't measure it, you can't manage it', thermometers are a good investment.

2. A plug-in thermostat

If you use an electric heater without thermostatic controls, your heater will continue to generate heat and use electricity even after a room is warm enough, which is a waste of energy and money. A plug-in thermostat can solve this. You plug the heater into the plug-in thermostat, which is in turn plugged into a power socket, rather like plugging an electrical device into a time switch. You can then set the temperature you want on the plug-in thermostat and once it hits that temperature, it cuts off power to the heater.

3. An electric blanket

Electric blankets can be a way of compensating for a chilly bedroom. Most electric blankets are designed to fit below the bottom sheet and they are typically used to pre-warm a bed. During this pre-warming phase they have a relatively high power consumption, around 100 watts for a double sized bed. Once you are in bed, an electric blanket must be turned down to the sleep setting, this setting uses about a quarter of the electricity, typically around 25 watts, which is equivalent to a couple of mid-power low energy light bulbs. However, many people turn the blanket off altogether once they get into bed.

One alternative to an electric blanket is a hot water bottle, although this is not necessarily more energy efficient, especially if you do turn the blanket off once you get into bed - which is a good habit to get into. Neither option should be a substitute for sufficient bedding, or an appropriately warmed bedroom. It's important to ensure that any bedroom is not too cold, especially if the sleeper is elderly, unwell or a young child.

4. A brass radiator key

A brass radiator key is a useful investment for bleeding your radiators, which releases the gases caught in a radiator causing it to be cold towards the top, and reducing its efficiency. It is worth paying extra to invest in a brass key, rather than buying a pressed steel one, as the latter tend to be easily broken. Many modern radiators don't have the standard square valve head, if that's the case you'll need a screwdriver as well. You can also fit an automatic radiator bleeder.

5. A shelf (yes, a shelf)

A shelf just above a radiator helps to throw heat forward from the radiator into the room, rather than letting it rise up to the ceiling. You can buy purpose-made radiator shelves, which clip easily onto most radiators.

6. Radiator reflector panels

Radiator reflector panels can stop heat being wasted from the back of a radiator into an external wall. They are especially useful in older homes where the walls are solid, which rules out the option of cavity wall insulation. You can buy radiator reflector panels or radiator foil, or you can make your own by cutting a piece of cardboard to size and covering it in the type of aluminium foil you use for cooking. You'll need a long stick and double-sided tape to attach them to the wall behind the radiator.

7. A Radiator Booster

A Radiator Booster sits on top of a radiator and helps circulate the heat. It can be used if the heat output from your radiator isn't enough for the size of the room, or the radiator isn't in an ideal position - for instance where furniture obstructs the 'convection' flow of air around it. If you can't easily replace the radiator or reposition it, then the booster can push warm air out more quickly. The radiator thermostat (TRV) or room thermostat (roomstat) can be turned down a degree or two, which should generate savings. The booster will only come on when its thermostat detects that the radiator is warm. If the radiator is on an external wall, particularly a wall without a cavity, losses through the wall should be reduced.

8. A carbon monoxide alarm

Getting rid of draughts and unnecessary ventilation is a key way of reducing wasted heat, saving money on your energy bills in the process.

A carbon monoxide alarm isn't energy-saving in itself, but you need to invest in one before you make any changes to reduce draughts or alter the ventilation in your home. This is in case you block a source of essential ventilation by mistake, such as for a fuel burning device that doesn't have a balanced flue, for example, an old boiler. It's a good idea to have an alarm anyway; carbon monoxide (CO) is highly toxic, but impossible to detect without an alarm as it is colourless, odourless and tasteless.

9. Expanding foam

There are a number of simple solutions to draughts. Expanding foam, which comes in an aerosol can, is useful for filling holes in brickwork. For example if you upgrade your boiler, any new boiler will have a balanced flue, meaning you no longer need an air-brick in an external wall in the area where the boiler is sited. So, the obsolete air-brick can be filled with expanding foam. One word of caution though, many gas fires still don't have balanced flues, so don't assume you can block up a room vent just because you are upgrading a gas fire. It's also important to keep clear any ventilation in roof spaces or under the level of floorboards.

10. Papier-mache

Another heat saving measure is to fill medium-sized gaps in floorboards with papier-mache - this is easy to make, you just mix wet wallpaper paste with torn newspaper - which is easy to press into the gaps, it's a very effective and inexpensive solution, assuming you're not intending to expose the floorboards as a feature.

11. Sealant

Smaller gaps that allow draughts can be filled using sealant. This is sold in a tube, you may need a simple steel caulking gun, or the sealant may be packaged so you can use it without one. It works well to fill gaps around skirting boards and window frames.

12. A letterbox flap

A letterbox flap to keep out draughts at your front door is another inexpensive investment, especially useful if the outer flap doesn't fit or return to its position very well.

13. Draught seals

Ill-fitting doors and windows can be a source of draughts. There are a variety of draught seals or sealing strips that can be used around doors and windows in order to reduce draughts and stop the unnecessary loss of warm air.

14. Curtains

Windows and doors will also benefit from heavy or lined curtains, especially if they are only single glazed.

15. A chimney balloon

A chimney balloon blocks the cold air that falls down a chimney, as well as preventing internal warm air from being drawn up the chimney when it is not in use. The balloon can be deflated and taken out of the fireplace as and when you need to use it. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, and don't have plans to use your fireplace at all, it is best to get a qualified tradesman to cap the chimney at the top and shut it off at the bottom, as this will be more energy-efficient.

Energy Efficient Heating

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Boiler types: get all the information you need on boilers

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Whatever type of boiler you're thinking of buying or if you just want to find out more about the one you have, our boiler guide will help.

When chosing which boiler is best for your home, you first need choose which type. There are three main types of boiler: combi, system and conventional.

Combi boilers

Combination boilers - more commonly known as combi boilers - are the most popular kind in the UK and provide heat and hot water with no need for water tanks or cylinders.

Pros

you get unlimited heat and hot water when you need it.
there's no need for a tank in your loft.
they don't take up much space.

Cons

The water pressure might be reduced if you need hot water from more than one tap at a time.

Suitable for

Almost any home, but best for homes where lots of people won't need lots of hot water at the same time.

System boilers

System boilers - also known as sealed system - come with a water cylinder (which usually sits in an airing cupboard) and no water tank.

Pros

there's no need for a tank in your loft.
you can get hot water from multiple taps at the same time.

Cons

you don't get hot water instantly.
the hot water can run out and you'll have to wait for it to reheat.
you need to find room for the cylinder somewhere.

Suitable for

Homes which need to have hot water in more than one place at the same time.

Conventional boilers

Conventional boilers - also known as open vent or regular boilers - have both a cylinder and a tank.

Pros

You can get hot water from multiple taps at the same time.

Cons

the hot water can run out and you'll have to wait for it to reheat.
you need to find room for the cylinder and the tank.

Suitable for

Homes which need to have hot water in more than one place at the same time.

Condensing boilers

Condensing boilers aren't strictly a boiler type - instead it's an attribute your boiler can have, e.g. you can have a condensing combi boiler or a condensing conventional boiler.

Condensing boilers are very energy efficient because they capture some of the heat which would escape from the flue of a non-condensing boiler and re-use it. This means they get more heat from the same amount of fuel, which will save you money on your heating bills.

All new gas boilers have had to be condensing since 2005 (although in exceptional circumstances non-condensing boilers are allowed).

Energy-efficient boilers

All new boilers are energy-efficient - since 2010 all new boilers must be A-rated for energy efficiency, or at least 88% efficient.

The energy efficiency rating system for boilers is called SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK). All boilers are assessed and given a rating to help you pick a boiler that is energy-efficient, or see how efficient your existing boiler is.

Easy ways to break the standby habit: save on your energy bills

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Although it is hard to measure just how much energy leaving things on standby actually uses, it's estimated to make up about 8% of the average electricity bill. That's a lot of electricity (and money) wasted.

So, if you're looking to save on your energy bills, here is one area that you can easily make a difference in, just by changing your habits.

The worst standby offenders

The main culprits are stereos, followed by TVs and games consoles. Games consoles are particularly bad - they remain in idle mode when they're not in use, consuming almost the same power as when you are playing a game.

With the exception of a set-top box, (which needs to have constant power to download information from digital transmissions and for the series link recordings), all other electronic equipment should be switched off at the socket when not in use. An easy way to do this is to have a TV and its peripheral equipment (except the set-top box) on the same multi-socket extension so it can all be switched off in one go.

If you use a desktop computer, one way to ensure you keep your energy usage to a minimum is to set up the 'sleep' mode in your preferences - setting a time delay of ten minutes of inactivity tends to work well for most people. Sleep mode uses just a few watts of energy, which is in sharp contrast to using a screensaver, which consumes almost the same energy as having your computer monitor in full use.

Of course, when you have finished using your computer it is still a good idea to switch it off at the socket, as well as any peripheral equipment such as printers and scanners; if these are all set up on the same multi-socket it is simple to switch them all off in one go.

One other setting you need to set up is linked to your back-up system; if your computer is switched off the back-up will not run, but if you make sure you set up your preferences to "run task as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed" then any back-up will take place immediately you turn on your computer.

Laptops are more energy efficient than desktop computers, but a mistake many people make is charging them unnecessarily, or leaving them constantly on charge.

The same thing often happens with your mobile phone too. On average they take two hours to charge, but many people leave them on charge overnight, wasting electricity in the process.

As a general rule of thumb, if a gadget isn't in use, then the best policy is to switch it off at the wall. So, if you aren't watching the TV, switch it off completely, don't switch it to standby, and definitely don't just leave it on!

Breaking the standby habit

If you're finding the standby habit hard to break, there are some standby saver devices that can make it easier.

For instance, remote control devices that allow you to switch off all appliances in one go when you leave the house, or intelligent energy-saving plugs and switches that turn off multiple but related devices at the same time. Although, using a switchable multi-socket extension lead could be a good way to simplify your set-up for related gadgets, making it easier to switch things off - if you do go for this option, choose one with surge protection, it's a good additional feature that will protect your equipment from any mains spikes.

A final word on switching things off that is worth a mention is lights. If you leave a room then get into the habit of switching the lights off, a small act, but one that over time will save on your electricity bill.

Standby Savers

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Solar panels information

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Solar panels are a great way of cutting your electricity bills - find out whether your home is suitable.

What are solar panels?

Solar panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which turn sunlight into electricity. This electricity can then be fed into your home's mains electricity supply.

Is it sunny enough for them to work in the UK?

Yes. Solar panels don't need direct sunshine - they even work in cloudy or overcast weather.

Is my home suitable for solar panels?

The following questions will help you work out if your home could be suitable for solar panels:

Do you own your home?
If you rent your home you can't install solar panels, unless you negotiate this with your landlord. If your property is leasehold, you'll need to get permission from the freeholder.
Do you live in a flat?
If you live in a basement or mid-floor flat then solar probably won't be the right solution for you.
What direction does your roof face?
South-facing roofs tend to be the best, but some schemes accept other roofs.
Is your roof in the shade?
Heavily-shaded roofs aren't ideal.
How big is your roof?
There are different solutions for different sized roofs, but the more space you have, the better.
Do you live in a listed building, or a conservation area?
Regulations can sometimes pose a problem.

Remember, there are exceptions to every rule, so the best way to check if solar is right for you is to get in touch with the company in question. They'll talk you through your options and do a survey if necessary.

Will the quality of my electricity suffer?

No. You won't notice any difference. If the panels aren't producing much electricity, you'll just use electricity from the Grid instead.

Do I have to switch the panels on each day?

No. They're always on.

How long do solar panels last for?

Solar panels usually have a 25-year manufacturers' performance guarantee and you should get another 10 to 15 years of use beyond this.

The inverter - the piece of equipment that converts the Direct Current produced by the panels to Alternating Current on which the grid runs - needs replacing after about 12 to 15 years.

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

You generally don't need planning consent for solar panels. However, if you live in a conservation area or a listed building you should check first. Also, if you're your solar panels would be visible from the roadside of the property you made need to apply for planing permission.

It's best to check with your local council planning officer if you're not sure.

How can I be sure I'm using the free electricity?

You won't notice the difference between using your free electricity and using electricity from the Grid, and you won't even notice the transition.

Can I still switch my gas and electricity supplier?

Yes, you can still switch your gas and electricity supplier if you have solar panels.

You will continue to receive your Feed-in Tariff rate from the same supplier, but your gas and electricity will come from your new supplier.

How can I make the most of the free electricity from my solar panels?

To make sure you use as much of the free electricity from your solar panels as possible you need to try and use more electricity during the day, when your panels are producing electricity.

You could try:

Putting the washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher on during the day.
Charging mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets during the day and using their battery power at night.
Using an electric slow cooker to cook your food during the day.

How does this work with my existing gas and electricity supplier?

Nothing will change, except that you'll pay less for your bills. You can stay with your existing energy supplier, who will take readings from your meter as normal and bill you as usual.

Central heating systems: what kinds of central heating are on offer?

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Thinking about a new central heating system, or just want more information on the one you have? Read this guide.

Your central heating system plays an important role in your home - keeping you supplied with the heat and hot water that make life so much more comfortable. But what systems are available and how do they work?

What types of central heating systems are available?
How does a wet central heating system work?
What type of fuel is used in a boiler?
What is the difference between a combi boiler and a conventional boiler?
My home is heated via a district heating system, how does this work?
I've heard that ground source heat pumps are environmentally friendly, but will they lower my energy bills?
How does a warm air system work?
How does a storage heating system work?

What types of central heating systems are available?

Central heating is a way of providing warmth in your home from, as the name suggests, one central source. Central heating systems broadly fall into one of the following types:

'wet systems' involving a boiler/heat exchanger and radiators
warm air system
storage heaters

How does a wet central heating system work?

With a 'wet system' hot water circulates through a system of pipes that connect to the radiators throughout a house. At the centre of the system, a boiler burns a fuel - or sometimes there is a 'heat exchanger' and this heats the water that feeds the network of pipes. 'Wet systems' are the most popular form of heating system in the UK.

Radiators, despite their name, do not just give off radiant heat, in fact they deliver most of their heat through convection; air warmed by the radiator naturally rises, and cool air falls relative to it, as a result the warmed air circulates and the 'space' in a room is warmed.

The pipework may also be connected to a hot water cylinder (tank), which will provide a supply of hot water for bathing and washing.

What type of fuel is used in a boiler?

The most common fuel used in boilers is natural gas, followed by heating oil, and occasionally liquid petroleum gas ( LPG). Although rare, some boilers burn coal (usually in the form of coal pellets) or biomass (usually in the form of wood chips). Electric boilers are also available.

New gas (and oil) boilers have to be of around 90% efficiency or higher (an A or B energy efficiency rating) and generally use condensing technology to achieve this. If your boiler is more than fifteen years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a new energy-efficient one.

What is the difference between a combi boiler and a conventional boiler?

As well as taking care of your heating needs, combi boilers provide instant hot water. They have the advantage of freeing up space in a home, because there's no need for a hot water cylinder (tank) like there is with a conventional boiler.

In most cases, heating water instantly is more energy-efficient than 'stored' hot water systems. However, the flow of hot water is slower than if it was coming from a cylinder, so a bath will take longer to run. Some combi boilers can in any case also heat water in a cylinder.

Modern boilers generally no longer have tanks in the loft to 'pressurise' the system through gravity. Instead they are sealed systems, and typically only require manual topping up from the mains water supply when the internal pressure has dropped (usually because of tiny leaks). This is a simple operation that takes a few seconds, and involves opening a valve on a pipe below the boiler.

My home is heated via a district heating system, how does this work?

In some areas, notably Nottingham, a centralised district heating source will deliver hot water via a series of underground pipes to a number of homes simultaneously, removing the need for a domestic boiler. This mains hot water then circulates around the pipes within the home to provide heating and hot water. The attraction of this type of system is its energy efficiency and low carbon footprint, and for the consumer it means lower energy bills.

I've heard that ground source heat pumps are environmentally friendly, but will they lower my energy bills?

A ground source heat pump works on the same principle that fridges and air conditioning systems work on - making one place cooler while making another place warmer - or the other way around. If you consider how warm the back of a fridge gets, while the inside of it gets cold, then you begin to get an idea of how this system works.

Ground source heat pumps, fuelled by electricity, work by making the earth outside a home colder, by running a refrigerant fluid through pipes that are buried in a trench or a borehole, while delivering warmth at the heat exchanger indoors . That heat is transferred to the water running through the pipes inside a house to warm radiators and provide hot water.

Ground source heat pumps typically reach temperatures of around 50°C, which is significantly lower than with a boiler, which can reach a temperature as high 90°C (although it's recommended that you set the temperature lower than this). So, you will need to run a heat pump for longer to achieve the same level of comfort, and it tends to work better with underfloor heating, rather than radiators. Although much more expensive to install, they can be as cheap to run as gas central heating. they are a good option to consider if you live off the gas network.

How does a warm air system work?

Warm air systems were sometimes installed in the sixties and seventies in the UK, but continue to be popular in North America. Air is heated by a boiler, typically fuelled with natural gas, and fed via ducts to rooms around the home . The warm air enters the room via a floor or wall vent.

In commercial buildings, variations on warm air systems are still in widespread use, although they typically also serve as a cooling (air conditioning) system.

In most homes, warm air systems have been replaced with 'wet' systems, which are generally more comfortable and efficient.

How does a storage heating system work?

The principle of a storage heater is that it contains bricks capable of storing large amounts of heat. These are heated overnight using the off-peak electricity on Economy 7 and, on Economy 10 tariffs, during two shorter periods during the day. This heat is then gradually released the following day.

Storage heating systems, although consisting primarily of individual storage heaters, typically rely on a separate wiring system within the home for cheaper off-peak (Economy 7 or Economy 10) electricity, so can still to some extent be described as a 'centralised' system. The same wiring typically will also be used to heat a hot water cistern (tank).

A storage heater normally has at least two controls, one for controlling how much electricity is used, which will determine how much heat is generated for storage, and another for controlling how much heat is released. This means that if you're out during the day, you can delay the release of the heat until you return in the evening. More advanced storage heaters also have thermostatic controls.

Unlike older storage heaters, which took up a lot of space, modern ones use bricks with much greater heat storage capability, and are far more streamlined.

In some cases, storage heaters can also serve as direct electric heaters, providing heat directly from electricity without going through the storage stage. Typically they will use peak rate electricity for this. Often homes that rely on storage heaters will also have separate electric heaters to supplement heating needs; again peak rate electricity will be used to top up in this way.

Central heating insurance

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Central heating insurance offers you the security of having your boiler and gas central heating maintained regularly and someone carrying out repairs if it breaks down.

Your own energy supplier may offer this but you can compare prices to get the right deal for you.

What central heating cover is right for me?

Prices and what exactly is covered varies hugely. Your options will depend on the type of system you have and the extent of cover and central heating maintenance you are looking for. There is also a limited range of products for older systems. Our comparison service will show you all your options, including gas boiler insurance.

What isn't covered?

Again, what isn't included will depend on the kind of plan you choose. You may find that some impose limits on the amount you can claim per year/per claim, or some do not cover things like scale damage or safety inspections and annual services. Luckily, finding this information is easy on the uSwitch boiler cover comparison service, which will allow you to compare the details of gas boiler cover plans.

Central heating cover for your gas central heating boiler

If you have a standard gas boiler, you should look for central heating cover that covers some or all of the following:

Repairs to your boiler - parts and labour
A contribution towards the replacement of a system if it is considered beyond repair (normally with a limit)
A certain or unlimited number of claims in a set year
Annual service

Central heating cover for your electric boiler

If you have an electric boiler, you should look for central heating cover that includes some or all of the following features:

Repairs to your boiler: parts
A guaranteed service in the event of an emergency
A contribution towards the replacement of a system if it is considered beyond repair (normally with a limit)
A certain or unlimited number of claims in a set year
A helpline number

Comparing central heating cover is easy with uSwitch

As you'll see, there are lots of different central heating cover plans available to choose from. To make the decision process easier, use our boiler cover comparison service now, and find a deal that matches your requirements.

Learn more about Boiler care

Window insulation: information on professional and DIY options

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If your windows only have single glazing, then it's likely that you'll be suffering up to 20% heat loss through them.

Windows and doors account for a significant portion of heat loss, so any measures you can take to prevent this happening are worthwhile, and will save on your energy bills.

Read this guide for essential information about window insulation.

How much heat is lost through windows?

If your windows only have single glazing, then it's likely that you'll be suffering up to 20% heat loss through them. Windows and doors account for a significant portion of heat loss, so any measures you can take to prevent this happening are worthwhile, and will save on your energy bills.

What can I do to prevent heat loss through windows?

One obvious measure is to replace windows and doors, including frames, with double - or triple - glazing. This takes care of heat loss through the windows and resolves any issues with draughts as well. But, this can be very expensive, especially if you opt for uPVC frames. The cost can run into several thousand pounds and it will take decades to recover this in savings on your bills. There are other advantages though, especially the fact that there's no need to paint uPVC window frames, which saves on maintenance costs as well.

How does double glazing work?

Double glazing achieves heat savings by, as the name suggests, having two panes of glass several millimeters apart. This works best if there's a vacuum between the panes, or some manufacturers use a special gas instead, often argon. This is known as a sealed unit. Sometimes having a deeper and accessible cavity of up to 100mm or more is an option, the larger gap protects against external noise such as aircraft and traffic, and some suppliers offer triple glazing sealed units.

What types of window frame are available?

In the past, window frames were typically metal, but nowadays the choice is between softwood, hardwood and uPVC. uPVC, or plastic, windows generally contain steel for strength. There are also composite windows, although these are not nearly as popular as composite doors. Composite windows and doors consist of an inner, which is usually wood; this is coated with a protective layer not unlike uPVC to protect it from the weather. It is a low maintenance option as it doesn't need painting, but comes in a grain effect, which gives it the appearance of wood, rather than the simple flat finish of uPVC, and it's generally available in a variety of colours.

Does the energy efficiency rating apply to windows?

There's an A to G energy efficiency rating system that applies specifically to windows, look for the BFRC energy efficiency label and ensure you use an authorised retailer. It's worth remembering, however, that some uPVC doors and window frames are no more energy-efficient than wooden ones, and the inefficiency of old windows and doors has much to do with the glazing and draughts as with the material that the frames and non-glazed panels are made of. But, if you're set on having completely new window frames, consider triple glazing or low-emissivity (Low-E) double glazing. (This is glass with a special coating, it has better thermal performance than normal glass).

Should I change the size of the opening casements in my windows?

As we said earlier, replacing your windows is an expensive business. But, don't make the mistake that many people do, which is to find ways to cut the cost by reducing the number of opening casements, or by specifying fewer and larger opening casements. This creates security and ventilation issues.

Larger opening casements make it harder to have a suitably low level of ventilation, and if they are accidentally left open, they create more of a security risk. Having said that, it's a good idea to have at least one larger opening casement in each room, as this can be used as a means of escape if there is an emergency.

How do I know my double glazing is working?

From time to time sealed units can fail and will need replacing. Failure usually shows up as condensation or droplets between the two panes of glass. Most suppliers offer a guarantee - usually 10 years - and will replace windows free of charge if they fail within the guarantee period.

Will I be able to fit double glazing if I live in a conservation area?

If you live in a conservation area or in a listed building it is best to discuss any plans you have with your local conservation or planning officer as there are restrictions, and these may vary from area to area. uPVC replacement windows are typically not allowed though.

You may be able to replace your existing pieces of glass with sealed units, if your frames can accommodate them. Slim units are now available that are suitable for use in many original window frames without the need for replacements. These can have an overall thickness of as little as 12mm with a gas filled cavity and 5mm perimeter seal designed to fit into Georgian style windows to maintain the visually slim glazing bars. A traditional glazer should be able to provide and fit them.

Secondary double glazing is another option, and one which is often overlooked. It's also a potential DIY option, and a strong option for use in conservation areas, as well as locations that suffer from noise pollution, such as under an aircraft flight path or near a main road. The basic concept is to put up a second wall of glazing on the indoor side of the existing pane. Some systems are designed so you can remove them in the summer months, for instance secondary double glazing panes that are held in place with Velcro or magnetic fasteners.

Is double glazing my only option to prevent heat loss?

Double glazing is just one option. There are alternatives, and some are cheaper. For many of the options the services of a joiner or handyman might be needed, but to save money, many of them can be carried out as DIY solutions. Read on for some options.

What about temporary 'glazing' in winter?

Putting one of the temporary but purpose-made transparent films - a polymer membrane - on your windows is one way to create a very cheap form of double glazing. Alternatively, products like Ecoease secondary glazing attach to your windows with strong magnetic strips, so you can remove them when the weather gets warmer. Generally, you don't need many tools to do this, although a hairdryer is usually one of them - this creates the heat to make the film shrink until it's taut and smooth. You will also need double-sided tape - which is normally provided with the product - to adhere the film to the indoor side of the window frame.

Will curtains help prevent heat loss?

Yes, curtains are a very good option for preventing heat loss, as long as you remember to close them at night during cold periods. You could either buy heavy-duty curtains or buy linings for your existing ones - thermal linings are available for extra insulation. Some people even have two pairs and use one on top of the other, but make sure your curtain rail is securely attached to the wall before you consider this. And, don't let your curtains hang over a radiator, as this will stop the heat from radiating to warm the room.

In bedrooms, heavy curtains, or thermal/black out linings in lighter curtains, also have the advantage of blocking out the light on summer mornings, so you're not woken up when the sun rises. Find out how to put up a curtain pole.

What can I do if my windows let in draughts?

Strip insulation for doors and windows is a sensible and inexpensive option to prevent draughts. There are a wide variety of draught strips now available, and you should be able to find ones which will stop the cold air seeping or blowing in between your opening casements and the fixed window pane. Also, check that around the frame, and around non-opening casements, there are no gaps where the cold air is getting in and the warm air is escaping. You can use a sealant around frames and putty to seal around the glass.

What about keeping cool in summer?

Insulation isn't just about keeping your home warm when it's cold outside, it's also about keeping it cool when it's hot outside. External shutters are rare in the UK, but popular in France and other southern European countries. These provide added security, and protect against over-heating in summer.

Is it more energy-efficient to hand-wash dishes or use a dishwasher?

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Are dishwashers a greener option than washing the dishes by hand?

Unfortunately, there's no absolute proof as to whether hand-washing your dishes or using a dishwasher is more energy-efficient, in terms of either the amount of water or electricity used. However, there's plenty you can do to make sure you're using less energy whichever way you choose to do the dishes.

Read on for tips to help you save energy whether you wash your dishes by hand or use a machine and to find out more about picking an energy-efficient dishwasher.

Three tips for using your dishwasher efficiently

Use the economy or eco programme.
Wait until your dishwasher is full before putting it on.
If your dishwasher has a time delay, and you have Economy 7, set it up to come on during the night and take advantage of cheaper rate electricity.

Dishwashers have other advantages over hand washing; they save time and are very hygienic .

If you don't have a dishwasher, and rely on hand washing, here are some tips to make sure you are as energy-efficient as possible:

Four tips for energy-efficient washing-up

Pre-soak all heavily soiled dishes in a bowl, rather than rinsing them under the tap before you start your washing-up.
Always wash your dishes in a bowl, rather than washing under a running tap.
Have a second bowl for rinsing - again, don't rinse dishes under a running tap.

Should I replace my existing dishwasher?

Modern dishwashers, like modern washing machines, are cold-fill only, which makes them far more energy-efficient than older models.

If you have an older style machine that takes in hot water, it may well be time to update it.

Choosing an energy-efficient dishwasher

The more energy-efficient a dishwasher, the more expensive it tends to be due to the extra features, but the upfront cost can be offset over time by the savings you make in running the machine. So, check the energy efficiency label before you buy - an A-rated machine will be the most energy-efficient and the cheapest to run.

Dishwashers come in many sizes, so it makes sense to choose the size that best suits your needs. Full-sized dishwashers are the most energy and water-efficient, and this will be reflected in their energy rating, but this efficiency is based on filling the machine to capacity.

For a single person this may not be practical and a compact or slimline dishwasher may be more appropriate. Your choice will also depend, of course, on the size of your kitchen and the space you have available.

Wall insulation types: find out about different wall insulation

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

All you need to know about different wall insulation types.

What type of wall have I got?

The first question you should ask yourself, before thinking about wall insulation, is 'what type of wall have I got?'

Solid walls were built up until the 1930s in most parts of the UK. By 'solid', it means that there is no cavity inside them. A solid wall's brick pattern is recognisable by having lots of end bricks, which look like half-length bricks, in the middle of walls (i.e. not near ends of walls and not near windows and doors). These are in fact mainly cross bricks, which run from the front to the back of a wall. Therefore the depth of a wall - ignoring any plaster on the interior surface - is a brick's length, about nine niches.
Cavity walls consist of an inner leaf an outer leaf, and a gap in between. Ties, which depending on the era are made of metal or plastic, hold what is effectively two walls together. The brick pattern shows many more full length bricks. Obviously the depth of the wall is greater, as most cavities measure at least two inches.

There are some other types of construction, such as timber frame and no fines, but these are comparatively rare. 'No fines' homes were more often built by local authorities in the 1940s and 1950s for council housing, and can be treated as solid wall for insulation purposes, although (uninsulated) they perform a lot better than older solid wall properties.

Cavity walls lose less heat than solid walls, and are much easier to insulate.

Some parts of the country are fortunate in having relatively old homes with cavity walls e.g. North East England. Unfortunately for the East Midlands, solid wall construction continued into the 1950s.

Obviously the more external walls you have, the more heat loss you will experience. So a detached house loses more heat than a mid-terrace one, for instance. Also, some old homes with solid external walls may have extensions built with cavity walls.

Cavity walls and cavity wall insulation

It is not unusual for people to investigate getting cavity wall insulation when they already have it installed.

Homes built in the last couple of decades are likely to have had insulation put in the cavities when they were built. Otherwise, you may be able to tell if you've already got cavity wall insulation by looking through the papers handed over to you when you bought your home. Cavity wall insulation often has a 20-25 year guarantee. If you live in a low level block of flats, insulation installed by the owner of a flat above or below will also have insulated your property, as the cavity needs to fill from the bottom upwards.

Physically you can check whether you have cavity wall insulation by looking for drill holes, at about waist height, between bricks, at about one metre or one metre and a half intervals, all around the outside of your home. These will have been refilled with mortar (cement) but may show up as a slightly different colour. Another check is to go into your loft and see if you can take a look at the tops of the walls. It's not always possible but sometimes you can see them, and it is likely that some insulation will have spilled out of an open cavity.

When you make enquiries about cavity wall insulation, you will be asked about the type and age of your home.

Also, you will probably be advised as to the likelihood of your property having cavity wall insulation. As a final check, a surveyor will check your property is suitable for cavity wall insulation before any firm arrangements are made to install it.

There are a very few situations where cavity wall insulation cannot be installed in a cavity wall. This is where the wall is in very poor condition and will allow in damp (and therefore should be repaired), combined with being in a very wet and windy, usually coastal, location.

The arguments in favour of cavity wall insulation are considerable, especially currently, as it is available either subsidised or for free (for those on certain benefits), under the current grant regime. Those who install it generally experience a noticeable improvement in warmth and reduction in bills.

Occasionally rather questionable stories circulate about cavity wall insulation potentially causing condensation on the interior surface of an external wall, because a patch of wall was missed during installation. This should be put right under the insurance-backed 25 year guarantee. The cause of the damp - the real problem - should be put right, as it will also cause condensation on windows, doors and any other surfaces that aren't as heat retentive as the insulated cavity wall.

The problem is likely to be caused by activity in the home, such as drying clothes indoors, cooking on the hob with the heat turned up too high or without putting lids on pans, using a gas oven without sufficient ventilation for the water vapour produced to escape, or generally insufficient ventilation in the kitchen or bathroom. Another story relates to damp getting in from outside, but here the problem is with an unrepaired wall, not with the insulation itself.

Energy-saving measure	Average cost	% saved on fuel bill	Money saved per year	Payback period (years)
Cavity wall insulation (100% funded by a grant)	£0	19.3%	£135	0.0
Cavity wall insulation (partly funded by a grant)	£49	19.3%	£135	0.36
Cavity wall insulation	£350	19.3%	£135	2.6

Solid wall insulation

If you have solid external walls, you have two options for insulating them:

Internal insulation, known as insulated dry lining, and external insulation (or insulating cladding). Insulated dry lining can be a do-it-yourself project but external insulation would not generally be a DIY option.
External insulation has the advantage of completely covering the facade of a home. Internal insulation is generally only installed within rooms. That leaves the opportunity for heat to seep out through other routes, e.g. via the voids between ceilings and floors, or in internal walls, and into the external walls, and then of course into the outside world. This escape of heat is known as the bridging effect.

External solid wall insulation

External insulation generally involves a wooden lattice being fixed to the exterior of the wall to hold some kind of solid insulation in place, and render or cladding over the top. There's a wide variety of finishes, including brick and stone 'slips', so there will be one to suit most tastes or circumstances.

It will add to the depth of your walls, so in some cases passageways and driveways will become narrower. Guttering and exterior drain pipes will probably need to be shifted outwards. There may also be the issues of the new exterior projecting over the public highway, or a home looking out of place in a terrace.

External insulation will usually radically alter the appearance of your home.

As a result you may need planning permission, so check with your local council. Windows will also change in appearance somewhat, as the insulation needs to wrap round into the window recess, to avoid the bridging effect.

This kind of insulation is sometimes done when there is a need to repair an existing render. It can also help greatly with protecting walls, although problems with damp should be put right first (e.g. with damp-proofing). External insulation of walls costs several thousand pounds. The savings each year on heating bills will be considerable but it could still take more than twenty years to recover the cost. Therefore, the work is often best done during major refurbishments or during major repairs to the walls of a home.

Internal solid wall insulation

Internal solid wall insulation, or insulated dry lining, can also be costly but there is the opportunity to 'do it yourself'. This brings down the 'payback period' by a very great extent. If it's done professionally, there will be disruption - much more than with external insulation - and it will probably take well over a decade to recover the costs.

Insulated dry lining involves placing usually solid insulation against the inner side of a solid external wall, usually held in place with a wooden lattice. The lattice provides a mounting for plaster-boards, which go over the insulation.

However just behind the plasterboard there will also be a vapour membrane, to prevent condensation (interstitial condensation) occurring inside the wall and insulation structure, as a result of warm moist air in the house entering into parts of the structure which will of course be cooler, the further it gets. Sometimes special plasterboards backed with a vapour membrane are used, but this involves sealing the joins between the boards with specialist vapour impermeable adhesive tape, to prevent the warm moist air getting through at the joins.

Radiators, power and aerial sockets, shelves and other structures on the wall will need to be re-mounted on the new plasterboard.

Because of the vapour membrane, which can be punctured, you can't put up shelves and picture hooks, etc. at a later date. Any work that might involve going through the membrane such as putting in new or extra power sockets, or mounting a new radiator, will also damage the membrane. Either the work should be avoided or the membrane re-sealed as part of the work. It is sensible to do the work as part of the fitting of the internal insulation.

Internal solid wall insulation costs around £5,500, but could cut your heating bill by almost 63.6% or up to £445 a year.

The right amount of ventilation can save you energy! Find out how

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

There’s a delicate balance between too much and too little ventilation.

Ventilation is important: it prevents rot occurring in roof-spaces, under-floor voids and other unseen building cavities; it lets in oxygen, which you need for solid fuel, gas and bottled gas fires to use in the burning process; and it also lets out carbon dioxide, water vapour and fumes which you don’t want in your home.

Choosing the right amount of ventilation will ensure you don’t pay more than you need to for your energy bills, as too much ventilation can lead to unnecessary heat loss.

When to ventilate

In most parts of the home, if you have your heating on then your windows should be closed.

The vast majority of homes get enough ventilation through natural air leakage. This low level of ventilation takes away carbon dioxide and water vapour caused by people breathing and from activities such as drying clothes, and replaces it with air that has higher oxygen content.

Ventilation or air leakage will also take away odours, help to remove excess moisture in the air and reduce the likelihood of condensation on surfaces.

Generally speaking, if you need to leave your windows open – other than in rooms where there is a likelihood of damp air, such as kitchens and bathrooms – it’s a sign that the heating system is producing too much heat.

With central heating, this may be because the thermostat is set too high or a thermostatic radiator valve is set too high in a particular room. There could also be a fault with the heating system, such as a broken thermostat.

In kitchens and bathrooms, you should only open the windows for short periods, as too much ventilation will make the room colder.

Warmer air can hold more moisture and warmer surfaces are less likely to get condensation on them. Therefore, the need to ventilate away damp air needs to be balanced with allowing too much warm air out and too much cold air in.

Energy-saving tips for TVs, computers and laptops from uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Energy-saving tips for your TV, computer and laptop, which could help you cut what you spend on electricity.

In an average home, the TV, DVD player, set-top box etc account for around 8% of the energy bill, while computers, laptops and printers make up another 5%.

Seven energy-saving tips for your TV

Switch off your TV when you're not watching, this will do more to reduce energy use than anything else.
Manufacturers have improved standby efficiency - in most new TVs energy usage is typically below 1 watt - so this is an option if you have a new TV, but if you have an older model, this mode may be using energy unnecessarily.

Switching to standby is better than leaving your TV on, but it's still more energy-efficient to switch it off completely.
Make sure the brightness of your TV is right for your room as the factory settings are typically brighter than necessary.

Also make sure you switch on the ambient light sensor - if you're viewing your TV in a darker room with the sensor switched on it can dramatically reduce power consumption by adjusting the contrast of the picture automatically.
If you're listening to the radio through your TV, make sure you use the radio screen blanking feature - it's a handy way to save energy.
If you're buying a new TV, think about the size and type of screen you choose. An energy-efficient 32-inch LCD will typically use half the power of a model with a 42-inch plasma screen.

In general, the smaller your TV, the less it will cost you to run.
Rather than using the normal viewing setting on your TV, switch it to energy-saving mode, this usually dims the backlight which means the power consumption should drop by a third.
If you're buying a new TV, look for the energy-saving Trust recommended label, that way you can be sure you are buying a TV with optimised energy-saving features.

Energy-saving tips for your computer or laptop

A laptop is more energy-efficient than a desktop and monitor set-up.
Laptops, desktops and monitors are becoming increasingly energy-efficient, especially when you compare LCD or LED monitors with the old-style tube or CRT monitors.
Newer machines also have reasonably good power options, so they switch on and power down fairly quickly, making it less tempting to just leave your computer on unnecessarily.
Computers effectively use similar power whether they are busy or idle. If you leave them doing nothing, they are using almost as much as if they are number crunching or accessing information, that's why 'sleep' mode is so useful.
Use your power-saving setting: these are usually found in your computer preferences, and there are normally two options, either sleep or hibernate mode, both will turn off the monitor within a specified number of minutes of inactivity - with an old tube/CRT monitor energy usage may fall by half.
Don't forget to switch off your computer and any peripheral devices, such as your printer and scanner, overnight. Check your back-up settings and make sure it is set up to run as soon as your computer is switched on again (in case your computer is switched off at the designated time).

Should I turn off the boiler and water-heating in summer?

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Turning off the heating in summer is usual for most people, but what about turning off your boiler altogether?

Depending on your home and lifestyle, you might be able to cut your energy bills by switching off your boiler and relying on other sources for your hot water.

Read on to find out if turning off your boiler for the summer is a good idea.

Is turning off the boiler the right choice?

If you have an old boiler – especially one with a continuously burning pilot light – it may well be worth turning off the boiler in the months when it’s not used for heating the home.

Even if you have a more modern boiler, you may want to switch it off if the water cistern is not a modern one coated with polystyrene.

If you have an electric shower – and don’t take baths during the summer – and a dishwasher, only water used at the kitchen sink and in a bathroom hand-basin would need to be heated.

Old washing machines and dishwashers with hot fill – where the machine uses water heated by your boiler – are still able to heat up cold water to the appropriate temperature for internal use, and modern machines which are cold fill only will not need any external hot water.

However, it’s always best to run your central heating and hot water occasionally during the summer. If you don’t, the pump and diverter valve that circulates the fluid round the radiators and to the hot water cistern can become seized up. If this happens, they could fail when you finally turn the heating back on in the autumn.

Save energy for under £2500: suggestions and advice from uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Spending large amounts of money on ways to save energy can be daunting, but the rewards can be significant.

As well as savings on your gas and electricity bills, in many cases, spending money on energy-saving in your home will also improve your property value.

From replacing an old boiler, to considering whether to generate your own alternative energy such as through wind power, here's some advice on how to make sure that your investment is worthwhile.

1. Energy-saving glazing

Installing double glazing could save you around £130 a year on your heating bills.

Double glazing traps air between two panes of glass. This creates an insulating barrier which means that heat loss reduces, as well as noise and condensation.

Find out more about window insulation.

2. Insulating solid walls

Though there are grants available for insulating cavity walls, grants for insulating solid walls are harder to find. A typical investment in insulation for solid walls might come to about £1,500.

You can either insulate your walls with external or internal insulation. In this case, the savings are significant; you could save around £320 a year on your energy bills.

Find out more about wall insulation types.

3. A wind turbine

Depending on the location of your home, and the level of wind you are exposed to, a wind turbine could be a smart investment for your property - a successful wind turbine may even make you enough energy to sell back to the grid.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, "recent monitoring of a range of small domestic wind systems has shown that a well sited 6kW turbine could generate around 10,000kWh per year which is equivalent to around 5.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. A system this size could generate income and savings of around £3,200 a year when eligible."

Learn more about renewable energy.

4. A new boiler

Heating and hot water account for around 60% of what you spend on energy bills per year, so getting an efficient boiler can make a huge difference to your expenses.

At the moment, boilers are said to have a lifespan of about 12 years, and since October 2010 any new boiler installed has to be A-rated, or at least 88% efficient.

On average, a new replacement gas boiler could cost anywhere between £1,500 and £2,500. Remember to always get three different quotes as costs for labour, installation and parts can vary considerably.

5. Solar panels

You might think that solar panels aren't an option with a budget of £2500 or less, but it's not the case.

With companies like HomeSun, you can get free solar panels or pay as little as £500, plus £5 a month for them.

You can also buy small-scale DIY solar panel packages to install yourself for £900-£2000. You can't use these with a Feed-in Tariff (to take advantage of FiT, the system has to be professionally installed and hooked up to the Grid) but they could generate power to use around the house or in a garage, workshop, caravan etc...

Ten energy-saving ideas for less than £250.

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

With a little investment, you could be saving hundreds of pounds on your energy bills year on year.

If you have up to £250 to invest in making your home more energy-efficient and more comfortable to live in, here are some of the best ways to do it.

1. Insulate your loft

Cost : Around £150 if you do it yourself, or you could be eligible for a grant to help you cover the costs. If you're a landlord, you may be eligible for the Landlord's energy-saving Allowance (LESA) which is an allowance against the income tax of private landlords. It offers an allowance of £1500 per property for capital expenditure on loft and cavity wall insulation in rented accommodation.

A lot of a house's heat is lost through the roof, because heat rises. If your loft isn't insulated yet, investing in loft insulation could save you £128 per year (on average) on your energy bills. If your loft has been insulated but it was a long time ago, or the insulation is less than 270mm in thickness, then an investment of £100 could save you around £40 per year.

2. Get your cavity walls insulated

Cost: £250 for professional installation with a grant, or you could be eligible for a full grant. If you are a landlord you may be eligible for the LESA (see above).

About a third of all heat lost in an un-insulated home is through the walls. This means that cavity wall insulation is one of the best ways to significantly reduce the amount of energy you use. Cavity wall insulation could save you around £110 a year on your fuel bills.

3. Add floor insulation

Cost: In order to make significant savings, you needn't spend any more than £100 on do-it-yourself measures to insulate your floors.

If you have a raised timber floor, this can be insulated by lifting the floorboards and laying mineral wool insulation. Insulating underneath floorboards and using silicon sealant to fill gaps between floorboards and skirting boards will save you around £50 a year.

4. Insulate your pipes and tanks

Cost: Under £100 for do-it-yourself materials

Both tank and pipe insulation keep your water hotter for longer by reducing the amount of heat that escapes. Adequately insulating your pipes can also stop pipes freezing in winter.

5. Draught-proofing

Cost: Under £100 for do-it-yourself materials.

Using draught strips or excluders to draught-proof around your doors and window frames can save around £25 a year on heating bills. You might also want to install a draught excluder over your letterbox.

Save energy for under £25: tips, advice and gadgets from uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

£25 isn't much of a price to pay when you stand to save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills.

One small, smart investment can end up reducing your gas and electricity by significant amounts in the long term. Here are ten energy-saving ideas that cost less than £25.

1. The Radiator Booster

The Radiator Booster cuts your heating bills by encouraging the warm air to circulate around your room. It's a small fan that sits on top of your radiator, so the room heats up in half the time. This means your boiler needn't work as hard, saving you money.

What does it save?

It's estimated that a Radiator Booster could save you £70 to £140 a year on your heating bill, depending on your household's heating requirements.

2. The Aladdin Auto Vent

If you often forget to bleed your radiators, or you can't find the key, you don't need to worry anymore. This little automatic radiator bleeder stays fixed to the radiator and does it for you.

What does it save?

The device lets the air out of the radiator which means you'll increase the heat in your house, which means the boiler won't have to work so hard. The amount you save depends on the amount and size of the radiators in your house.

3. Radiator insulation foil

By installing radiator insulation foil behind your radiator, you effectively redirect the heat into the room rather than it being absorbed into the wall.

What does it save?

Around 35% of heat from your radiators is lost into your walls. Radiator Foil can therefore help you save significant amounts on your heating bills.

4. Energy-saving light bulbs

If you haven't already installed energy-saving lightbulbs , now is the time. Energy-saving light bulbs make cutting your electricity bill effortless and they've come a long way in recent years, so you don't need to worry about poor-quality light.

What does it save?

Installing five new light bulbs can save you around £30 a year, and only costs about £15.

5. Freeloader Pico

Power your mobile phone and gadgets for free. The Freeloader Pico is a compact portable solar charger. It comes with a choice of four different connector tips, which means it can charge almost any type of phone and lots of gadgets too.

What does it save?

You need never pay for the energy it takes to power your phone and gadgets ever again.

6. Block draughts

The easiest way to save energy and keep the heat in is to identify and block the draughts in your house.

There are lots of ways to block draughts - try expanding foam to squirt into cracks and gaps, or attach a draught excluder to the bottom of your doors.

What does it save?

Using draught excluders, particularly in old, large houses can have a huge impact on your heating bills and improve your level of comfort enormously.

7. A letterbox flap

You could be losing significant heat, or letting the cold air in through your letter box. An inexpensive flap or brush can help keep the cold air out and the heat in.

What does it save?

By installing a letterbox flap you are making immediate savings on your heating bills, and making your home more comfortable.

8. Chimney balloons

Using a chimney balloon, or chimney pillow, is an efficient way to stop the heat escaping up the chimney and keeps the cold air out. They are very easy to install and inexpensive by comparison with what you'll save.

What does it save?

Studies have shown that 40% of the heat in a room could disappear up the chimney. Using a balloon can therefore have a significant effect on your heating bill.

10. Compare gas and electricity prices

Compare gas and electricity prices with uSwitch to make sure you're on the cheapest tariff for you.

What does it save?

It only takes a few minutes, we do all the paperwork for you and you could save up to £458.

Save energy for over £2500: suggestions and advice from uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

When it comes to alternative energy, £2500 is a small amount to invest when the returns can be so significant.

If you can see yourself staying in your property for a long time, or if you're converting your property into an eco home you may want to consider your options when it comes to alternative energy supplies.

Take note that it pays to do significant research before you choose a supplier, as you may be eligible for energy-saving grants or funding to support your investment.

The main benefits of investing in an alternative energy supply for your home are:

to cut your carbon footprint dramatically;
to cut your energy bills;
to sell energy back to the grid or reduce energy costs dramatically.

These are some of the energy systems you could consider:

wind turbines,
solar powered water heating,
ground source heat pumps,
solar electricity,
micro combined heat and power (micro CHP),
wood fuel heating: biomass boiler and wood pellet burners.

Wind turbines

A roof mounted system ranges from £2,000 right up to £15,000 or £24,000 for larger mast systems. Some turbine systems could generate income and savings of around £3,200 a year with a Feed-in Tariff .

There are two types of wind turbine; mast mounted and roof mounted. The stronger the wind, the more electricity you can generate. This means that your turbine will be most successful if you are in an exposed location. If your turbine and wind system are connected to the national grid, you can make money back by selling the generated electricity back to the National Grid with a Feed-in Tariff.

Solar electricity

Installing an average sized solar electricity system could cost around £12,000 (including VAT at 5%). Solar electricity systems can also cost in the region of £4,000 to £5,000 to be installed, depending on how large your system is. The price should reduce as system size increases.

Even a small system can generate around 50% of a household's yearly electricity needs. If the system is eligible to receive the Feed-in Tariff it could generate savings and income of around £1,170 per year.

Micro CHP

Micro CHP stands for micro combined heat and power and can cost between £4,000 and £5,000 to install.

Micro CHP is a type of heating technology which generates both heat and electricity simultaneously. Even though most systems use mains gas or oil, the system is more efficient than just burning the fossil fuel for heat and getting electricity from the National Grid.

If the electricity the system generates isn't used, it can be exported back to the grid. The amount of electricity generated ultimately depends on how long the system is running.

Ground source heat pumps

Ground source heat pumps are a clever system that uses warmth from the ground to heat your home. Pipes are buried under the ground in your garden and they pull in heat from the surrounding are, which is then fed into radiators or underfloor heating systems, and is used to heat hot water too.

It sounds unlikely, but the ground is actually warm all year round - so ground source heat pumps even work in cold winter weather.

They are different from a boiler, because rather than giving a sharp burst of hot heat, they deliver lower temperatures over a longer period of time and should ideally be left on 24 hours a day.

Air source heat pumps

Air source heat pumps work on a similar principle to ground source heat pumps, by heating your home with energy absorbed from the air outside. You can then use this energy to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, or hot water in your home. An air source heat pump works all year round, even in winter.

Unlike gas or oil boilers, air-to-water or air-to-air heat pumps deliver heat at lower temperatures over much longer periods, this means that they're most suitable for large radiators or underfloor heating systems, or circulating warm air through your home with fans.

Installing a basic system in a detached home can cost from £6,000 to £10,000, including installation.

Wood fuel heating (biomass boilers and wood pellets)

There are a number of different options for using wood to heat your home and hot water. It's not a good option for everyone - biomass can be expensive fuel, unless you have access to cheap or free wood.

A standalone stove using wood pellets costs around £4300, a log stove around £2000, while more advanced auto-feeding pellet boilers could cost upwards of £11000.

According the Energy Saving Trust, heating and water heating fuel costs for a year would be around £1,000 in a detached property, so if you're replacing electric heating or solid fuel you could save between £170 and £390 per year.

Hydroelectricity

If you're interested in developing hydro-electricity for your home you need access to a fast flowing body of water such as a stream. You also need to make sure you have the right to build around it.

It's not a cheap option - installing a hydro-electric system can vary a lot in cost, depending on the location and the amount of electricity generates, but an average scheme suitable for a domestic home might cost up to £25,000 (including installation).

Hydro systems can be sometimes be connected to the National Grid so any electricity that you generate can earn you money from a Feed-in Tariff.

Renting? energy-saving tips and advice From uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

We've put together a checklist of 17 ways you could cut your energy bills if you're renting your home.

You don't have to be a homeowner to make your property more energy-efficient - just a few simple quick fixes could save you significant amounts of money on your heating, gas and electricity bills.

There are a lot of measures you can take that can have a significant impact on your heating bills. Some are free, others come in at under £25.

Free ways to save energy if you're renting

Turn your thermostat down by 1°C - this can save you as much as £60 per year.
Wear more jumpers, socks and slippers around the house and put an extra blanket on the bed.
Turn the pressure down on the power shower, you'd be surprised how much water they use - sometimes even more than a bath.
Bake a few meals at a time to get the most out of having your oven on.
When cooking food on a hob, use a pan that is the appropriate size - using an unnecessarily large pan wastes a lot of energy.
90% of a washing machine's energy expenditure is spent on heating the water, so if you wash your clothes at 30-40°C you can save significant amounts of money.
Air-dry your laundry rather than tumble-drying it, particularly if it's hot and windy weather.
Take your clothes out of the dryer before they're completely dry - they'll iron much quicker.
Unplug all the appliances that you aren't using regularly.
On a sunny day, opening your curtains will let warmth into your house, and keeping them closed on a cold day will help keep it warm.

Spend £25 or under and save money on bills.

The Radiator Booster - the Radiator Booster cuts your heating bills by encouraging the warm air to circulate around your room.

It's a small fan that sits on top of your radiator, so the room heats up in half the time. This means your boiler needn't work as hard, saving you money.

It's estimated that a Radiator Booster could save you £70 to £140 a year on your heating bill, depending on your household's heating requirements.
Energy-saving light bulbs - If you haven't already installed energy-saving lightbulbs, now is the time. Installing five energy-saving light bulbs could save you £32 a year.
Freeloader Pico - a very compact and lightweight portable solar charger that enables you to recharge your gadgets for free, by using the power of the sun.
Block draughts - attach a draught excluder to the bottom of your doors.

Using draught excluders, particularly in old, large houses can reduce your heating bills and improve your level of comfort.
Chimney balloons - Using a chimney balloon, or chimney pillow, is an efficient way to stop the heat escaping up the chimney and keeps the cold air out.

They're very easy to install and inexpensive by comparison with what you'll save - studies have shown that 40% of the heat in a room can disappear up the chimney.
Insulate your pipes and tanks - both tank and pipe insulation keep your water hotter for longer by reducing the amount of heat that escapes.

A more expensive tip (which could pay for itself)

Insulate your loft - you might think this isn't worthwhile if you're renting, but it could be.

Loft-insulation costs about £150, but it could save you an average of £128 a year. So as long as you're planning to stay put for at least a year and a quarter, you'll make a saving.

Recommendations for your landlord

Speak to your landlord about making bigger energy-saving changes - they might be more open-minded about making energy-efficient improvements to the property than you'd think.

You could suggest splitting the cost of some improvements, or your landlord could apply for an energy-saving grant or scheme.

Renewable energy sources

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

If you'd like to get involved in microgeneration, then these frequently asked questions will help you decide which is the most suitable renewable energy source for your home and lifestyle.

If I want to generate renewable energy, does it matter what type of property I live in?

The type of property you live in does influence whether or not you will be able to generate your own energy.

There are limited opportunities for generating renewable energy in a flat, unless you have access to and control of the roof.

There is also the small possibility that you can install a microCHP (combined heat and power) boiler, but your heat needs are likely to be so small that you might not be able to justify running your microCHP in order to generate electricity.

The best option might be to install energy efficiency measures, to buy green electricity, and even green gas.

Should I consider energy efficiency measures or renewable energy measures first?

Before you embark on any installation of renewable energy measures in your home, remember that energy efficiency should take priority over renewable energy. In terms of cost and carbon reduction, cutting down on the amount of energy you use is the better option.

Try some of these measures first:

Ensure you have roof, floor and, where appropriate, cavity wall insulation, and that your home is draught-proofed to be as airtight as possible.
Find out more about insulation.
All your lighting should be low energy - compact fluorescent or LED.
Make sure your refrigeration and laundry appliances are energy-efficient.
If you have a gas supply and your boiler is more than about fifteen years old, you should invest in replacing your boiler first.

Even the more expensive energy efficiency measures - such as solid wall insulation - are likely to give a better return than renewable energy, even when you take into account Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) and the planned Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Does the orientation of my house affect my ability to generate energy?

The orientation and angle of your roof is important if you want to install solar electricity (PV or photovoltaics) or solar hot water (SHW).

If you have a pitched (sloping) roof that faces roughly south, then solar electricity (PV) is an option. The steeper the angle of your roof, the more it's suited to generating electricity or hot water in summer. The lower the angle, the more suited it is to making the most of limited sunlight in winter, when the sun does not get so high in the sky. Sometimes even a south-facing wall will work.

Roofs that face east of south will generate more hot water or electricity earlier in the day - although in the case of hot water, probably not in time for a bath or shower when you get up - and those facing more to the west will generate more later in the day.

I've heard that I would need an outbuilding for a biomass boiler, is this true?

Wood and other biomass takes up a lot of space, and unlike gas, oil or LPG, cannot be piped to a boiler. Therefore, unless you have a cellar a biomass (wood) boiler is not well suited to being indoors.

Installing it in an outhouse or cellar works well because it frequently needs feeding with fuel - biomass has a low energy density when you take into account the volume or space it takes up. Some biomass boilers have automatic gravity feeds which can keep the boiler fuelled for several hours of continuous use, so a cellar might be appropriate.

Does it matter what type of roof I have if I want to install solar electricity?

Solar pholtovoltaic (PV) panels can be installed on top of your existing roof. If your roof is in need of repair, you can cut the cost of installing photovoltaics (PV) or solar electricity by installing PV tiles instead of ordinary roof tiles.

If your whole roof needs replacing, then perhaps it can be reoriented to suit PV - although, this would probably need planning permission and would be a costly exercise.

Does the size of my property affect my ability to install renewable energy measures?

The amount of land you have does affect your ability to install some of the renewable energy options. For example, you will need a large garden if you want to fit a ground-source heat pump, as it requires long circuits of pipes buried in trenches a metre or more deep.

You will also need plenty of space to store wood and other biomass if you want to install a biomass boiler.

The size of your garden is not important if you want to install solar electricity (PV) or solar hot water panels - in this case it's your roof orientation that is most critical.

My property is surrounded by large trees, will I still be able to generate my own energy?

Unfortunately, lots of trees may block out the light for solar electricity and solar hot water, and might reduce wind speeds for a micro-wind turbine, so installing them would be less worthwhile.

Likewise, if you're surrounded by tall buildings it may reduce your chances of making solar or wind energy projects effective.

What type of location is best for a wind turbine?

A hilly or exposed location, especially near the coast, is best for wind generation. Locations in the north or west of Britain tend to be the most suitable.

Urban locations are generally less well-suited, as buildings disrupt air flows. However, whether it's worth installing a wind turbine depends on the wind speeds at your own precise location.

I have a pond in my garden, does this mean I can install a water source heat pump?

If you want to install a water source heat pump you will need to have a large body of water on your property. A small body of water, such as a pond, would be unsuitable as the pump will chill the water and affect its ability to support plants and wildlife.

If you have a fast running stream going through your property then you may be able to install a micro-hydro turbine to utilise the 'fall' of water in the stream.

Does my location in the UK make a difference to my chances of installing a successful renewable energy scheme?

Yes, your location will make a difference. Generally, the further north or west in Britain that you are, the better it's for wind - although, it's very dependent upon wind-speeds at you exact location, with hilly and coastal locations being best.

The south of England is better for solar electricity and solar hot water, with Cornwall and Devon fairing best. This is not because of the air temperature but due to the position of the sun in the sky and the fact that there is generally less cloud cover.

My property doesn't have mains gas, should I consider renewable energy as an alternative to oil?

If you don't have mains gas, then renewable energy - especially for heat - is well worth considering over oil, which is a high cost and high carbon option.

Payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive will focus on 'off-gas' locations first. Therefore, it's a good idea to investigate whether ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers, or solar hot water are suited to your home and check the latest information about subsidies from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

My property backs on to a wood so I'm considering installing a biomass boiler, are they expensive to run?

If you have access to a free or cheap source of scrap wood, this can be used in many biomass boilers and may improve the return on your investment if you install one.

Likewise, if you have access to woodland and have the right to collect branches or fallen trees, this will make installing a biomass boiler more cost effective.

You will need suitable space and facilities to store and dry (season) the wood for several months if it's 'fresh' or 'green'.

I've heard that there are good returns from investing in renewable electricity, how does this work?

If you have savings, it's possible that under the Feed-in Tariff you may get a better return on your money by investing in renewable electricity than putting it into a savings account.

So, it's worth checking whether technologies like wind, solar electricity (PV or photovoltaics), micro-hydro and microCHP (combined heat and power) are suited to your home, and calculating whether this is a viable use of your savings.

We run a small business from home and use a lot of hot water, does this make the case for solar hot water stronger?

If you use lots of hot water - for example, because of a medical condition or running a small business from your home - then the savings you make from installing a solar hot water system could be greater, thereby reducing the payback period. Most solar hot water panel suppliers will be able to work this out for you.

Are there any subsidies available from the government that I can claim for installing a renewable energy scheme?

As a way to incentivise households to adopt renewable energy systems, the government has a Clean Energy Cash Back policy.

Rather than giving an upfront subsidy for installation, the scheme works by paying a 'Feed-in-Tariff' (FiT) for each kWh of electricity you produce, regardless of whether you use the electricity yourself or feed it into the National Grid.

The tariff varies depending on the source, size and type of installation you have, but in all cases it's paid for 25 years. Also, you must use an approved installer, so make sure you are aware of all the facts before you install a renewable energy scheme.

Small-scale low-carbon electricity technologies currently eligible for Feed-in Tariffs are:

Wind
Solar photovoltaics (PV)
Hydro
Anaerobic digestion
Domestic scale microCHP, with a capacity of 2 kW or less.

What is the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme and is there a way I can benefit from this?

The Renewable Heat Incentive runs along the same lines as the 'Feed-in Tariff' - it's intended to incentivise the installation of renewable heat generating schemes, such as solar heat and solar hot water schemes, biomass boilers and water source heat pumps.

At the moment this incentive is only available to the commercial sector, but the government is planning to introduce similar payments to the domestic sector in October 2012 known as the Green Deal - anyone who has installed renewable heat since 15 July 2009 will qualify, provided it's an eligible installation. The payments will not, however, be backdated.

In the interim, the government is planning a short-term support scheme aimed at households who are off the gas grid. This is called the Renewable Heat Premium Payment Scheme and will involve upfront payments to help with equipment and installation costs.

Renewable energy - get the facts about renewable energy with uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Need-to-know information about renewable energy.

Read this guide for essential facts and information about renewable energy.

For more information about some of the terms we use, click on the highlighted words or see our renewable energy glossary.

What is green energy or renewable energy?

Green electricity is generated from natural and renewable energy sources that reduce our impact on the environment. Solar energy, wind energy and water power (hydroelectricity) are all types of renewable energy.

We call these green energy sources "renewable energy" because, unlike fossil fuels such as coal and oil, green energy sources will never run out.

You can support renewable energy in the UK by signing up to a green energy plan.

The gas we use in our homes is not renewable, since we rely on gas reserves underground. To reduce the environmental impact of the gas you use, you can sign up to a green gas tariff - your gas supplier will offset the gas you use by producing renewable electricity to feed into the National Grid.

Compare green energy tariffs with uSwitch.

Why should we use renewable energy?

Using renewable energy or green energy enables you to reduce the carbon dioxide that goes into the atmosphere because of the energy you use, which is known as your carbon footprint. This helps to reduce climate change.

By using renewable energy sources like solar energy, we also reduce our dependence on fossil fuel gas and oil reserves, which are becoming more expensive and difficult to find. It also reduces our dependence on imported fossil fuels, improving our energy security.

The government has set a target to produce 15% of the UK's energy from renewable energy sources by 2020 and cut the country's carbon emissions by 34% by 2020.

What are green energy plans or tariffs?

A green energy plan is an option offered by an energy provider that lets you support their use of renewable energy, such as solar energy.

Options for green energy tariffs include:

Energy match: your energy supplier matches some or all of the electricity you use by producing renewable energy that they feed into the National Grid.
Green fund: your supplier funds renewable energy or environmental projects on your behalf.
Carbon offset: your supplier offsets the CO2 emissions from the energy you use by planting trees or investing in CO2 reducing projects.

To help you make an informed choice of green energy plan, the Green Energy Certification Scheme (GECS) gives a green energy plan a stamp of approval if it meets certain standards, so you can be confident in your choice of green plan.

See a list of GECS-approved green energy plans.

Do renewable energy plans cost more?

Some green energy plans do cost a little more - the money is used to fund renewable energy production or environmental projects. And with uSwitch you can find a green energy plan that offers you the best deal.

After switching to a green energy plan, you can save energy in other ways - for example, by following some simple energy-saving tips.

How can I find a renewable electricity supplier or a green energy tariff?

The major electricity suppliers in the UK provide green tariffs. There are also green electricity suppliers that specialise in green energy production.

uSwitch can help you find a green energy supplier. To locate suppliers in your area, compare gas and electricity prices with uSwitch.

What does microgeneration of renewable energy mean?

Whereas energy companies have schemes to generate renewable energy on a large scale, it's also possible for you to generate your own renewable energy.

This small-scale production is called microgeneration and refers to systems under 50kW for electricity or 45kW in the case of heat. It typically takes the form of solar energy, wind energy, or biomass.

The government currently offers incentives to individuals who generate their own electricity, with a scheme called Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs), and there are plans to introduce an incentive for renewable heat through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Payments under the RHI will focus on 'off-gas' locations first, so it's a good idea to check the latest information about subsidies from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

How does solar energy work?

You can use solar energy to generate electricity or heat water:

Solar electricity uses photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into renewable electricity. You can install roof tiles covered in PV cells. They generate solar energy in any weather and are most effective on south-facing roofs. You can use the solar electricity for your lights and household appliances or sell renewable energy back to the National Grid.
Solar water heating uses dark panels on your roof to absorb solar energy as heat. By running tubes of cold water through these panels, you can use solar energy to heat water for your home.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy?

Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, and solar panels produce solar energy for free. However, solar energy panels can be expensive to produce and install, so it might take several years for the savings on your energy bills to match your initial investment.

Because UK sunlight is not very strong, energy companies can't build solar power plants to produce solar energy on a large scale - but individual homes can generate enough solar energy to make a real difference.

How does wind energy work?

Wind energy uses power from the wind to turn turbines and generate renewable energy.

Energy companies generate renewable energy in wind farms - hillsides covered in giant wind turbines. You can also generate your own renewable energy from the wind by installing a small wind turbine at your house or on your land.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy?

Like solar energy, wind energy provides clean renewable energy for free - but unlike solar energy, it's particularly suited to the UK's windy weather.

Large-scale wind energy farms take up space, and are considered ugly by some people. There have been complaints about noise as well, although these tend to be anecdotal.

Small-scale wind turbines can be expensive to buy and install, but if they are appropriately sited and the household benefits from Feed-in Tariffs, then some of these costs can be offset.

What other renewable energy sources are there?

As well as solar energy and wind energy, there are various other renewable energy sources, including hydro electricity, biomass, geothermal energy and biodiesel.

Nuclear energy is not renewable - it relies on nuclear fuel which must be mined out of the earth, much like coal. Some people consider nuclear energy to be green because it does not produce carbon dioxide. But nuclear energy does produce nuclear waste, which is difficult to dispose of safely.

All these energy sources have advantages and disadvantages - but all renewable energy sources produce far less pollution and are more sustainable than burning coal, oil and gas.

Glossary

Biodiesel
Biodiesel is diesel fuel made from natural oils, such as rapeseed oil. It's usually mixed with normal diesel fuel before being used in cars.

Using biodiesel means we burn less fossil fuels, but growing biodiesel crops takes a lot of land, which arguably could be used for food production, and it increases the pesticides and fertilisers we use.

Biomass
Biomass is organic matter like crops and manure, which can be burned to create renewable energy. Wood is a form of biomass fuel.

Carbon footprint
Your carbon footprint is a way of understanding your own impact on the environment. It's an estimate of the carbon dioxide generated from:

the energy (from fossil fuel sources) that you use in the home
the way you travel
making producing and transporting the products you buy

Using renewable energy like solar electricity will reduce your carbon footprint because it does not produce carbon dioxide.

Climate change
Climate change (also called global warming) is a change in the Earth's climate because of the pollution created by humans - particularly the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced when we burn fossil fuels like oil and gas.

We can try to reduce climate change by using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.

Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy uses heat from inside the Earth's core to produce electricity or heat water or homes. This renewable energy source works well in volcanic areas where the heat from the earth's core comes close to the surface.

Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is renewable energy that comes from using the power of water, such as rivers and the sea.

Hydroelectric power plants usually involve damming rivers or putting barriers in the sea. Because of this, some people argue that this form of renewable energy is bad for the environment.

National Grid
The National Grid is the UK's electricity transmission network. Energy companies feed electricity from non-renewable and renewable energy sources into the National Grid - and the energy you use is a mixture of all of it.

Nuclear energy
Nuclear energy generates electricity from the breakdown of radioactive materials, called nuclear fuels.

Many people argue that nuclear energy is renewable energy as it does not use fossil fuels directly. However, like fossil fuels, nuclear fuels will eventually run out.

Nuclear energy does not produce carbon dioxide, so it is sometimes considered to be a green form of energy. However, carbon emissions do occur during the mining and processing of the nuclear fuel, and nuclear energy produces nuclear waste, which is difficult to dispose of safely.

Get Free Remote Heating Control worth £149 with uSwitch and British Gas

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Buy a new boiler and get £300 trade-in

Plus, claim up to £270 Green Deal Cashback

Get a quote now or call 0800 084 6664

When it comes to boilers, British Gas is the expert. British Gas installs more new boilers and central heating systems in the UK than anyone else, which is why we've joined forces to provide this great deal on boilers, and no deposit required.

In partnership with

5 reasons to get your new boiler from British Gas & uSwitch:

Get £300 trade-in when you buy a new boiler - whilst funds last.^*
Plus, you could claim up to £270 Green Deal cashback. The Green Deal is the government scheme to help get homes more energy efficient. To encourage households to take up the scheme, cashback is available but only on a first come first serve basis, and while funds last. Find out more about the Green Deal cashback scheme. ^‡
Your installation quote is fixed and you’ll get and efficient A-rated boiler that could save you £300 a year^{^}
Count on a 24-hour staffed helpline. As part of a year’s boiler and central heating system repair and maintenance service
You’re in expert hands: Gas Safe registered engineers install more boilers than anyone else – over 100,000 last year.

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* Offer closes 30th June 2013. Discount will be applied at point of sale and is subject to boiler installation. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other British Gas boiler offer.

‡ The Government Green Deal scheme is only available in England and Wales and is subject to the terms and conditions of the Government Green Deal scheme; http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/green_deal/green_deal.asp

^ Based on comparing the savings for upgrading a G-rated to an A-rated condensing boiler with a full set of heating controls. Saving figure is illustrative and based on a gas heated 3 bed semi-detached house. Savings assume a gas price of 4.49p/kWh. Source: energysavingtrust.org.uk/In-your-home/Heating-and-hot-water/Replacing-your-boiler (06/12)

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How to insulate a loft or roof: install roof insulation and save on your heating bills

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Around 25% of heat lost from an un-insulated home goes through the roof. The good news is you can easily install roof insulation

Use our guide to find out how to insulate your roof and save money on your energy bills.

How much could I save by insulating my loft?

Energy-saving measure	Cost	% saving on fuel bill	Money saved per year	Payback period (years)
Loft insulation (100% funded by an energy-efficiency grant )	£0	25%	£175	0.0
Loft insulation (DIY)	£50 to £350	25%	£175	2.0
Loft insulation (partly funded by a grant)	£49	25%	£175	0.28
Adding extra loft insulation (DIY)	£179	3.6%	£25	7.2

These are estimated figures based on insulating a gas-heated, semi-detached home with three bedrooms. The installed cost includes a subsidy of around £250 available from the major energy suppliers under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). Source Energy Saving Trust.

Does the type of roof I have affect my options for insulation?

Your options for roof insulation will depend on the type of roof you have. Pitched (sloping) roofs are more straightforward and there are more options to choose from, while flat roofs and dormer roofs are more of a challenge to insulate.

What is the difference between a warm loft and a cold loft?

If you have a typical house with a sloping roof, or have the top flat in a block and are responsible for the loft space and roof above, you can either choose to have a warm loft or a cold loft:

A warm loft is where you insulate immediately under the roof, which means your loft space is warm as well.
A cold loft is where you insulate immediately above the ceiling of the top storey, so no heat from your home gets into your loft.

Cost-wise, there are a range of options available for roof insulation, some of which are relatively inexpensive. Some can be achieved with little DIY experience, while others require more do-it-yourself expertise. Some roof insulation options require specialist equipment and need to be carried out by a professional. Energy-efficiency grants are currently available for cold loft roof insulation.

Warm roof solutions are generally more expensive, but they can provide a greater level of heat retention. Also, you can more easily use the loft to store temperature-sensitive items, as a 'cold roof' can get very hot in the summer.

What type of loft insulation is easiest to install?

The simplest and cheapest loft insulation solution is the classic cold loft option. This involves insulating between and over the wooden joists immediately above the ceiling of your top floor. This is generally the only grant-funded option, although it is also fairly easy to do as a DIY project.

It's a relatively simple process, as you can see in this video:

If you use your loft for storage, you will need to clear it before any grant-assisted work can be done, as grants, whether partial or 100%, will not cover the cost of clearing a loft. It could also be the perfect opportunity to sort through the items you're storing to see if you still need them.

What depth of roof insulation should I install?

The recommended depth of blanket style insulation (glass or mineral wool) for a loft is 250 to 270 mm.

If you already have insulation, but it was put in some time ago, it is worth checking the depth, as only a few years ago the recommended depth of insulation was 200mm, and before that it was as low as 100mm.

What if there is already some insulation in my loft?

If you do have existing roof insulation, the first thing to do is to check the depth. If there is only 25mm of insulating material, then this is likely to date back to the 1970s, as this type of insulation was subsidised then. In fact, any insulation that is less then 100mm is likely to be old and is worth disposing of; it is also difficult to top-up older insulation to the recommended depth as modern insulation is sold in standard depths of 100mm and 170mm.

Most typically, especially where insulation has been put in since the 1980s, this will fill the approximately 100mm depth of the joists, and this is easy to top-up. The commonly available, low cost and subsidised products tend to come in either 100mm depth, to go between the joists, and 170mm to be laid (at right angles) over and across the joists, to take the depth up to the recommended 270 mm.

Are there any other jobs that need to be done in my loft to complete the insulation work?

If you are having your insulation installed professionally or under a grant, there are a number of additional tasks that are normally carried out. If you are doing a DIY installation, you mustn't ignore them.

Remember to cover the pipes with pipe insulation. Your loft will be colder due to the insulation keeping the warmth in the floors below, so you're more likely to get burst pipes in freezing weather.
Insulation should go up the side and over any tanks, or special tank insulation can be used, but you mustn't insulate under any tanks, as without some heat flowing up from below, these are also likely to freeze.
If your tank is in a raised position (at least 10cms above the uppermost layer of insulation) then you can insulate the underside of the tank .
If there are electric cables in the loft, try to leave these exposed so they can remain cool. If there is enough slack, they can be gently raised and the insulation put underneath. In practice, lighting cables are unlikely to be a problem, especially if you use low energy lightbulbs.

Shower cables are most likely to need attention, although the fire risk is fairly minimal as showers tend to only be used for short periods. If you see any cables or junction boxes that appear to be in a poor state, you will need to get an electrician to put them right, anyway.
If you have recessed halogen lights in a room below the loft, they must be protected before they are covered in insulation. Halogen lights give off a lot of heat that is concentrated in a small area, and they pose a serious fire risk if insulation is placed directly against them. Protective cylindrically shaped fire protectors, which are called loft caps or loft covers, are available and it is essential to invest in these before you install your insulation.
Don't forget to insulate the loft hatch. This usually involves attaching a block of polystyrene insulation to its upper side, and ensuring any gaps around the side of it are sealed by applying draught proofing strips around the frame

Can I still use my loft for storage once the roof insulation is in place?

If you have the recommended level of loft insulation, you will no longer be able to store items by resting them on the joists. Putting items on insulation weighs it down and reduces its effectiveness, and you won't be able to put boards onto the joists either.

There are a couple of options you can consider though, although these wouldn't be included in any grant funding. You could put in some cross-joists so that any boarding will be able to accommodate the full 270mm of insulation. This is probably a job for a professional joiner. There are some firms which specialise in providing a fully (raised) boarded loft, along with a loft ladder and suitable loft lighting, providing a very convenient storage space.

Alternatively, and probably more cheaply and easily, if you already have insulation in up to 100mm, you can add one of an increasing number of insulation products that have a polystyrene or a wooden layer on top of them. Those with a polystyrene top layer will not be as hard wearing as those with a wood finish, but polystyrene provides the best insulation performance. In theory you won't be able to achieve the performance of 270mm of mineral or glass wool, but you will come close to it. If you want to match or exceed the performance of 270mm of a wool product, then you could consider a warm roof solution.

How does a warm roof solution work?

For a warm roof solution you will need to install insulation in the plane of the roof pitch, that is, immediately below the sloping roof. This will help to avoid your roof-space becoming excessively hot in summer or cold in winter, and will reduce heat losses from your roof. Assuming you don't have a room in the roof, and it is just a 'loft', then you should also implement all the 'cold-roof' insulation measures described above, including any raised boarding as appropriate.

One important point to remember with a warm roof solution is the need for ventilation immediately below the roof tiles. This is to prevent any condensation build up, or water getting in through or around the tiles. You need to create a space for air to flow parallel to the rafters and immediately under the tiles from one side of the roof (the eaves) to the apex and down to the other side, otherwise the roof structure may begin to rot.

What types of insulation can be used for a warm roof solution?

The materials used to insulate under the roof include batts of mineral or glass wool insulation , held in place by 'battens' of wood attached to and across the rafters. Alternatively, polystyrene slabs , which are sometimes supplied foil-covered, can be fitted. These usually have to be cut to size. Another option is EPS (expanded polystyrene) 'squeeze' products; these are manufactured with a 'concertina' shape and spring-like effect and can be pushed into place.

There is an exception to the ventilation rule, and that's when applying polyurethane spray foams. These solutions, mainly professionally installed but also now available as a DIY measure, can generally only be applied where the underside of the tiles is bare and there is no roofing felt. Spray foam may also provide additional physical strength where a roof is not in the best condition, by holding the structure together. However missing or slipped tiles must be attended to prior to applying the foam insulation.

What insulation solutions are available for a flat roof?

There are three types of insulation solution if you have a flat roof:

Warm deck or warm roof refers to a situation where the 'deck' of the roof, which is usually made of wood, is below the insulation.
Cold deck or cold roof is where the insulation is below the roof deck (and the associated joists). Typically a gap will have to be left for ventilation - because this is a 'cold' area, condensation may form which can lead to rot. In both these cases the weather membrane, typically formed of roofing felt and bitumen, will be the topmost layer, protecting against rain.
Inverted roof is where the insulation goes above the weather membrane, effectively protecting it from heat and cold which can shorten its life and that of the roof deck - it can even protect against wear and tear if there is access to the roof. With an inverted roof, the top-most layer is generally gravel or similar.

The lowest layer with any of these solutions - especially with the cold deck solution - is likely to be a vapour membrane, which is used to stop warm air rising and bringing moisture that will condense somewhere in the roof structure.

The insulation of flat roofs nearly always requires professional assistance, and there are no associated energy-saving grants. A good time to insulate a roof is when it is being replaced, although in many cases a roof that is in good condition can be retro-fitted with insulation.

Do dormer bungalows and houses with attics in the roof space need a different approach to insulation?

Dormer roofs are roofs that contain rooms and can present considerable challenges when it comes to insulation. Dormer bungalows, also known as Dutch bungalows, were built quite widely in the UK, particularly in the 1960s and 70s. They have a conventional lower storey, along with an upper storey, with a smaller floor area, in the roof.

Three storey town and detached houses have been built in the last few years, as builders attempt to build bigger houses in limited plots of land. Their top storey is often 'in the roof', like an attic. However, due to modern building regulations, they are well insulated. But if you have an older property of this type, Victorian or Edwardian, many of which had attics, you'll need to install insulation; this may not be as straightforward as in a modern house .

How do I insulate the dormer window area of my dormer roof?

Dormer roofs nearly always have 'dormer windows' which are not flush with the pitched roof, but instead have window structures that protrude from the roof. These structures have a front containing the window, triangular shaped side walls (which generally don't have a cavity) and a flat roof (or occasionally a miniature pitched roof). So the advice that applies to insulating windows, walls and flat roofs applies . However, if the window is the full width of the structure, insulated dry lining of the walls may be difficult as it will narrow the area. If this is the case, you may want to explore external cladding, or creatively use curtains to provide insulation.

How do I insulate the 'voids' behind the dwarf walls in my dormer roof?

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of a dormer bungalow is the triangular roofspaces or voids between the edges of the main roof and the walls at the ends of the rooms (these semi-internal walls are known as dwarf walls, because they are often not the full height of the room, on account of the pitched ceiling). With these voids, if there is no existing access, it may be worth putting in a hatch or door because the void is likely to provide a good storage area. If there is access, or access is created, there are two broad options. You can either insulate the pitched roof , or you can insulate the void side of the dwarf wall and the 'floor' of the area within the void .

Insulating the 'floor' of the void (or, the ceiling of the storey below, depending which way you look at it, is straightforward, with a number of options available, and is in effect the same as creating a cold roof solution. If space allows, you can even add raised boarding to create a storage area.

However, in order to insulate the dwarf wall with the same materials, you will need to support the mineral or glass wool, without compressing it. One solution is to use hooks and rot-proof nylon string, but it may be easier to use polystyrene, urethane or another rigid product, in which case insulating the pitched roof is probably going to be the simpler option anyway.

The most challenging aspect of a dormer roof is likely to be pitched (sloping) ceilings. The same challenge will apply to providing better insulation to any loft rooms put in before the current building regulations.

Part of the solution is similar to creating a 'warm roof' (as discussed earlier). But this will be slightly complicated by the need to take down the ceiling to gain access. A vapour membrane is also a likely requirement, to stop moisture, which is naturally generated in an occupied room; without a membrane, vapour would rise and penetrate into the roof and insulation structure, where condensation could occur, resulting in rot.

How to bleed a radiator: a step by step guide from uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

‘Bleeding radiators’ is when you let out any air that has become trapped inside.

Trapped air or gas prevents hot water from heating your radiator fully. The good news is, bleeding radiators is a simple job that you can do yourself, and it can make a real difference to how energy-efficient the heating in your home is.

While this isn’t a hard thing to do, please follow these instructions with caution. If you don’t feel confident about what you’re doing, stop and get advice from a qualified heating engineer.

Step 1: Turn your heating on and get your radiators hot

Turn on the heating so that all radiators in your home come on - you may need to turn up the temperature on your thermostat and individual radiator temperature controls to make sure they all come on.

Step 2: Find out which radiators need bleeding

Once your radiators are all hot, go and check each one individually to see if all parts of the radiator are warming up. Be careful - radiators can get very hot and you don’t want to burn yourself.

Cool spots, particularly towards the top of the radiator, mean that there could be air or gas trapped and therefore you'll need to bleed that radiator.

Air or gas is more likely to get trapped in the highest radiator in the home. It can also sometimes get trapped in the coil that runs through the hot water cylinder, as that can often be the highest point in the system.

Step 3: Bleed the radiators

Before you bleed any radiators make sure your central heating is switched off.

Bleeding radiators usually requires a radiator key, but with more modern radiators you can use a flat-blade screwdriver.

At the top of the radiator at one end there will be a valve. You can attach the radiator key to the square bit in the centre or put the end of the screwdriver into the groove.

Hold the key or screwdriver with a cloth, and have another cloth ready to catch any drips, then slowly turn the radiator key or screwdriver anti-clockwise – if gas is escaping you’ll hear a hissing sound.

Once there is no more gas, liquid will come out and the valve will need to be closed quickly. With the more modern screwdriver operated escape valve, liquid is likely to emerge as a jet rather than a dribble.

Step 4: Check the pressure

Check the pressure by having a look at the gauge on your boiler. If the pressure is too low, you’ll need to ‘top up’. You can do this using the lever or tap on your boiler, known as the filling loop.

Afterwards, you may want to run another ‘hot test’ to check that your efforts have been successful.

That’s it! Congratulations, now you know just how simple bleeding radiators can be!

Hot water: the most energy-efficient methods to heat your water

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Hot water accounts for around 10% of the average energy bill.

It’s not something we can do without, so use this guide to find energy-efficient ways of getting your hot water, and tips to help you use less of it.

What methods of heating water are available and what do they cost?

Although there are different ways of heating water, the main supply is usually heated by the central heating system - either ‘stored’ within a cistern (tank) or available ‘on demand’ if you have a combi boiler.

Generally speaking, modern combi boilers are more energy-efficient than a hot water system with a tank or cistern.

There are several other ways of heating water, including solar hot water systems, immersion heaters, electric showers and, of course, kettles.

How much of my energy consumption is used for heating my water?

It’s difficult to be exact about the energy that is used for heating water because it’s hard to measure, and difficult to separate out from the energy your boiler uses for heating.

However, in a typical home the cost of heating water is likely to exceed 10% of the energy bill or approximately a quarter of the fuel used by the boiler. This may seem high, but remember you need hot water all year round, whereas heating is seasonal.

The true cost of hot water should also take account of the cost of the water supply itself, which in some cases can be as high as the cost of heating it.

Some people can save by switching to a water meter – as a rough guide, if you have more bedrooms than you have people living in your home a meter is worth looking into.

What types of shower are there?

We’re often told to take a shower rather than have a bath to save energy and water. But what types of shower are there, and are they all really better than taking a bath?

Showers fall into three broad types:

Electric showers are widespread and use electricity to instantly heat water as it passes through the unit at mains pressure.
Mixer showers draw on both hot and cold water supplies and mix them together.
Power showers generally use stored hot water, which is then mixed with cold water and pumped out using an electrically powered pump.

What type of shower is the most cost-effective?

Given the cost of gas is only about 40% that of electricity, in theory, a mixer or power shower might be more cost efficient than an electric shower. However, electric showers usually use less water and therefore require less energy, so a lot depends on how long you are showering for.

In addition, electric showers are efficient due to the fact that the water is heated at the point of use, whereas with power and mixer showers heat is lost through the cistern and pipes before it even reaches the shower.

Power showers also use so much water that the traditional advice of taking a shower rather than a bath to save energy and water may not apply. Water costs will also be higher for power and mixer showers if you are on a water meter.

What can I do to lower my water heating costs?

Here are some straightforward ways to lower your water heating costs:

Choose carefully how you heat water.
Be sensible about when you heat hot water.
Use less hot water.
Heat your hot water to a lower temperature.
Don’t let hot water cool down before you have used it.

Top tips to save on your water heating that are FREE

Turn down the thermostat on your cistern to 60-65°C.
If you have an old central heating system, the temperature of the hot water will be determined by the internal circulatory system, as set on the boiler, so turn that down.
Use a kettle for the times you need very hot water.
Check the timings and other controls on your boiler for your water heating, which on an older boiler will often be integrated with the timings of your central heating.

You may be able to reduce the length of time that the water heating is turned on, especially in the summer.
Check to see if your power shower pump has flow controls. If it does, you should be able to reduce the flow.
With any type of shower, check to see if you can adjust the shower head spray pattern - you may find that you can reduce the flow of water.
If you wash up by hand, don’t rinse the dishes under running hot or cold water. Instead, use a separate bowl.
If you have an older boiler it’s a good idea to use an immersion heater in the summer.

Top tips to save on your water heating, for just a small investment

If you have an old cistern (tank) that isn’t insulated, then fit a tank jacket.

This should pay for itself in just a few months and you can add to the insulation effect by storing bedding, pillows and towels around the cistern.
Where they’re accessible, insulate the ‘downpipes’ - these are the pipes that lead from the cistern to the taps.
If you have a mixer or power shower, fit a shower head flow regulator or a shower head that aerates the flow. Both reduce the flow of water, cutting water and energy use.
If your hot water is solely or often heated using an immersion heater and you don’t already have a timer on it, it’s a good idea to fit one.

This is particularly useful if you have an Economy 7 supply, as it means you will be able to heat your water using overnight cheap electricity.
Fix dripping taps. If you don’t feel confident putting new washers in your taps, you could ask your plumber to do it.
Buy a shower timer to check how long you’re really spending in the shower.
Make sure your shower is in good condition, including the shower head, the hose and the wall mounting.

Replace parts if necessary and de-scale your shower head regularly if you live in a hard water area, otherwise scale build up will affect the water flow.

Top tips to save on your water heating, moderate to high investment

If your hot water cistern is very old, consider replacing it with a modern insulated one.

Water can stay warm for up to two days and they perform much better even compared to an old-fashioned tank with a jacket on it.
If you’re thinking of installing a solar hot water system in the future, it may be worth installing the larger-sized tank with the required two heat inputs - one for the central heating and one for the solar panel.
If your boiler is over fifteen years old, it could be time to replace it. A modern combi-boiler, which provides instant hot water, is generally considered to be more energy efficient than a ‘stored’ hot water system.
You could install solar water heating (SWH), also known as solar hot water (SHW).

This is an expensive measure, but the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) by the government will help you to recoup some of the upfront costs over time.

How does solar water heating work and should I install it?

Solar water heating works by circulating a liquid through a panel on an approximately south facing roof, or occasionally a wall or some kind of ground-mounted system. There are two types of panel – a ‘flat panel’ and the more expensive, but more efficient, ‘evacuated tube’.

The liquid is warmed by sunlight – even in cloudy weather – and this liquid is circulated through the hot water cistern, transferring its warmth to the water there.

A solar system can only work with a larger cistern with two heat inputs - one from the boiler and one from the solar panel.

Home insulation: make your home more energy-efficient with uSwitch.

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Insulating your home is one of the best things you can do to reduce your energy bills.

Need-to-know information about home insulation

Insulating your home is one of the best things you can do to reduce your energy bills and it'll make your house warmer and more comfortable, while also reducing its impact on the environment in the process.

What does insulation do?

Insulation - and draught-proofing - protects your home against cold in winter and excess heat in summer, and can even reduce noise pollution (like the sound from a road or passing aircraft). What's more, some key insulation measures are 'low cost', in that they pay for themselves in less than five years.

Other than low energy lighting, these measures have the best returns of all energy efficiency investments. Furthermore, if you decide to sell or rent your home, the rating that your home receives on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be improved.

Home insulation measure	Cost	% saving on fuel bill	Money saved per year	Payback period (years)
Cavity wall insulation (100% funded by a grant)	£0	19.3%	£135	0.0
Cavity wall insulation (partly funded by a grant)	£49	19.3%	£135	0.36
Cavity wall insulation	£350	19.3%	£135	2.6
Loft insulation (100% funded by a grant)	£0	25%	£175	0.0
Loft insulation (partly funded by a grant)	£49	25%	£175	0.28
Loft insulation (DIY)	£50 to £350	25%	£175	2.0
Adding extra loft insulation (DIY)	£179	3.6%	£25	7.2
Floor insulation (DIY)	£50	6%	£42	1.2
Internal solid wall insulation	£5,500 to £8,500	63.6%	£445	19

*These are estimated figures based on insulating a gas-heated, semi-detached home with three bedrooms. The installed cost includes a subsidy of around £250 available from the major energy suppliers under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). Source Energy Saving Trust

What is the difference in insulation between a new build and an older house?

Although new homes are now built to very good insulation standards, historically homes in the UK were insulated to a very poor standard, especially when compared to other European nations. If your house was built over twenty years ago, it's very likely that there are opportunities to 'retro-fit' insulation and improve its energy efficiency.

By contrast, some modern eco-homes are super-insulated and air-tight to the extent that they no longer need a heating system - they rely on heat from sunlight through the windows, and produced by the occupants and by electrical equipment in the home, with occasional top-ups from individual electric heating devices.

How does the heat escape from my house and the cold get in?

There are five ways that heat can escape:

Conduction - that's heat moving through solids like metal or brick.
Radiation - this is the heat you directly feel when you stand near a heat source. It is in fact infra-red radiation, and just another form of 'electromagnetic radiation' like radio waves, visible light, ultra-violet and x-rays - which all travel at the speed of light. If you take infra-red photos of your house on a cold, still night you can help see where heat is being lost.
Convection - this is the natural tendency of warm air or water or other gases and liquids to rise, while cold air or water falls. This often results in circulation of air and is the main principle behind central heating radiators.
Air movement - draughts are a common form of heat loss, taking warm air from within the home and letting it out into the outside (and typically replacing it with cold air coming in). Another example is a wind blowing past a house, which will generally have a cooling effect on it. Water movement has the same effect, but there are no known UK examples of systems to recover heat from water before it is put into the drains.
Evaporation - not a process that we naturally associate with heat loss, but if it rains on a hot summer day, after the rain stops, some of it may evaporate from the roof and walls, and this will cool the home considerably.

How do these methods apply to heat loss in my home?

In practice a lot of heat loss from your home will include a number of paths, each involving a combination of these methods. For example, in a bedroom, warm air can convect to the ceiling, the warmth will then be conducted through the ceiling, radiated or convected through the loft to the pitched roof, conducted through the roof tiles and then radiated or convected into the atmosphere.

On another path, heat from a radiator may radiate through the windows, while on a third, warm air might also be carried in draughts through gaps in the window frame and around the skirting boards. A fourth path could involve heat going through the inner 'leaf' of the cavity wall, being convected or radiated across the un-insulated cavity, conducted through the outer 'leaf' and then radiated, convected and conducted out into the atmosphere.

Where do I need to insulate in my home to protect myself from heat loss?

On a cold day, heat can escape from your home in all directions - up, down and sideways. So you should think about insulating the whole 'envelope':

the roof,
the walls,
the floor,
windows and doors.

Many people make the mistake of assuming that heat only goes up - but only one form of heat transfer (convection) primarily moves up. In reality heat travels in all directions.

If you adjoin another home, either through shared walls or through a floor that is in effect another household's ceiling, or vice versa, you are fortunate as you will not suffer from heat loss, assuming the other side is heated as well. However, you will still need to heat your home, as you won't have heat gain either. The general rule is that the bigger the temperature difference, the greater the flow of heat. So, the colder it is outside, the greater the heat loss from your home.

Can I completely eradicate heat loss?

You cannot completely eradicate heat loss through any one part of your home's envelope. Beware of assuming that just because heat loss through, say, your roof will account for 25% of your heat losses, that you will completely eradicate that loss and reduce your bills by 25%. You can save a substantial chunk of that, but there will still be some loss through that 'face' of your home.

How much heat is being lost from different parts of my home?

This depends on the type of house you live in, whether it's detached or semi-detached, or if it's a terrace property, and if so, if it is mid or end terrace. If you live in a flat, the losses will be different again, and will depend on whether your flat is in the middle, at the top or at ground floor level.

For a typical house the walls will lose most heat, around 30% and up to 40%. The roof will be next at around 25%, probably followed by windows and doors at around 20%, and the floor (of your lowest storey, at around 10%). Quite a large loss will occur because of draughts, excess ventilation and lack of air-tightness. Of course, draughts can also be attributed to floors, doors and windows, the walls or roof.

Do I need planning permission for insulation work?

In most cases, insulation work does not require planning permission from your local council. The exceptions may include external wall insulation and, in areas where there are conservation schemes, glazing.

Even if you don't need planning permission, building regulations could apply, so check with your local council's building control department.

Are there any grants available for home insulation?

For some of the key insulation measures, such as draught-proofing, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation, grants are currently available. Grants are generally provided by some of the major gas and electricity suppliers under the CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) scheme, as well as by the government through the WarmFront scheme.

Grants will pay for part of the cost (CERT), or if there is someone on certain benefits in the home (and therefore considered a 'priority') the complete cost will be paid (CERT and Warm Front). In 2012 the system for funding energy efficiency measures will change as CERT will come to an end, but 100% grants for the priority group will still exist under the ECO (Energy Company Obligation) and possibly also from Warm Front.

Many insulation measures are manageable as a DIY project, in order of increasing costs and complexity these are draft proofing, loft insulation, floor insulation and even internal insulation of solid walls.

Find out more about energy efficiency grants, CERT and Warm Front.

What about the environmental impact of insulation products?

'Embodied energy' is the energy used in the manufacture and shipping of a product. Sensible insulation measures will prevent the future need for energy, which will reduce overall energy needs, and reduce overall environmental damage, as such the initial 'cost' in terms of embodied energy is outweighed by their positive impact.

Some insulation materials have a lower environmental impact than others, such as those made from sheep's wool, wood, hemp, and recycled paper, glass or plastic bottles. And some insulation measures retain existing facilities, such as secondary double glazing.

Broadly speaking, if you eventually save money by investing in insulation, you are probably also reducing your overall environmental impact. Furthermore, processes proven to be particularly environmentally damaging are in any case generally banned or controlled.

What makes a good insulator?

Good insulators include many products that typically have a structure similar to wool. In effect a good insulator will trap tiny pockets of air within a material which itself is also a good insulator. These include the very common mineral and glass wools, which come on rolls in blanket form, or in a somewhat denser form as batts or slabs.

Sheep's wool is of course a great insulator, as are other natural fabrics like hemp and cotton - so curtains are good insulation products. Some mineral and glass wool style products are 'higher density' and therefore have greater insulation effect, typically about 25% greater.

Most wood and wood based products, for example, MDF, plywood, and hardboard, are also fairly good insulators - so wooden doors and wooden loft boards help keep warmth in the home.

Not surprisingly, paper is another a good insulator, including recycled paper, and cellulose from other sources such as crop wastes. Although flammable in its untreated form, it is treated to make it fire resistant for use as insulation. This is supplied in sealed sacks, but once opened is in loose form, which makes it suitable for installing in circumstances where blankets or batts won't fit.

Polystyrene and similar products are generally good insulators. Polystyrene is sometimes referred to as EPS (expanded or extruded polystyrene slab) form. These products are also usually fire resistant, and much denser and heavier than the sort of polystyrene that is used for packaging. EPS is typically 50% more effective, for the same depth, as standard mineral or glass wool products.

Closely related are spray foam solutions, which are typically polyurethane based. The foam forms on the mixing of two chemicals and it hardens, trapping tiny pockets of air. Because the foam fills crevices and gaps, it can also eliminate draughts and provide strengthening to existing building structures, for example roof tiles. Other foam solutions include adhesive strips for insulating around windows, doors, or loft hatches.

Some 'insulators' work by stopping the flow of air (draughts) through cracks and gaps, such as sealants (mastics). One of the cheapest sealants is papier-mache, which you can make yourself from torn-up paper and wallpaper glue.

Another method of insulation is reflection. There are now multi-foil products, which are generally a sandwich of metal foils and plastic style insulators. These can be used to reflect radiated heat (infra red) and are designed to insulate where there isn't the space for wool, batt and EPS type products. Some polystyrene and other products are also coated with foils.

Good insulation material doesn't just slow the process of heat loss, depending on its specific use, there are other properties that are important too, such as physical strength, fire resistance, resistance to mould, and non-toxicity; cost is another important consideration too.

What about bad insulators?

Unfortunately, many materials with physical strength and which are therefore used in building construction, including metals (such as copper, steel, and aluminium), stone, brick, tiles, and concrete, are bad insulators . However, some more modern versions of these materials have been designed to have construction strength but lower heat transmission than in the past, for example, modern breeze blocks.

Water is also a bad insulator, which means that anything that soaks up moisture will usually conduct heat away quite quickly. Moving air also takes heat away quickly even though air that is prevented from moving, generally when trapped in tiny pockets, makes a good insulator.

How do I know if the material I'm buying is a good insulator?

The rate of heat flow through a material is dependent upon the temperature difference on each side, the thickness of the material, the surface area, and the 'thermal conductivity' of the material, that is, it's ability to conduct heat, or 'k' as it is called in physics. However, when you are investigating insulating materials, you are more likely to come across R-values and U-values as these are usually quoted on packaging and in catalogues.

The R-value is quoted taking account of the depth of material as sold, for example, 100 mm of mineral wool will have an R value of about 2.25, while 170 mm depth product will have an R value of about 3.8.

You can then add R-values together if you are using layers of different materials, to get an overall R-value; an overall R-value of greater than 6.0 is recommended for lofts.

R-values (and U-values) for products also take account of the effect of surface resistances - the texture and reflectivity as well as the other properties of the surface of a product also affects heat transmission.

U-values measure how well different aspects of a building, such as the walls, the roof or windows, allow heat to flow out of it. The lower the U-value, the better, as this equates to lower heat loss. Some parts of buildings have naturally lower U-values -a well-insulated wall will generally have a lower U-value than a window, even if it is double-glazed. You may come into contact with U-values if you have to deal with planning matters, for example, if you build an extension or make a major change to your home such as putting in a loft room.

Are there limits to the effects of insulation?

In short, yes there are. Piling up layers of insulation becomes decreasingly cost-effective. If you have some insulation in place, and then double the thickness of it, the original heat flow will be halved. But to halve the heat flow again, and therefore reduce it to one quarter of the original, you will need four times the original insulation depth, and for one eighth the heat flow, you will need eight times the original insulation!

You can see how the cost savings relative to the initial outlay could quickly diminish, not to mention how impractical it would be.

Is it more energy-efficient to keep the heating on all the time?

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

So which is the best option: having the heating on low all the time, or just turning it on when you need it?

If you’re looking for ways to save on your energy bills you may be wondering if it is more energy-efficient to leave your heating on all the time or to turn it on and off as required. Read on to find out the answer.

When should your heating be on?

One key factor that gets people wondering whether or not to have their heating on all the time, is the idea that it will take additional energy to bring your home ‘up to temperature’ when the heating has been switched off.

However, if you leave your heating on 24/7, you will typically end up using more fuel in a like-for-like situation. This is because some heat loss will always occur due to the difference between the temperature outside your house and the temperature you are trying to maintain on the inside.

So, if you have your heating on all the time, your heating system will be using energy on an ongoing basis to maintain the inside temperature.

The greater the heat loss from your home, the more energy you will need to maintain the inside temperature, which means that the cost of leaving your heating on all the time will be especially expensive.

That’s why ensuring your home is well insulated and draught proofed is vital to minimise this heat loss. Taking steps to improve insulation is a good way to save on your energy bills - this can include insulated cavity walls, a well-insulated loft, double-glazing and draught proofed doors.

Typically the most energy-efficient approach to heating your home is to programme your heating system so that it comes on when you need it most.

With many of the more modern room thermostats you also have the ability to set different temperatures at different times, and you may even be able to set up a separate programme for weekends.

When you use your boiler timer and room thermostat in combination with radiator temperature controls (TRVs), you really do have the most energy-efficient approach to heating your home.

How to test it

If you have a well-insulated home, you can test whether putting on the heating 24/7 is cheaper than programming your system to come on at certain times of the day.

To get a good idea of the energy usage for each option, you can leave your heating on constantly for a week, followed by a week of programming your heating to come on twice a day.

You will need to take a meter reading at the beginning and end of each week, and from the results you will be able to see - assuming the weather and temperature outdoors have been similar across the two weeks - which approach is the most energy-efficient for you.

Heating fuel: choose the right fuel to heat your home with uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

With fuel bills rising, finding energy-efficient ways to heat your home is a priority.

So, what fuels are there to consider? And, what factors do you need to take into account when making a decision about what fuel to use for your heating?

What fuels are available for heating?

The fuels commonly available to householders for ‘space’ (room) heating include:

Gas
Electricity
Oil
LPG
Coal-based solid fuels
Biomass (wood)
Hot water mains (district heating)

These fuels vary in many ways, including their cost, the cost of installing equipment to use them, convenience, availability and their CO2 emissions.

What fuel is most commonly used in the UK?

Natural gas is the most widely-used heating fuel in the UK, it’s also the cheapest option available to consumers. However, not all homes are on the gas network.

Gas is a ‘fossil’ fuel, which means it was formed from the remnants of living matter from millions of years ago. It’s the cleanest of the fossil fuels - for each unit of energy or heat delivered, the CO2 emissions are half that of oil, and a third of those produced by coal.

Where does natural gas come from?

Britain’s gas comes from its own gas fields in the North Sea, and from Norwegian gas fields. It also comes to coastal terminals from the Middle East and North Africa in compressed or liquefied form.

What about my bills, is gas a cost-effective fuel and is the equipment I need expensive?

There are a number of gas suppliers and this competition helps ensure that gas is competitively priced. It’s also easy to compare gas and electricity prices and switch to get the best deal for your needs.

Because gas is so popular, equipment that uses it - like boilers and hobs – are typically cheaper than similar equipment for other fuels. Gas is also easy to control – you can turn it on and off, and it delivers heat quickly when required.

My house isn’t on the gas network, instead I have an oil tank, is this the most economical option?

Oil, or more specifically heating oil, is generally a little more expensive than gas for heating, but it’s the cheapest option in rural areas where there is no gas supply.

Oil is used mainly in boilers, but sometimes fires and cookers are fuelled by it. An oil-fired boiler will typically be more expensive than an equivalent gas one.

I’m moving to a house that has oil rather than gas, will I still have a constant supply of fuel to heat my home?

Unlike ‘mains’ fuels - gas and electricity - which are effectively ‘on tap’, oil is delivered in bulk and stored in a tank. It will be up to you to monitor your usage and ensure you place an order for delivery before your supply of oil runs out.

In this way, oil isn’t as convenient as gas or electricity. It can also be problematic in terms of budgeting, as you may have to pay for the oil on delivery - although some suppliers offer the option of spreading payments over a number of months to eliminate this issue.

If you keep an eye on your oil level and order in good time, then yes, you will still have a constant supply of fuel to heat your home.

Like gas, oil is quite easily controllable and delivers heat when required. Also, it has about twice the carbon content and emissions compared to gas per unit of heat delivered, but only about two thirds that of coal.

How do electric storage heaters work?

Storage heaters use cheap, off-peak electricity – available with an Economy 7 tariff – to heat up high thermal capacity bricks inside the storage heaters, and this heat is then released the following day.

The difficulty with storage heaters is that there is very little control over the release of the heat, and if it’s insufficient it has to be topped up with heat produced from peak-rate electricity.

However, if the topping up is kept to a minimum, storage heaters offer a cost-effective means of warming a home if it doesn’t have a gas supply.

How do Economy 7 and Economy 10 tariffs work?

Economy 7 tariffs give seven hours of cheap electricity through the night and Economy 10 tariffs give overnight cheap electricity plus an afternoon and evening boost, totalling ten hours.

Electricity used during the day is charged at a higher peak rate. Find out more about Economy 7.

I’ve heard that electricity has high carbon emissions, why is this?

The carbon emissions associated with electric heating are high - around three times those of gas and twice those of oil, per unit of heat delivered.

This is due to the high amount of waste heat that is a by-product at electricity generating power stations. The lost heat also partially explains why the cost of electricity is so high compared to gas.

Are there any environmentally friendly ways to use electricity?

A recent growth area in electrical heating is ground, air and even water source heat pumps. Heat pumps can reduce the carbon emissions of electricity considerably – even achieving carbon emissions and fuelling costs below those of gas heating.

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are the most popular and efficient. They work on the principle of making the ground colder while making the home warmer.

How do ground source heat pumps work?

Ground source heat pumps have pipes containing refrigerant running under the ground and this refrigerant absorbs heat from the ground. The pipework is fairly extensive, so there’s a need for a large area of land around a property to dig trenches.

The equipment, which includes a heat pump, underground piping and a heat exchanger to transfer the heat to the water-based liquid flowing around the pipes to the radiators, is expensive to buy and expensive to install.

However, they need little maintenance and may be a cost-effective option - in terms of running costs - if your home is not on the gas network.

Are there advantages to using electricity to heat my home?

Electricity use, like gas, tends to be easier to budget for than oil, and so is better for those who want to spread their fuel payments.

In the long run, as the use of fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil declines, and electricity generation ‘decarbonises’ - in other words, electricity is generated more from renewable sources like wind and less from fossils fuels - more heating will come from electricity.

Is coal still an option for heating?

A few decades ago, coal was the default choice of domestic fuel in the UK, but its use has fallen with the development of modern central heating systems. However, it’s still used in smokeless forms in solid fuel stoves, which tend to be used as a feature in living rooms.

As with oil, coal presents some issues with storage and it can be cumbersome to move it from its storage place to feed a boiler, although some coal-fired boilers have gravity feed options to lessen the need for topping up.

The introduction of smoke control areas - previously known as smokeless zones - means that only smokeless varieties can be burnt.

I’ve used bottled gas when I’ve been camping, is this an option for domestic heating?

Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is not particularly commonly used, but it does offer an alternative to using oil in rural areas where there is no mains gas.

There are comparatively few suppliers - one well known example being Calor Gas. Delivery is either into a tank or in bottles, and the cost is similar to oil, although probably slightly higher.

Many gas central heating boilers are available in versions that burn LPG as well as gas fires and cookers, giving it an advantage over oil - for each unit of delivered heat, LPG has lower carbon than heating oil.

I’ve heard the term biomass, but what does this mean?

Biomass as a fuel consists mainly of wood. Wood is a low energy density fuel - you get less energy from a greater quantity - so a lot of storage space is needed if you have a biomass boiler.

This type of boiler is a feasible option if you live near woodland or you have access to waste wood, otherwise it can prove to be expensive. If you have to buy wood that has been transported considerable distances then it’s no longer zero carbon.

Wood is often used as an additional or secondary fuel in a home - either burnt in a solid fuel stove or a traditional open fire.

Wood chip is available also for use in domestic boilers, where an auto-feed facility can provide heat lasting for a few hours.

What is district heating, what are the advantages and are we likely to see them in the UK?

District heating involves the supply of hot water through hot water mains to homes and businesses - the hot water feeds into the domestic pipework to warm radiators and provide hot water in the home. It eliminates the need for an individual boiler in the home, but a heat exchanger is required.

Popular in northern and eastern Europe, examples of district heating schemes in the UK are currently limited, but more are likely to be constructed over the next few years.

District heating uses large centralised boilers that can also generate electricity. Therefore, the cost of both the electricity and heat can be reduced, and carbon emissions are considerably reduced as well.

Is it practical to think of natural ways to heat my home?

Sunlight passing through windows naturally heats internal areas. Solar gain, as it’s called, is often forgotten as a heat source. To take advantage of solar gain, a home needs large south-facing windows and smaller windows to the north.

When combined with ‘thermal mass’, solar gain can have a further beneficial effect on reducing the use of other fuels to heat your home.

Using a similar principle to storage heaters, the capacity of exposed bricks or concrete to hold warmth can be put to positive use. Floors and walls made of these materials will absorb heat when the indoor air is warm or there is direct sunlight falling on them. Later, when the indoor air is cooler, they will release the heat back.

Concrete or tiled floors will need to be insulated below the surface and walls will need to be solid, rather than stud partition. They will also need to have the brickwork or concrete exposed, or at most have plaster directly over the brickwork or concrete. In most homes plasterboards have a gap behind them, which unfortunately reduces the wall’s effectiveness as a ‘thermal store’.

Solar gain and thermal mass are of course free, but capturing it may require major refurbishment. Some advanced eco-homes rely on super-insulation and heat coming from sunlight, occupants and as a by-product of using electrical equipment.

Heating cover - top ten tips for choosing heating cover from uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Heating cover is important, so make sure you make an educated choice by following our top tips for choosing heating cover and compare pices to find a great deal.

Boiler cover will, for a monthly or annual premium, cover the cost of servicing and repairing your boiler and heating system. Here are our top ten tips for getting the most out of your boiler or heating cover:

Top tips

You don't have to sign up for heating cover with your gas company

There are lots of different options, so make sure you compare different plans and prices to get the best one for your needs and your budget.
Don't wait until your heating has broken down or has started to have problems before you take out cover.

Most heating cover has a no-claims period at the beginning of the policy - they do this specifically to stop people from taking out cover when their heating breaks down.
Look out for heating cover that includes an annual service and safety inspection.

This can help to protect you and your family against the chance of a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
Having your boiler serviced can also improve its energy efficiency.

Boilers that are not regularly serviced will use more gas to produce less heat, which will drive up your gas bill. Turning your central heating thermostat down by 1 degree Celsius could also save you up to £60 on bills.
Think about whether you need boiler cover or central heating cover.

Boiler cover just covers your boiler and controls, while central heating cover includes your full central heating system.
Check the level of cover the policy offers.

Some heating cover will have a limit on the amount you can claim, or the number of times you can call out an engineer.
You don't need heating cover if you rent

The heating is your landlord's responsibility.

Often, the heating will break down without warning. Sometimes when one problem starts, others will follow in rapid succession. A few tell-tale signs to watch out for are:

The radiators don't get as hot as they should
It takes a long time to get hot water from the taps
Strange banging noises could mean trouble, so call for help straight away

Gas safety - 10 tips that could save your life

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Here are ten gas safety tips to keep yourself and your family safe against carbon monoxide.

All you need to know about gas safety, using a qualified engineer, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Using a Gas Safe Registered (previously CORGI) Engineer

Letting someone who isn't qualified install or service a gas appliance can put you at serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is incredibly dangerous; it can kill you quickly and with almost no warning, but you can't see, taste or smell it.

The Gas Safe Register - previously known as CORGI - is the UK's official gas safety body. As such any boiler engineer you use should be on the Gas Safe Register.

You should only allow boiler engineers to work on your heating systems if they have an official Gas Safe Register membership card. If your engineer still has a CORGI card after this date, they are not registered, and as a result will not be able to carry out gas work legally.

When checking your engineer's card from now on, look for the yellow Gas Safe Register triangle and not the orange CORGI registration badge.

Look for the Gas Safe Register logo on the registration card of your boiler engineer

Gas Safety - Top 10 Tips

1. Always check that an engineer is Gas Safe registered.

It is against the law for anyone to do work on gas appliances in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man or Guernsey unless they are on the Gas Safe Register. Always check that an engineer is Gas Safe registered before you let them work in your home on the Gas Safe Register website or by calling 0800 408 5500.

2. Registered gas engineers will have a Gas Safe ID card.

The Gas Safe ID card looks like this:

There are different kinds of registration - for example, someone may be registered to work on your boiler or pipework, but they might not be qualified to install a gas fire. You can check what kind of work they are qualified to do on the back of their card.

3. It's illegal for someone who works for a Gas Safe-registered business to do private work.

Hiring someone who normally works for a reputable firm, but is doing some extra work 'on the side' isn't the good idea it might seem - it's actually illegal.

4. Report anyone who you suspect of working on gas illegally.

If you think someone is working on gas illegally, report them to the Gas Safe Register and they will investigate their work.

5. Nominate your gas work for an inspection.

If you've had gas work done in the last six months, you can nominate it for a free gas safety inspection from Gas Safe to make sure it's up to scratch.

6. If you move house, get your appliances tested.

If you move into a new home, don't assume the appliances are safe - get everything checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

7. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning - it could save your life:

- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- breathlessness
- collapse or loss of consciousness
- symptoms which disappear or get better when you leave home and come back when you return
- other people (and animals) experiencing the same symptoms at the same time

8. Know what to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.

Know what to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:

- get fresh air immediately - open the doors and windows
- turn off any gas appliances and turn the gas off at the meter
- extinguish naked flames
- leave the house
- see your doctor immediately or go to hospital - let them know that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning
- call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 if you think there's any danger

9. Check for warning signs that your appliances may not be working properly.

Check for warning signs that your appliances may not be working properly:

- the flame on your gas cooker should be crisp and blue. Lazy yellow or orange flames mean you need to get your cooker checked
- you may see soot or black marks or staining around or on gas appliances
- your pilot lights may go out frequently
- you may see increased condensation inside your windows

10. Get an audible carbon monoxide alarm.

Get an audible carbon monoxide alarm. You can't taste, smell or see carbon monoxide, so an alarm is a good way to protect yourself. Carbon monoxide alarms look like a smoke alarm and are easy to install and should cost under £20. Make sure the alarm you buy has a British or European approval mark on it, such as a Kitemark.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning kills about 50 people each year in their homes, with more than 200 suffering from health problems as a result of CO exposure. With this in mind, it is vital that you make sure you know the risks and how to prevent CO poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is so dangerous because you can't see, smell or hear it. Therefore you need to be extra vigilant when looking out for the symptoms of CO poisoning.

CO poisoning can manifest itself with symptoms similar to those of a hangover or the flu. You may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness and in extreme cases you might even collapse or lose consciousness. If you find the symptoms disappear when you leave the house, then it could be that you're suffering from CO poisoning.

How can I prevent it?

If you own your property, it is your responsibility to make sure that all your gas appliances are serviced and checked on an annual basis.
It is essential that you use a Gas Safe Registered engineer, as only registered engineers are legally allowed to install and service gas appliances in your home. Gas Safe Register replaced Corgi as the official gas registration body for Great Britain and the Isle of Man on 1st April 2009.
If you are moving into rented accommodation, it is the law that your landlord has to produce a gas safety certificate to prove that annual safety checks have been carried out and all gas appliances have been serviced.
It is also important that you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. You can buy these from most DIY stores and they can be fitted to the wall easily, preferably in your bedroom.
The alarm will sound when CO levels in the room start to rise above the normal level, at which stage you should contact an engineer immediately and leave the property.
If you're in the UK and have any problems with gas in your property, you can call the Gas Emergency freephone number 0800 111 999.

Energy-efficient fridges and freezers: cut your electricity bills

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

The cost of powering your fridge and freezer will probably make up about 7% of your energy bill.

So it makes sense to look carefully at their energy efficiency credentials, and to make sure you help them to run in the most efficient way possible - it could help cut how much you spend on electricity.

Read on for tips for an energy-efficient fridge and freezer and advice on choosing a new one.

Seven tips to make your fridge and freezer more energy-efficient

If it's practical, place your fridge away from your cooker and make sure it isn't in direct sunlight - it will operate more efficiently if it's in a cool spot.
Keep the fridge at least 10cm from the wall, as this will allow the coils to work most efficiently. They should also be dust-free, so vacuum them every few months, but remember to unplug the fridge first.
Keep your fridge at between 3 and 5°C and your freezer at -18 °C.
Don't put hot food in the fridge - it takes more energy to cool hot food.
Keep your fridge and freezer filled - bottles of tap water can fill empty space in the fridge, and you can fill empty space in the freezer with screwed up newspaper.
Make sure the door seals are effective and keep them clean to make sure a good seal is maintained.
If your fridge doesn't defrost automatically, keep an eye out for any signs of ice and defrost it regularly.

Do you need a new fridge and/or freezer?

If your fridge and/or freezer is over ten years old, it may well be time to consider a replacement.

High efficiency compressors, improved insulation and more accurate temperature and defrost mechanisms mean newer models are far more energy-efficient. This means your initial outlay could be offset over time by reduced running costs.

How to choose an energy-efficient fridge/freezer

Fridges and freezers like other white goods are rated according to their energy efficiency. The EU energy label grades products from A (best) to G (worst) for energy use, with the scale going up to A++ for fridges and freezers.

Top performing products carry the blue Energy Saving Recommended logo, which means the product meets strict criteria set by the government and the Energy Saving Trust.

But, with fridges and freezers, this isn't the only consideration. The EU A-G rating is a rating based on energy consumption per litre or cubic foot of storage, and it's easier to make a machine more efficient if it's larger. So a larger A-rated fridge may be more energy-efficient, but can consume more electricity than a smaller B-rated model.

That's why it's important to buy the smallest fridge and/or freezer you can for your needs, because typically a smaller appliance will cost you less to run. To determine running costs and to compare them across different makes and models, look at the annual consumption figure in kWh, which can also be found on the energy label. The lower this figure the more economical the fridge will be to run.

If you're choosing a new fridge and freezer it's worth remembering that a unit with the freezer on top, or underneath, the fridge is more energy-efficient than a side-by-side unit, which uses up to 20% more energy. So, if this will fit in your kitchen, it's definitely the most efficient option.

Free energy-saving tips: 19 ways to save energy for free

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Saving energy isn't just about being environmentally conscious - it's also a great way to save money.

With just a few simple changes to your lifestyle and your home, you could be saving hundreds of pounds on your heating, gas and electricity bills.

So, if you're looking for ways to cut down on your spending, try these 19 free energy-saving tips.

Be efficient with heating

Stay warm, cut costs. Turning your thermostat down by 1°C can save you as much as £60 per year.

Also, keeping your heating on constantly on a low heat could potentially save you more money than switching it on and off for big blasts of heat.
Get cosy. Wearing more jumpers, socks and slippers around the house, and putting an extra blanket on the bed means you won't be tempted to turn the heating up.
Turn the pressure down on the power shower, you'd be surprised how much water they use - sometimes even more than a bath.

Be efficient with cooking

Save time and stock up. If you're going to use the oven, bake a few meals at a time to get the most out of having your oven on.
Heat your home with cooking. Leave the oven door open after cooking to let the heat warm your kitchen. The oven might give off enough heat for you to adjust your thermostat.
Let the dishwasher do the dirty work . Avoid pre-rinsing the dishes in hot water. Save water and energy by just scraping the dishes before they go in.
Make things easy for your fridge and freezer. Keeping them full means they don't have to work as hard and therefore they use less energy.
Use the right ring for the right thing. If your cooker has a small ring, use a small pan. You might only be heating up a small meal, and doing so in a big pan wastes a lot of energy.

More tips for energy-efficient cooking.

Be efficient with washing

Shrink your bills, not your clothes. 90% of a washing machine's energy expenditure is spent on heating the water, so if you wash your clothes at 30-40 °C you're saving significant amounts of money.
Hang up your laundry. Air-dry your laundry rather than tumble drying it, particularly if there's warm or windy weather.
Save yourself ironing time. Take your clothes out of the dryer before they're completely dry - they'll iron much quicker.

More tips for energy-efficient laundry.

Be efficient with appliances

Switch it off and save. Unplug all the appliances that you aren't using regularly - even chargers continue to use electricity when they aren't charging. Also, make sure you're not leaving appliances on standby.
Get the kids involved. Play energy-saving games with your kids. Get them to spot the areas in the home where energy is being wasted and where lights, switches or appliances have been left on.
Let the sunshine in. On a sunny day, opening your curtains will let warmth into your house.

Be efficient with your whole home

Get free cavity wall insulation. There are now government-backed full and partial grants available to help you pay for insulation if your home has cavity walls.

Getting this done could save you around 15% on your fuel bills, so you could be saving on average £98 a year.
Get free loft insulation. Because heat rises, as much as 25% of the heat in your house could be disappearing into your loft space.

If you apply for a loft insulation grant, you could save about 19% on your fuel bills - which works out at an average of £128 per year.
Get free solar panels. Having solar panels installed on your house could save you as much as a third on your electricity bills.
Apply for an energy-saving grant. There are plenty of energy-saving grants available to help with the cost of home improvements.

Don't overpay for the energy you're using

Compare gas and electricity prices with uSwitch to make sure you're on the cheapest tariff for you. It only takes a few minutes, we do all the paperwork for you and you could save up to £458.

Floor insulation: how to insulate your floor with uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

About 10% of heat loss from an average home is through the ground floor.

If your floor isn't already insulated, this could be a good move to help you cut your energy bills.

Read on to find out more about floor insulation and what's the right option for your home.

Do you need to insulate your floor?

This really depends on your home and what kind of floors it has:

Older houses with 'suspended floors', which are in effect above a void, are likely to lose more heat through the floor.
Homes with solid (concrete) floors, built since around the 1930s, have less of a problem.
Modern houses tend to incorporate slabs of polystyrene insulation a few inches below the concrete floor surface, effectively reducing this type of heat loss.

Whatever your home, there's still some kind of measure you can take to insulate your floor.

Four ways to insulate your floor

Draught-proofing - simply use sealant or caulking to fill the gaps between your floorboards and between skirting boards and the floor.
Add an insulating layer under your carpet or floor-covering - try a fibreboard underlay or polyfoam board.
A rug - it's not going to solve all your problems, but putting a rug on top of bare floorboards will help to block some draughts and keep your toes warm.
Put insulation under your floorboards - if you have you an access hatch that allows you to get into the crawlspace (void) below the floorboards, this is easier, if not you will have to take up the floorboards. You will need to use netting or wooden battens to hold the glass or mineral wool style insulation in place beneath the floorboards.

Alternatively, it may be easier to use batts rather than blanket style insulation. Batts typically also have the advantage of having a slightly higher R-value - the higher the R-value, the greater the insulator's effectiveness. Sheep's wool could also be considered, for its breathability.

One thing to remember, however, is the need for ventilation. The void (or crawlspace) below the floorboards will have ventilation grills and these should not be blocked up, as floorboards may otherwise become damp and start to rot.

EU Energy Label: what are energy labels & can they save you money?

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

The label's main purpose is to help you make an informed decision about buying an appliance.

If you're shopping around for a new dishwasher, fridge, washing machine or even an oven, you might have noticed a colourful diagram stuck on the front of it.

This diagram is known as an EU Energy Label and it's designed to enable you to make an informed decision about buying an appliance, based on how much energy it uses.

How to recognise a European Energy Label.

New EU Energy Labels rate appliances on a scale: dark green (from A+ to A+++) means that a product is highly energy-efficient, while red (F and G) means that a product is not very energy-efficient.

You will see an arrow pointing at the band. The arrow will say how energy-efficient the product is. For the most efficient product, look for products that have arrows pointing at the darkest green band.

Other performance statistics

The label will also show other statistics in terms of the product's performance. This might include, for example, washing performance, noise levels, water consumption per cycle and capacity, depending on the type of appliance.

Kilowatts per hour (kWh)

The kWh number tells you how much energy the product uses in an hour. The lower this number is, the lower your fuel costs will be per hour of use.

Which appliances should have energy labels?

By law, the EU Energy Label should appear on these products:

washing machines and dryers
televisions (from December 2011)
dishwashers
air conditioners
electric ovens
light bulbs
fridges and freezers.

Energy Performance Certificate

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

EPCs explained: If you're selling or renting your home out, you need to make sure your home has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Here's why:

By law, all buildings that have been newly built, sold or rented out need an Energy Performance Certificate.

Likewise, if you're buying or renting a property, you need to make sure you look at the Energy Performance Certificate.

The EPC, which is valid for 10 years, will give you an idea of how expensive the property will be to run, in terms of your gas and electricity bills.

It's good to know as much as possible about your new home's energy efficiency before you move in - it will give you a good idea the amount of money you might need to spend on the house in future, whether it's on energy-efficient measures or on your energy bills.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates look similar to the EU Energy Labels you see on electrical appliances, like fridges and washing machines.

Essentially, Energy Performance Certificates are a list of statistics about the energy efficiency of your home. They also have recommendations on where you could make improvements.

EPCs carry ratings on energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. Two readings are given - one states the level of efficiency that your home is currently achieving, the other suggests what level of efficiency your home could be achieving if you were to put energy-efficient measures in place.

How does the rating work?

The rating scale is both colour coded and alphabetised, running from A to G:

A (Dark green) is highly efficient
G (Red) is low efficiency

Most homes appear around grade D, this is the average.

What other information does the certificate contain?

estimates of the energy your property potentially uses;
carbon dioxide emissions;
fuel costs;
details of the person who carried out the assessment;
who to contact for complaints.

What if you're selling your property?

The recommendations are only a guide, so there are no legal obligations to make the changes that the report recommends. If you do make the changes, you will improve your home's energy rating and therefore make the property more attractive to buyers.

How do I get an Energy Performance Certificate?

If you're a landlord or a property owner you need to contact an accredited domestic energy assessor to assess your property and produce a certificate.

If you are working with an estate agent to rent your property out or sell it, they may already employ a domestic energy assessor. Otherwise they may be able to recommend one to you.

Which buildings need an EPC?

A building requires an EPC if it uses heating or air-conditioning. By definition, it uses energy to 'condition an indoor climate' i.e. between a roof and walls.

Every part of a building, or extension to a building that uses its own internal heating system will need an EPC.

I'm installing solar panels - do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

From the 1st April 2012, you'll also need an EPC of band D or higher if you want to have solar panels installed in your home and receive the standard rate from the Feed-in Tariff.

If your property is below band D when you first apply for the Feed-in Tariff you will receive a lower rate, which will remain even if you improve your home's energy performance at a later date.

EPC's and the Green Deal

If you have a Green Deal assesment carried out on your property you'll get an EPC along with your Occupancy Assesment.

This EPC will indicate what you could do to improve the energy-efficiency of your home and what you could pay for with the Green Deal.

The EPC will also say if you have a Green Deal in place on your property.

Energy Monitors

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Energy monitors: cut your energy usage and your energy bills at the same time

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

What is an energy monitor?

Energy monitors are small devices that help you discover how much energy you're using in your home.

They show you how much money your energy consumption is costing you, and will tell you how much money you're saving once you begin to change the way you're using energy.

What's the difference between an energy monitor and smart meters and prepayment meters?

Energy monitors are not a substitute for your existing energy meter, just a complement to it. Energy monitors also shouldn't be confused with smart meters or prepayment meters.

Smart meters are a new kind of energy meter. Smart meters make sure your energy supplier can accurately monitor your gas and electricity usage remotely, so you don't need to provide meter readings, and your bills will be completely accurate.

Prepayment meters differ from normal meters because as well as showing a meter reading, they must be 'topped-up' with credit. They are often installed in homes that have fallen into debt with their energy supplier, and can help people to budget more effectively. They can be topped-up in a variety of ways, including smartcards, tokens, keys or even coins.

How much money could an energy monitor save you?

An energy monitor alone can't save you any energy - but it will make you aware of just how much energy you're using, so it's a great tool to help you change your behaviour and cut your gas and electricity bills.

According to the Energy Saving Trust you could find that your energy usage drops by between five and 15% in the first year of using an energy monitor, which could be a saving of £25 to £75 on a £500 bill.

How do energy monitors work?

A whole house energy monitor is a hand held screen that you can take anywhere in your house. The monitor communicates with a small separate unit that clips onto your electricity meter and tells you how much electricity you're using in real time.

You can buy an energy monitor for anywhere between £30 and £100, and there are a range of different makes and models to choose from.

A few energy suppliers offer them, sometimes even for free, for example E.ON, Southern Electric and British Gas's EnergySmart scheme.

A more basic alternative to an energy monitor is a plug-in monitor. This is good for working out the power consumption of individual devices.

Plug-in meters (or plug-in energy monitors) are used between a socket and the plug of the device being measured. Some plug-in meters require a battery backup, but it's preferable to choose one that doesn't, otherwise you're at risk of losing data.

Sometimes several devices can be measured together, if a multi-socket extension lead or adapter is plugged into the monitor, making it possible to measure the power consumption of a PC, its screen and other peripheral devices in total.

How accurate are energy monitors?

Some energy monitors measure apparent power, in volt-amps, rather than actual power, in watts, and apparent power tends to be higher for devices on standby and at lower power levels generally. If the monitor only measures apparent power then it will be less accurate at lower consumption levels, at under 100 watts, and particularly under about 60 watts. (When you buy electricity, you are charged for actual power usage by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), that's the equivalent of using 1000 watts for an hour).

Whole home monitors are not as good at working out the power consumption of individual devices, as you have to measure overall consumption with a device turned on, and then measure it again with it switched off, which can be problematic and not very accurate.

However, the advantage of whole home monitors is that they can cover devices which do not have plugs, such as alarm systems, immersion heaters, lighting circuits, central heating pumps and controllers, showers, cookers, and other direct wired devices (although only in total). A plug-in meter cannot measure these.

Comparing energy monitors - things to consider

Energy monitors vary considerably in terms of their features and how much they cost, so you might want to compare a few different models before you buy one. Some of the most convenient features and benefits of energy monitors include:

a display that shows your current energy use;
wireless connectivity, and a portable display so you can move it around your home;
being able to look at historical data including daily, weekly and monthly usage.

How much you want to pay for an energy monitor will depend on your individual circumstances, but it's good to remember that in most cases you are likely to make your money back if you try to reduce your energy usage as a result of buying an energy monitor.

Make your laundry more energy-efficient and reduce your energy bills

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Your washing machine alone accounts for 7% of your energy bill.

Read on for our top tips for saving energy when you're washing and drying your clothes, and for advice on choosing an energy-efficient washing machine.

Top tips for energy-efficient washing

Wash clothes on the shortest cycle and with the lowest water level that's practical for your needs.
Use a cold water or 30°C cycle where possible.
Soak heavily soiled items before washing, and rub collars or other stains with household soap.
Wait until you have a full load before washing.
If you have to do a wash in a rush make sure you fill up the machine with other clothes too.
Think about the type of clothes you buy; if you frequently do washes because you haven't got enough clothes of a particular type, then it may make sense to invest in a few more.
Similarly, bath sheets are typically heavyweight cotton and excessively large, so consider choosing standard lightweight bath towels to save on energy.
Where possible, use a high spin speed so clothes come out of the washing machine almost dry, with little need for tumble drying.
Include occasional hot washes if you mainly do low temperature ones. This will get rid of bacteria and prevent the build up of odours in your machine.

Washing your clothes is only half the story, what about drying them? Read on to find out how to save energy when drying your clothes:

Ten tips for energy-efficient drying

Dry similar fabrics together.
Clean the filters every time you use your dryer to make sure they're free from fluff and your dryer will operate more efficiently.
Use auto-dry rather than a timed cycle, that way you won't be using more energy than required.
Only dry clothes as much as necessary.
Resist the temptation to add wet items part way through a drying cycle.
Plan your washing so items that you want to tumble dry are all washed in the same load.
Make sure the machine is full and if possible do all your drying in one go, a second load can take advantage of the heat that has already built up in the machine.
Remove clothes from your dryer once they are dry, as modern machines will continue to rotate to prevent creasing, and therefore use more energy
If your machine is vented, check the outside vent is in good working order.
There is a wide variation in the efficiency of machines, and as they're big electricity users, it's worth checking carefully how efficient yours is.

Choosing an energy-efficient washing machine, tumble dryer or washer-dryer

If your machine is over ten years old then the chances are it will be making your energy bills unnecessarily high.

Nowadays, washing machines, tumble dryers and washer-dryers all have much improved energy-efficiency, due to the introduction of the EC A-G labels and improvements in technology.

When looking at energy ratings for washing machines, it's important to remember that they're are currently based on 60°C cotton washes, and therefore may not truly reflect regular usage.

Modern machines also allow for better customisation of wash cycles, which means you can choose the most energy-efficient option for your needs. Some even have weight sensors for accurate loading, and to determine how much water and heat to use. Such features mean that efficiencies are much easier to achieve.

Likewise, modern tumble dryers have built-in sensors that prevent clothes from over-drying and they operate in such a way that clothes dry more quickly and evenly.

Water consumption is another consideration too, and will impact your bills if you are on a water meter.

This applies not only to washing machines, but also to washer-dryers. They consume a lot of additional water in drying mode, as they use a continuous run of cold mains water to condense the warm vapour from the drying clothes.

The amount of water used for drying varies greatly from machine to machine, so if you only have space for a washer-dryer then check this out carefully.

Energy-efficient heating: get more warmth for your money

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Heating your home accounts for about 42% of the average energy bill.

Walking into a warm and cosy home on a cold day is lovely, but the gas and electricity bill you get in the post for that nice warm feeling can be hard to swallow. But a warm home isn’t just comfortable, it’s essential, because it keeps you and your family well throughout the winter.

Heating your home accounts for about 42% of the average energy bill, so by being energy-efficient you stand to make some big savings.

Here are our 15 top tips for energy-efficient heating. It might be helpful to have the instruction manuals for your timer, thermostat and boiler to hand - if you don’t have them, you may be able to download them from the manufacturer’s website.

Check your timer

Is the clock right?
Are the ‘on’ and ‘off’ times a good reflection of when you need the heating on? For example, on working days, does your heating come on half an hour before you get up or come home, and go off half an hour before you go out or go to bed?
Can you set different times for the weekends? For example, you may want the heating to come on later if you get up later.

Get to grips with your thermostat

Take a look at your thermostat - also known as a roomstat. Older ones tend to be attached to the wall while the newer ones are wireless and have digital displays that you may be able to move around the house.

If it’s marked in Fahrenheit (°F) that’s a good indicator that it’s very old and due for replacement - even an analogue thermostat marked in Centigrade could be worth replacing with a digital one to bring your system up-to-date.
Turn down the temperature on the thermostat. It’s advice that most us have heard before, but turning down by just 1°C could save you £70 a year.

21°C is the temperature generally recommended, but some people find temperatures as low as 18°C comfortable. Play around with different temperatures (and try wearing more layers) until you find a level you’re happy with.
Take into account where your thermostat is. Many people’s thermostats are in a hallway, which may well be colder than your living room. So, to get the temperature to 21°C in the rooms you spend the most time in, you may find that you have to set the temperature on the thermostat to a higher or lower figure.

Take a look at your radiators

If you have temperature controls on your radiators - also known as thermostatic radiator valves or TRVs - then you can use them to heat each room to the right temperature.

This can really help to cut your heating bill. For example, if you have a room that you don’t use very often - like a spare bedroom - you could keep it at a lower temperature than you would your living room.
Try to find out how the numbers correspond to real temperatures - they usually run from 0 to 5 or 6. As a general guide, ‘4’ is usually about 20°C and ‘3’ about 16°C.

Make the most of your boiler settings

Think about using the ‘boost’ button on your boiler if you need some extra heat. It normally gives an hour of heating, if the temperature in your home is below that on the thermostat.
Using the ‘advance’ option on your boiler will make it skip forward to the next time it’s meant to come on. So, if it’s 2pm and the heating is off but it’s set to come on at 4pm, pressing advance will make it come on right away.

It can also be used to turn the heating off earlier, for example if you’re already warm enough or you’re going out
Change the temperature of the water going to your radiators. Many boilers will let you change this and they’re quite often set too high.

Turning the temperature down will stop your radiators from getting hotter than you want, and save you money. Experiment with the settings until you find the level that’s right for you.

Make sure your central heating is in good working order

Get your boiler serviced regularly - it sounds simple, but this is something many people overlook. Keeping your boiler maintained and getting it serviced regularly can help it run more efficiently, so you get more warmth for your money.
Bleed your radiators - bleeding your radiators - letting out any air that’s trapped inside them - can help you to keep your home warmer. Read our step-by-step instructions to how to bleed your radiator.

Keep the heat in

Make sure you don’t waste any of the heat you’ve generated - insulation and draft proofing will keep the heat in and the cold out.

Don’t overpay

Finally, compare gas and electricity prices with uSwitch to make sure you’re on the cheapest tariff for you. It only takes a few minutes, we do all the paperwork for you and you could save up to £458.

Energy-efficient heaters: find out about energy-efficient heaters

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Many people use things like electric heaters and gas fires to give their central heating system or storage heating a boost.

However, this can be an expensive way of keeping warm. Read on to find out which are the most energy-efficient heaters.

What kinds of heaters are there?

Broadly speaking, heaters can be divided into two main categories - fixed and non-fixed.

Non-fixed or portable heaters can be picked up and moved around, and are mainly powered by electricity, although there are also portable fires fuelled by bottled gas.

Fixed heaters - which you’d normally find in a fireplace - can be powered by mains gas, LPG, electricity, and solid fuels such as biomass and coal.

Portable electric heaters

The main kinds of portable electric heaters are:

oil-filled radiators,
convector heaters,
fan heaters,
halogen heaters.

None of these is much more energy-efficient than the others. However, halogen heaters heat up and cool down more quickly, and fan heaters are also relatively quick to heat up and cool down, with the added advantage that they blow the heat to where it is needed. Halogen heaters also tend to use up the smallest amount of space, followed by fan heaters.

If children or other vulnerable people are around, you should take extra care with portable heaters. An oil filled radiator in particular may be unsuitable, because of the high temperatures they can reach, which could harm anyone touching them.

There should be plenty of space around individual heating devices, especially fan heaters, as they need to draw in air, and halogen heaters that have an oscillating movement.

Stand-alone electrical heating devices will usually be less wasteful if they have thermostatic controls - in other words, if they have the capability of switching themselves off once a particular temperature has been reached. If a device doesn’t have such a facility, a separate plug-in thermostat can be purchased.

Given that portable electric heating devices use electricity, they’re generally not as cost effective as central heating systems running on gas or oil.

Portable bottled gas heaters

Bottled gas heaters, have wheels and are semi-portable - they’re bulky, so getting them up and down stairs can be a challenge! Another disadvantage is that the bottles of gas become empty and have to be re-filled or exchanged, whereas electricity is generally continuously available.

The fumes given off by bottled gas fires mean that you’ll need to have a window open for ventilation which makes them even less efficient and expensive.

Fixed electric heaters

You can get fixed heaters for most different heating fuels but in general, the running costs are still higher than central heating systems.

For heat from electricity, you can get wall panel heaters, which work by convection and are often used to supplements to storage heaters.

You can also get electric wall fan heaters. These are generally used in bathrooms and are fixed at head height or higher, blowing heat downwards.

Gas fires and fixed gas heaters

When it comes to gas fires, the following options are available:

Open flame
Radiant
Glass-fronted
Flueless (catalyst)

Fires with a balanced flue are more efficient, because there’s no need for ventilation.

Modern gas wall heaters are also available with balanced flues, which means they’re almost as efficient as modern central heating boilers. They don’t act as a focal point of a room like a fire would, so they’re a better option for halls, stairwells and kitchens where there is an outside wall close by.

Solid fuel fires

Solid fuels have been given a boost thanks to the popularity of wood-burning stoves.

There are also fires and burners for solid fuels like coal. Coal has a much higher energy density than wood - i.e. more heat can be delivered from a particular volume of fuel - and some stoves and fires are capable of burning both kinds of fuels.

If you live in a smoke control area - also known as smokeless zone - certain solid fuels can only be burnt on ‘exempt appliances’.

Many stoves that burn wood and coal-based solid fuels have this exempt classification, because they’re generally enclosed and glass-fronted. Such ‘appliances’ also burn the fuel more efficiently and completely.

Energy-efficient cooking tips for using less energy when you cook

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

The cost of cooking accounts for about 4% of the average gas and electricity bill.

Changing the way you cook as well as using energy-efficient cooking appliances can reduce the amount of energy you use and cut your energy bills in the process.

Read on for lots of ways to save energy in the kitchen, plus our top twenty tips for energy-efficient cooking.

Choose the most energy-efficient cooking method

If you have an energy monitor, you're bound to have noticed that your oven uses far more electricity than almost any other appliance in your home. Fuel consumption for cooking in general is high compared to other household activities, so that's why it's worth knowing how to reduce the amount of energy you use to prepare food.

As an overview: a microwave oven is the most energy-efficient, followed by a hob and lastly an oven. Therefore, to keep your energy bills down, it's a good idea to purchase a microwave oven if you don't already have one, and to use it for as much cooking as possible. But, remember to switch off your microwave at the wall when you're not using it, so it isn't left using electricity to power its clock.

You can also implement a couple of simple ideas to save on your bills, such as making sure you only fill your kettle with the amount of water you need, and always using the kettle and not the hob to boil water. Likewise, always make toast in your toaster, and not on a grill.

Slow cookers can also be an energy-efficient option - they use just a little more energy than a traditional light bulb, and you can leave your food to cook slowly while you get on with other things.

When you're not using your microwave, follow our top 10 tips to make sure your cooking is as efficient as possible.

10 tips for energy-efficient cooking in the oven

Cook in batches: cook as much as possible in the oven in one go to make sure all the space and heat is being used. You can always freeze portions of food to warm up at a later date.
Keep the oven closed while you're cooking: when cooking, each time you open the door the oven loses heat and requires more energy to get back up to temperature. Also, try to keep the oven door clean so you can look in, rather than having to open it to see how your food is doing.
Defrost frozen food in the fridge overnight: defrosting food in advance typically halves the cooking time.
Get to know your oven: learn how long it takes to pre-heat, so you're ready to start cooking as soon as it's up to temperature.
Pre-boil potatoes before roasting: by doing so you'll reduce the amount of time they take to cook in the oven.
Use glass or ceramic dishes: they're the most efficient to use in the oven and can reduce the temperature required for cooking.
Use stainless steel skewers: insert them into baked potatoes and joints of meat to speed up the cooking process.
Cut food into smaller pieces: that way it will cook more quickly.
Use the fan assist cooking option: this allows you to set the oven at a lower temperature compared to when using the static cooking option.
Turn your electric oven off ten minutes before the end of the cooking time: it will still keep to the same temperature for this time period.

10 tips for energy-efficient cooking on the hob

Always use the right size of pan for the amount of food you are cooking.
Put just enough water in the pan to cover vegetables.
Choose the right size of burner or ring for the pan.
Always put lids on pans to keep the heat in.
Turn down the ring or burner once the cooking temperature or state is reached; simmer food rather than boiling it.
Use a steamer to cook vegetables, that way you can layer a number of vegetables on top of each other and still use one ring, or use a pan with a divider.
Use a pressure cooker for cooking pulses, and even joints of meat, whole meals, or stews. It speeds up the cooking process.
If you're using an electric hob, choose flat-bottomed pans so the pan is in full contact with the ring.
Certain pan types are better at conducting and retaining heat - copper-bottomed pans heat up quicker than stainless steel and cast-iron pans retain heat more efficiently , so you won't need the heat to be turned up so high.
Keep rings clean, as burnt foodstuff absorbs heat making an electric ring less efficient.

Do I need a new oven or hob for energy efficient cooking?

Having a cooker that's in good working order is essential for energy-efficient cooking; it will help lower your fuel consumption and keep your gas and electricity bills down.

While it's true that it's worth waiting to buy a new appliance until the old one has stopped working - due to the energy used in the manufacture of the new appliance - it's worth considering a replacement if the existing appliance is over ten years old. It's definitely worth replacing if the appliance is faulty, for example, if your oven thermostat or fan has failed.

It's also worth checking that the door of your oven is properly sealed, because the amount of heat that leaks out during cooking has a big impact on the energy efficiency and energy consumption of an oven.

If you decide that you need a new oven and opt for an electric model, then it's important to choose an oven that is energy-efficient, as well as having triple glazing on the oven door and good insulation.

The energy label will tell you how energy-efficient an appliance is. One that's A-rated is the most energy-efficient and can reduce long-term running costs. The most efficient appliances will also carry the Energy Saving Recommended badge, which is awarded by the Energy Saving Trust.

Don't overpay for the energy you're using

Compare gas and electricity prices with uSwitch to make sure you're on the cheapest tariff for you. It only takes a few minutes, we do all the paperwork for you and you could save up to £458.

Got an energy question? The uSwitch Energy Doctor can help!

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Got a question about gas, electricity or energy efficiency? The Energy Doctor can help!

Simply e-mail your questions to editor@uswitch.com and we'll pick the best ones and post the answers here.

Q. Is it true it costs more to switch lights off and then on again, than it does just to leave them switched on?

A. It's a myth that it costs more to switch your lights on and off than to leave them running.

Old-fashioned incandescent bulbs - the kind with a filament in them - don't draw any more power than normal when they're first turned on - if a bulb says 60W on it, it will draw 60W of power from the instant it's switched on.

With low energy-saving bulbs, it's again cheaper to switch lights off when you leave a room than to leave them switched on.

While low energy bulbs do draw more power in the first few minutes of being switched on than they do when they are running normally, the energy used by them starting up is only the equivalent of leaving them running for a few minutes.

Q. Is it cheaper to leave the central heating on at a low temperature rather than switch it on and off as needed?

A. It's a common misconception that it's cheaper to leave your heating on all the time.

Boilers use more power initially to heat radiators from cold. However, the cost of doing this is greatly exceeded by the cost of keeping the boiler running all of the time - even if you set the temperature of the central heating down low.

You should set your heating to come on shortly before you are going to need it - for example, before you get up in the morning or before you come in from work - and to go off again at a time when you leave the house.

Q. Are there energy-saving light bulbs which don't take ages to reach their full brightness?

A. Some energy-saving bulbs can take a little longer than normal bulbs to reach full brightness. This is a result of the technology they use, which is also what makes them so much more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Many modern energy-saving bulbs take little more than a few seconds to warm up to full brightness. You should look for the Energy Saving Recommended label when choosing your energy-saving bulbs, as these have to pass certain criteria on maximum warm-up time.

You can also get energy-saving bulbs which are designed to be fast-start bulbs, meaning that they do not have a warm-up period. Look for bulbs labelled 'fast-start' or 'quick-start' when you are buying new ones.

Q. How do I know if my walls already have cavity insulation?

A. If you want to find out whether or not your home has cavity wall insulation, you can request a free survey from any cavity wall insulation installer registered with CIGA (the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency).

Go to the CIGA website or ring them on 01525 853300 for a list of registered installers in your area.

Q. What are the minimum insulation standards that landlords of residential property are legally required to fulfil?

A. Currently, landlords are not legally required to install insulation in residential properties.

However, landlords can claim a tax allowance, known as the Landlords Energy Saving Allowance (LESA); this allows them to claim on their tax return against the cost of buying and installing energy-saving items, including draught proofing, loft insulation, floor insulation, cavity or solid wall insulation, and insulation for hot water systems. The tax relief is for up to £1,500 each tax year per property.

To find out more about LESA, contact your accountant or tax advisor, visit Directgov or call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012.

Q. Will I save money by turning radiators off in individual rooms?

A. You will almost certainly be able to save money by turning your radiators off in individual rooms when they're not in use. It's a waste of money and energy to be heating a space when it is not needed.

Also, close the doors to any unheated rooms where you have turned off the radiators to help stop the warm air from the heated rooms or spaces escaping into the colder ones.

If you have gas central heating, the one room where you should not turn off, or turn down, a radiator is the room where your thermostat is fitted. This is because it can interfere with the temperature regulation of the central heating.

Q. Is it better to just use the gas fire in my living room to keep my house warm or to heat up the whole house with the gas central heating?

A. Gas central heating is usually more efficient at providing heating compared with a gas fire. It's able to produce more heat per unit of gas used, as a lot of the heat produced by living flame gas fires may escape up the chimney.

Which works out more cheaply for you will probably depend on how many rooms you have or want to heat, and whether you can control the individual radiators in the different parts of your house.

If you cannot turn off or turn down the radiators in the other rooms in your house, you will be better off using your gas fire, as by using the central heating you will be wasting money heating unused rooms.

Q. What's the most effective way of heating my all-glass conservatory?

A. The first thing to consider is whether your conservatory has double-glazed, or triple-glazed glass, or whether it's made of single-glazed panes. If it's single-glazed, it may be difficult to keep it heated to a comfortable level in cold weather. In this case, you could use heaters such as halogen heaters or fan heaters.

If you have double or triple glazing, then the conservatory will be better at holding in heat. In this case you can consider fitting a radiator of the type you have in the rest of your house.

Finally, building regulations may require that any heat source in a conservatory is controlled independently of the heating in the rest of the house. This means that anything you install must have a thermostat built into it, and/or allow you to switch it off at its source. It's always best to check with the planning department of your local authority for further advice on this matter.

Draught-proofing: prevent heat loss and save on your heating bills

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

When it comes to preventing heat loss, draught-proofing is a quick and cheap option.

Some figures indicate that as much as 30% of the heat lost from homes is lost through draughts and unnecessary ventilation.

British homes tend to be very draughty, and even more heat is lost during windy weather, both through the increase in draughts and because of the cooling effect of wind blowing past walls and roofs.

Ten top draught-proofing tips

Here's a list of places where draughts occur, and what measures you can take to prevent them.

Along the top and bottom of skirting boards - use sealant to fill the gaps.
Between floorboards - a silicone-based filler that allows for some movement is best for filling the gaps in floorboards, or you can insulate the void beneath your floor.
Doors - fit draught-proofing strips between the door itself and the frame. This can apply to internal as well as external doors. For gaps between the bottom of the door and the floor, you can buy a special 'brush' or hinged flap draught excluder.
Loft hatches - put draught strips around the frame to keep out draughts. Also, the door itself can be insulated, typically with a polystyrene slab on the upper side.
Windows - draught-proofing strips work well around opening casements. Draughts also occur in cracks between the window frames and the surrounding walls - you can either use sealant, or putty here.
Letter box - if it does not have a second flap or 'brushes', fit either of these or try Ecoflap.
Keyholes - you can fit a purpose-made cover that drops a metal disc over the keyhole.
Disused vents, perhaps left behind after gas fires and old central heating boilers, with non balanced flues, were removed. These should be sealed up, perhaps with an adjustable vent cover, or you can fill them with expanding polyurethane foam.
Chimneys - if you still use your chimney then you can use a chimney balloon, if you don't use it you can have it capped by a professional.
Damaged or worn parts of a building, for example, where brickwork needs 're-pointing' - add new or top-up mortar between the bricks.

How to reduce unnecessary ventilation

Warm air is often lost because of windows being left open. It isn't usually necessary to open a window for ventilation, that's because in modern windows trickle vents take care of ventilation needs, and in many older homes there are wall vents that allow air to circulate. If you find you need to open your windows to get rid of excess heat, then you probably need to turn down your room thermostat.

Kitchens, bathroom and toilets have a greater need for ventilation than the other rooms in a house, because of the amount of moisture that is produced. Many people do leave windows open for this purpose, but there are other more effective options, especially as there's a tendency to forget about an open window.

So in bathrooms and toilets, think about installing a timed extractor fan, or if you already have a fan, check whether it has an unused timer facility - you may need to change the wiring to activate the timer function. If you have an extractor without a timer you run the risk of leaving it on unnecessarily, which can chill your whole house.

Five top kitchen ventilation tips

Your kitchen can produce a lot of steam and heat, and as a result needs just the right level of ventilation to make sure the moisture gets out, but draughts don't get in.

Turn down each ring or burner to the appropriate level.
Put lids on pans, as excess evaporation probably also indicates wasted heat and fuel.
Think about buying and using a pressure cooker, which will reduce fuel use and cooking times as well as the amount of unwanted heat and steam in the kitchen.
Use a microwave, it generally has less need of ventilation.
Use a cooker hood, but only switch the extractor on for the minimum time necessary.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Risks, Symptoms and Prevention from uSwitch.com

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

It’s vital that you make sure you know the risks and how to prevent CO poisoning.

According to Gas Safe Register, Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning killed over 14 people in the UK in 2008, with more than 200 suffering from health problems as a result of CO exposure.

What are the symptoms?

Carbon monoxide is so dangerous because you can’t see, smell or hear it. Therefore you need to be extra vigilant when looking out for the symptoms of CO poisoning.

If you find the symptoms disappear when you leave the house, then it could be that you’re suffering from CO poisoning.

How can I prevent it?

If you own your property, it’s your responsibility to make sure that all your gas appliances are serviced and checked on an annual basis. It’s essential that you use a Gas Safe Registered engineer, as only registered engineers are legally allowed to install and service gas appliances in your home.

If you’re moving into rented accommodation, it’s the law that your landlord has to produce a gas safety certificate to prove that annual safety checks have been carried out and all gas appliances have been serviced.

It’s also important that you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. You can buy these from most DIY stores and they can be fitted to the wall easily, preferably in your bedroom. The alarm will sound when CO levels in the room start to rise above the normal level, at which stage you should contact an engineer immediately and leave the property.

If you’re in the UK and have any problems with gas in your property, you can call the Gas Emergency freephone number 0800 111 999.

Boiler repair from a Gas Safe registered engineer from £79

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Boiler repair from just £79 with uSwitch and British Gas

Boiler repair from British Gas includes parts & labour and a 12 month guarantee. All installations are performed by Gas Safe registered engineers, so you know you're in safe hands, and you don't have to be an existing British Gas customer to apply.

Prices start at £79, and the price you're quoted is the price you pay - even if the job takes longer than estimated.

Call 0800 327 7190 for a quote Call 0845 074 5998 for a quote

In partnership with

What does it include?

Boiler repair from just £79, with a Gas Safe registered British Gas engineer.
Boiler repair includes parts and labour, as well as a boiler diagnostic and safety check.
12 month guarantee on all workmanship and parts.
British Gas also provide a free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency helpline.
British Gas call centre advisers are trained to diagnose and solve simple problems over the phone, so you might avoid a call out.

Three reasons to book with us

Fixed price - You won't pay any more than the quote, even if the job takes longer than estimated.
Anyone can apply - You don't have to be a British Gas customer, or even have a British Gas boiler, to take advantage of their expert boiler repair. And as long as the parts are available the age of your boiler doesn't matter either.
Peace of mind - all British Gas engineers are experts and Gas Safe registered.

A boiler breaks down every 20 seconds in the UK. As a general rule, the older the boiler, the more likely it is to break down.

Boiler problems: having problems with boilers? uSwitch can help

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

If your boiler's broken, or it's still working but you suspect that there might be something wrong, then it's time to call someone about boiler repair.

Here are our top tips for spotting the boiler problems that mean it's time to call in the professionals.

5 signs of boiler problems

You're not getting any heat or hot water

This is a boiler problem that's hard to miss. If your boiler isn't working at all it doesn't necessarily mean there's a really big problem - in some cases it can be solved with a simple phone call.
The flame in your boiler isn't blue

If you have a gas boiler, have a look through the window at the pilot light or gas flame (if there is one). The flames should be burning blue. If it looks yellow or orange, then it's time to get your boiler repaired by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
The boiler pressure keeps dropping (or rising)

If you find that the pressure on your boiler drops regularly (or you have to 'top it up' a lot) or the pressure is often too high then you need to get it checked out.
You can hear strange boiler noises

If your boiler is making any strange sounds - clunking, knocking, banging, ticking etc - then it could indicate a problem.
Your boiler is using more gas than it should be

If your boiler is using more gas, but you haven't had the heating on more or used more hot water than usual, then it could be a sign that there's a problem.

Boiler maintenance: how to avoid expensive repairs

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Winter can be a demanding time for your condensing boiler, and in the particularly cold winter of 2012-13 a record number of households reported burst pipes and broken down boilers.

However, there are lots of boiler maintenance tips that you can follow to make sure you don't end up with a nasty bill for calling someone out to fix a broken boiler. After all, even a cheap boiler could cost around £1,000, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

What could go wrong with my condensing boiler?

Condensing boilers are the most common type of new boiler. The good news is that condensing boilers are 10-20% more efficient than regular boilers. The bad news, however, is that the system is more likely to freeze up in cold temperatures.

If the temperature outside is below freezing and your condensing boiler isn't working, or it's displaying an error, then your condensate pipe could be frozen.

How to stop your condensing boiler from freezing

Gas boiler repair can be costly, so avoiding a frozen boiler is priority. According to the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) "setting the heating timer/room thermostat to continuous is one way to prevent the condensate pipe from freezing up."

The most energy efficient way to do this is to leave your heating on low constantly.

How to thaw a frozen pipe on a condensing boiler

The best thing to do is to place a hot water bottle on the pipe, or pour warm water on it and then reset your thermostat.

What happens if it keeps freezing?

You could think about having the pipe moved to somewhere internal.
You could also have your pipe replaced with one of a wider diameter.
Try installing insulation around the pipe.

Keeping your boiler checked and maintained

Boilers often break down in winter, and there couldn't be a worse time to be living in a cold house with no hot water.

It's a good idea to sign up for boiler cover - that way you have protection if something goes wrong, and with some plans, you even get an annual service for your boiler included in the cost.

Boiler Insurance - Your guide to cheap gas boiler breakdown cover from uSwitch

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Gas boiler insurance gives you the security of having your boiler and central heating checked regularly and knowing that someone will come if it breaks down.

Why get boiler insurance?

If you'd like the security of having your boiler and central heating checked regularly and knowing that someone will come if it breaks down, then you should consider heating cover.

Your energy supplier may offer this, but you should compare prices to get the right deal for you.

Which boiler insurance is right for me?

Prices and what exactly is included in the heating or boiler insurance varies hugely. Your plan will depend on what type of boiler and heating system you have.

Boiler cover for your gas boiler

If you have a standard gas boiler, you should look for heating cover that covers some or all of the following:

Repairs to your boiler - parts and labour
A contribution towards the replacement of a system if it is considered beyond repair (normally with a limit)
A certain or unlimited number of claims in a set year
Annual servicing

Comparing cheap boiler cover is easy with the uSwitch boiler cover comparison tool.

As you'll see, there are lots of different heating cover plans available to choose from. To make the decision process easier, use our boiler cover comparison service now to find a deal that matches your requirements.

Heating cover: 12 common questions and answers

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Find the answers to common questions about boiler cover.

What details do I need to give?

We need your postcode to check which plans are available in your area. We then ask you a few questions about your home and heating system, such as the number of bedrooms you have and the age of your boiler.

Using this information we can work out which plans you are eligible for. Then, if you decide to apply, we need some additional information, including your contact and payment details.

We only ask for the information necessary for processing your application. And you don't have to worry, as our application pages are secure.

Are there any hidden charges?

No. Our service is free and doesn't affect the price of your boiler cover. It would cost the same if you went directly to the provider.

We make our money through the small commission we are given by certain providers for introducing you to them. But, we include all providers in your results and our commercial interests do not affect the way the plans are ranked.

How long does it take to get cover?

Comparing and applying for heating cover is quick; it should take just ten minutes from start to finish.

Once you have completed your application, we send you a confirmation email with the details of your cover. Once your payment is processed, you are usually subject to an initial no-claims or waiting period of about 30 days. This will be specified in each plan when you compare boiler cover on our site.

If I switch my energy supplier, will I lose my boiler cover?

No. Your boiler cover is completely independent of your energy supplier, so you are free to switch your gas and electricity as often as you like. It will not affect your boiler cover at all.

What is (and isn't) covered?

What's included in your cover will depend on which plan you choose. You can get cover for just your boiler and controls or your entire heating system.

Some deals offer unlimited cover, whereas others are capped at £1,000 or £1,500.

This information is highlighted in your results table, so when you compare cover you can easily see what is and isn't included.

Can I switch from my current cover?

Check the terms and conditions of your current cover before switching to a new one. Each provider will have different cancellation procedures.

If you pay monthly, it may be as simple as contacting your current provider to inform them you are canceling. But, if you have paid in advance, you should confirm that you'll get a refund.

Can anyone get cover?

Boiler cover is only available to homeowners. It's not available on uSwitch if:

You rent your property or are a council tenant. Your landlord or the local council is responsible for your heating.
You live in a mobile home or bedsit
You have more than seven bedrooms, as your output will be too high to be eligible
You use your property commercially

Also, you will have limited choices if your boiler is more than 15 years old.

Can I get cover for an old boiler?

Yes, but your choices will be more limited. When you make your comparison on our site, we ask for the age of your boiler so we can account for this when searching for suitable deals.

Are all boilers and units eligible for cover?

There is cover available for most boilers and units. You can check for yours in this list:

Conventional gas boilers
Condensing gas boilers
Combination gas boilers
Condensing combination gas boilers
Low water content boilers and system boilers
Electric storage heaters
Electric boilers
Warm air units
Solid fuel boilers
Conventional oil boilers
Condensing oil boilers
Combination oil boilers
Condensing combination oil boilers

If your boiler is more than 15 years old, you will have limited choices for getting cover.

How much can I claim?

It depends on the cover you get. Some plans provide unlimited cover, whereas others are capped at £1,000 or £1,500.

When you compare cover on uSwitch.com, the results will show you the maximum amount you can claim per year.

When can I make a claim?

Once your cover starts you usually have an initial no claim period. This is to prevent people from exploiting providers by getting boiler cover when they have an existing problem with their heating system.

No more questions? uSwitch is the answer

Once all your questions about boiler cover have been answered, you'll want to take the next step. To find the best boiler cover for you, use our boiler cover comparison service.

Boiler Cover: your uSwitch guide

2012-05-09 00:00:00 +0000

Need-to-know facts about boiler cover - use this page to find essential information about boiler cover.

For more information about some of the terms we use, click on the highlighted words or see our boiler cover glossary.

To find out how you could save money on boiler breakdown cover for your central heating and boiler, compare boiler cover providers today.

What is boiler cover?

Boiler cover will, for a monthly or annual premium, cover the cost of servicing and repairing your boiler and heating system.

A qualified engineer will fix the problem quickly with the call-out, parts and labour costs are already covered.

What different types of boiler cover are there?

There are two basic types of boiler breakdown cover to choose from:

cover for just your boiler and controls
cover for your whole heating system including hot water.

Some boiler cover plans will allow you, at an additional cost, to add on extra cover for plumbing, electrics and drains.

What does boiler-only heating cover provide?

Boiler-only cover plans will include repairing your boiler if it breaks down, and the controls. The plan may include an annual maintenance check and service: if not, then you can add this on as an extra. The plan should cover call-out, parts and labour.

What does full system boiler cover provide?

Full central boiler breakdown cover includes repairing your boiler and its controls plus other parts of the system including the radiators, pump and flue. The plan should cover call-out, parts and labour.

An annual safety check and service may be included: if not, you can add this on as an extra. You can compare boiler cover from a range of suppliers online with uSwitch.

What are the advantages of having boiler cover?

Boiler breakdown cover cuts down the hassle and stress of having to find a repairer in an emergency and can help cut down on the time you are without heat or water.

Central-heating faults can be hard to find and expensive to repair, so heating cover can offer peace of mind and the assurance that a problem can be fixed quickly. You can also avoid an unexpected and potentially expensive repair bill.

What might not be included in my boiler cover?

Boiler cover plans vary widely as to what is covered and what isn't.

Some boiler breakdown cover plans offer unlimited cover and claims each year. Others have an upper financial limit and set a maximum number of call-outs each year.

Some boiler cover plans also exclude certain things, for example scale build-up damage to your boiler and system.

How do I choose the right level of boiler cover for me?

Picking the right level of boiler cover will depend on how you see your level of risk. If, for example, you are in a newly built home with a new system, then basic, cheaper cover might be enough. On the other hand, if your boiler is older you might consider the fuller the cover the better.

Boiler plans differ in cost and cover. You can compare boiler cover online with uSwitch.

What types of boiler are there?

There are three main types of gas and oil-fired boilers: conventional, condensing and combination. Electric boilers can also be used in conventional heating systems, and are compact and light.

What is a conventional boiler?

A conventional boiler burns fuel in a combustion chamber surrounded by a water jacket. This heats the water, which is then circulated around the heating system.

With a conventional boiler not all the heat produced by the burning fuel is used to heat the water; some of it is lost to the surrounding air, and some disappears up the flue.

What is a condensing boiler?

Condensing boilers burn fuel to heat the water in a similar way to a conventional boiler, but are more efficient as they convert as much as possible of the heat normally wasted from the flue of a conventional (non-condensing) boiler.

They can convert more than 90 per cent of the fuel they use into useful heat, compared to around 78 per cent for a new conventional boiler. They are, however, more expensive to buy than a conventional boiler.

What is a combination boiler?

Combination or combi boilers are a type of condensing boiler that provides instant hot water and central heating. They are energy efficient, cheap to run and compact, and as you don't need to store hot water in a tank they save valuable space.

How is pricing calculated for boiler cover plans?

Prices vary widely and depend on a variety of factors including:

the size of your home
how you heat it
the age and make of your boiler

The premium will also depend on the extent of the cover you choose.

The cheapest option is boiler-only cover - you'll pay more to cover your whole central heating system and for an annual service and maintenance check. Use uSwitch to compare boiler cover plans online.

What should you check when choosing a boiler cover plan?

Check that your make and age of boiler can be covered. Some providers only cover boilers up to a certain age, usually 15 years old. Ideally pick a plan that covers the lifetime of your boiler.
Is there access to a 24-hour helpline, 365 days a year?
How long will you have to wait for an engineer to visit?
Is there an initial no-claims period during which time you can't claim and, if so, how long is it for?
Is there a limit to the number of call-outs or to the amount you can claim each year?
Are there any extra charges for parts or labour?

What is the difference between companies/policies covered by the FCA and contracts that aren't?

Heating cover plans can be service contracts, which include an annual inspection or service, or heating breakdown cover products, to which you can add an annual inspection and service. The latter are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent watchdog which oversees financial products.

The difference between the two types of products is largely in the way the product is described, in the complaints procedure and in tax - service contracts are subject to VAT, whereas FCA-regulated plans are subject to insurance premium tax (IPT) at a standard rate of 5 per cent.

All heating plans shown on the uSwitch comparison tables include VAT and IPT where applicable.

Glossary

Beyond economical repair

If a boiler is deemed to be beyond economical repair, then it is not economically viable to repair the boiler. A boiler cover company may offer a one-off contribution towards the cost of a new boiler.

Boiler

A gas, electricity, oil or solid fuel powered heating device that provides hot water and central heating.

Boiler breakdown cover

See Boiler cover.

Boiler cover

A plan to cover the cost of repairing and maintaining your boiler and/or central heating system.

Boiler-only cover

A boiler cover plan that only covers your boiler and its controls.

Boiler flue

A pipe that gets rid of poisonous gases that the boiler produces.

Call-out

A visit to a home by an engineer.

Gas Safe Register

Gas Safe Register is the national watchdog for gas safety in the UK. Only Gas Safe registered engineers are legally allowed to repair or service boilers.

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

An independent non-governmental body given statutory powers by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to oversee the regulation of financial products.

Payment plan

A payment plan lays out when and how much you must pay for your boiler cover.

Renewal notice

The notice sent by the insurer to you as the policyholder inviting you to renew your policy.

Whole-system cover

A boiler cover plan that covers your boiler and its controls and your central heating system.

Should I heat the whole house, or just the room I'm using?

2012-05-08 00:00:00 +0000

If this question has been playing on your mind, read on to find an answer.

One question which a lot of people ask about their heating is: ‘is it cheaper and more energy-efficient to heat the whole house, or just the room I’m using?’

For example, if you mainly use your living room during the day, should you have the central heating off and just heat that room with a fire or heater?

The main method you use to heat your home has the biggest influence on whether it’s worth heating a room individually or not, but the size of the room in question – compared to the size of your whole house – is also key.

If you have a modern boiler

If you have a modern gas or oil central heating system and a well insulated home, it’s probably best to use your central heating to heat most of your home, rather than just heating one room individually.

Features like a balanced flue - which draws in air from outside to feed the burning process, as well as expelling the fumes - heat exchangers and condensing technology mean that, all in all, the modern boiler is the most efficient way of heating the home.

If you have radiators with temperature controls

If you have an up-to-date heating system, you probably also have temperature controls on your radiators – also know as thermostatic radiator valves or TRVs.

They allow you to vary the temperature of different rooms in the house, which means you can use the main heating to keep a reasonable background temperature around the home, while at the same time using the radiator controls to increase the temperature in one particular room, when you need to.

If you have radiators without temperature controls.

If you don’t have the option of using radiator controls you may want to use a gas fire or electric heater in a room where you spend a lot of time – although it’s still a good idea to use your main heating to keep a reasonable background temperature around the home.

If you do this, however, make sure your thermostat - also known as a roomstat - isn’t in the room with the additional heating, otherwise it will disrupt control of the main heating system. If you have a wireless thermostat move it out of the room you’re locally heating.

If you want to upgrade, here’s a guide explaining how to fit a thermostatic radiator valve yourself.

If you have storage heaters

If the main method you use to heat your home is a storage heater the considerations are different.

A storage heater is designed to predominantly use off-peak electricity, but it’s generally assumed that you will need to top this up with some peak rate electricity usage to provide extra warmth when and where it is required.

In this case, it may be worth heating a small room separately, but if you do so, remember to close the door of the room to keep the heat in.

If you have a gas fire.

If your living room has a gas fire, it would only be worth using this rather than your central heating if the room is less than a third of the size of your home.

While a modern central heating boiler might have an efficiency of 90%, a gas fire might only be around 50% to 60% efficient, and an open flame gas fire as little as 30% efficient or lower. This is because a lot of heat is lost up the chimney or flue.

A gas fire also needs a supply of fresh air in order to provide oxygen for the gas burning process. That fresh air is drawn into the room usually through a ventilator or air-brick. Unfortunately this ventilation works all the time, and leads to ‘air leakage’ - loss of warmth and warm air, even when you’re not using the fire.

For some homes, flueless or catalyst gas fires are more practical to install, but from an efficiency perspective they still need ventilation - more than with a traditional gas fire - whether the fire is on or not.

A balanced flue gas fire could be a good option - they don’t need ventilation and although they are expensive to buy, they are cheaper to run than other options as they can be as energy-efficient as condensing central heating boilers.

If you have a portable heater

Portable heaters and small heating devices tend to be energy-inefficient. They don’t use the cheapest fuels and it’s also very easy to end up overheating the room - so avoid using them if you can.

Movable bottled gas heaters - known as liquid petroleum gas or LPG - are also quite energy-inefficient, as a lot of ventilation is required to avoid fumes and condensation.

If you have a smaller home

In smaller homes, it’s rarely worth heating an individual room and is generally better to heat the whole house.

If you have a larger home

In larger homes, a small room may be worth heating individually if it’s less than a quarter of the size of the whole house, although there’s less benefit if your house is well insulated.

If your home is open-plan

If like many modern houses you have an open-plan layout, perhaps with your stairwell, hall or dining room merged with your living room, then it’s probably not going to be energy-efficient to try and heat just one room. Also, if you have high ceilings the same rule applies.

Other things to consider

There are other factors when it comes to deciding whether or not to try and heat a room individually.

From a health point-of-view, it’s better to err on the side of caution when you’re considering heating just one room, especially if you’re elderly or disabled, or there are young children in the home. Heating one room is not helpful if it means you have to go to a cold toilet, kitchen or bedroom.

Safety is another important consideration. Open-fronted gas and solid fuel fires pose a particular hazard, especially to children and other vulnerable people, as there’s a risk of falling into or against them.

It’s far safer - and more energy-efficient - to opt for a glass fronted fire or stove, but nevertheless care is required. If you have a gas fire it’s important to have it serviced regularly - in rented homes this is the landlord’s responsibility.

Energy-saving devices that could cut your bills too

2012-05-08 00:00:00 +0000

Saving energy isn't just about saving the planet - you could save yourself a significant amount money too

With just a few handy energy-saving gadgets, you could be making big difference to the amount of energy you use in your daily life. Here's a shopping list of the ones we recommend.

Automatic Radiator Bleeder

An automatic radiator bleeder automatically releases the built-up air in your radiator so you're only left with the hot water, more efficient central heating and reduced heating bills.

If radiators are not regularly bled, the efficiency of the radiator decreases proportionately to the amount of air that has built up inside it, meaning you use a lot more energy to get a lot less heat.

Average cost: £10 - £21

Savings: Reduces your heating bill and saves the messy job of bleeding your radiators manually.

Eco Flap

Have you noticed how much of a draught comes through your letterbox? The Ecoflap replaces the brushes, seals or flaps on the inside of your letterbox, and makes sure the cold air stays out.

Average cost: £20 - £25

Savings: Saves you money on your heating bill.

Radiator Foil

A significant proportion of the heat your radiators put out is absorbed by the wall. Radiator foil sits between the radiator and the wall and reflects the heat back into the room, so you can enjoy all the warmth you're paying for.

Average cost: £15 - £20

Savings: Depending on the size of your radiators, you could find that you save a significant amount on heating bills

Freeloader

Rather than using electricity to charge your gadgets, such as phones, laptops and gaming devices, why not use the sun's rays?

The FreeLoader has an internal battery that can power your mobile phone for up to 44 hours, your iPod for 18 hours, or your PSP for 2.5 hours when it's fully charged.

Average cost: £15 - £50 (depending on the model)

Savings: This saves you money on your electricity bills - and the more gadgets you have, the more you stand to save.

A home energy monitor

Energy monitors are small gadgets that help you work out which appliances in your home are using the most energy and how much it's costing you. They also tell you how much money you're saving once you begin to make changes.

Average cost: £40 - £100 (depending on the model you choose)

Savings: This can help you to make changes that will save you money on your electricity bills.

Energy efficiency grants: energy grants to make your home energy efficient

2012-05-08 00:00:00 +0000

If you want to make your home more energy-efficient, the good news is there are plenty of grants available to help with the cost.

Many of the energy efficiency grant schemes have been set up to help people who are in fuel poverty or at risk of fuel poverty, so you might find that you have to meet certain criteria to get a grant.

Read on to find out more about energy efficiency grants, find out if you are eligible and apply.

Warm Front (England)

Warm Front is the government's main grant-funded programme for tackling fuel poverty in England and was launched in June 2000. Households which meet the eligibility criteria can get a grant to pay for:

loft insulation,
draught-proofing,
cavity wall insulation,
fitting central heating,
fitting gas room heaters with thermostat controls,
hot water tank insulation,
converting a solid fuel open fire to a glass front fire.

To qualify, you must be getting certain income-related benefits, live in a property that is poorly insulated and/or not have a working central heating system.

The Warm Front deal is set to be phased our by 2014, however before then anyone who has previously applied for a grant can now reapply for top-ups to carry out any repairs.

How to apply :

apply online for Warm Front
email enquiry@eaga.com
call 0800 316 2805 (or textphone 0800 072 0156). Lines are open Monday - Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm and Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm.
download an application and send it to Eaga, Freepost NEA12054, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1BR.

More information on Warm Front

The Energy Assistance Packgage (Scotland)

The Energy Assistance Package is an energy efficiency grant scheme offered by The Scottish Executive, which replaced the Warm Deal scheme in 2010.

The Energy Assistance Package is designed to help Scottish residents to heat their home. Eligibility depends on the work that is being carried out and four different levels of help are available:

A free home energy check, which is open to everyone. This is an assessment of your home's efficiency.
A tax benefit and tax credit check and access to cheaper energy tariffs. This is to ensure you aren't missing out on credits or benefits that could save you money - some people can end up as much as £1500 a year better off.
Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation, pipe insulation or a new boiler if you're a home-owner or a private-sector tenant and receive benefits or are aged 70 or over.
Energy efficiency measures such as central heating or a new boiler, and loft and cavity wall insulation, available if you're a homeowner or a private-sector tenant, have lived in the home for at least a year, and are either pregnant, have a child under 16, or are aged 60 or over.

How to apply :

apply online for the Energy Assistance Package
call 0800 512 012

More information on Energy Assistance Package

Nest (Wales)

Nest is the Welsh Assembly Government's New Fuel Poverty Scheme that offers grants to low income households, who may be in fuel poverty. The scheme is working towards reducing fuel poverty by lowering energy bills and improving energy efficiency. It replaces the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES).

If you have applied for a grant under HEES but haven't had a decision yet, or if the work hasn't yet started, your application will be treated as if it had been made under Nest.

The Nest programme takes a 'whole house' approach to determining what energy improvement work would be most suitable, some examples include:

loft and cavity wall insulation
solid wall insulation
draught proofing
boiler replacement

To be eligible for a full package of Nest energy improvement work you must be receiving a means tested benefit, your property must have an energy efficiency rating of F or G and be privately owned or privately rented.

You may be entitled to help with insulation only if you are:

aged over 60
disabled or chronically ill
pregnant
in a household with a child or young person under 25.

How to apply:

Apply for Nest online here
call 0800 512 012 free from a landline, or 0300 456 2655 free from a mobile phone.

Renewable Heat Premium Payment

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment is a government scheme that gives people grants to help with the cost of installing technology that generate heat from renewable sources. The scheme opens on 1st August 2011, and £15m of grants are available, so around 25,000 households should benefit.

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment provides a grant for about 10% of the cost of buying and installing:

ground source heat pumps,
air source heat pumps,
biomass boilers,
solar water heating.

To qualify you must:

live in England, Wales or Scotland;
your home must not be heated by mains gas (unless you are applying for solar water heating);
have already taken basic energy efficiency measures (this means you must have loft insulation to a depth of 250mm and cavity wall insulation, where these measures are practical).

Landlords can also apply for the grants to improve their rental properties.

How to apply:

Apply online
call 0800 512 012

Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust is a not-for-profit company funded by the government and the private sector to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

It can provide advice and help you apply for a range of different energy efficiency grants, and also has a database of grants.

Find out more about grants with the Energy Saving Trust.

Landlord's Energy Saving Allowance

In addition to being eligible to apply for grants, landlords can also take advantage of the Landlord's Energy Saving Allowance (LESA).

This is not a grant scheme, but an allowance against the income tax of private landlords. It gives an allowance of £1500 per property for capital expenditure on loft and cavity wall insulation in rented accommodation.

Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT)

The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target ( or CERT) is an obligation that all energy suppliers have to fulfill to help reduce cut carbon emissions.

Under the CERT scheme, energy suppliers provide grants and discounts to their customers to pay for things like loft insulation and wall insulation.

Grants through CERT schemes are made widely available, but there is a continuing focus on vulnerable customers. 40% of funding is spent on the 'priority group' and grants to this group are typically 100% of costs, whereas grants to non-priority groups tend to be for a proportion of costs.

CERT will run until December 2012 when it will be replaced by a new scheme, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which is intended to support the government's Green Deal; this will focus exclusively on the poorest and most vulnerable households.

You may be eligible for a grant under both CERT and your relevant government funded scheme. So, if you're planning a series of energy efficiency measures it is a good idea to get advice about the most cost effective way to do this.

To find out about CERT grants, speak to your energy supplier.

What other help can I get with my gas and electricity bills?

There are other government schemes to help certain households with their energy bills.

Learn more about the cold weather payment - a government payment when temperatures drop below zero for a sustained amount of time.

You may also be entitled to the winter fuel payment or winter fuel allowance.

You may also be entitled to the warm home discount.

Become a uSwitch partner

2012-04-30 00:00:00 +0000

Why switch with uSwitch?

uSwitch is the #1 impartial energy switching service in the UK and is a highly trusted brand among the energy world.

We make over 300,000 switches for home owners, tenants and businesses across the UK with savings of up to £294 per household.

Partners with websites

uSwitch has teamed up with Affili.Net and offer commissions up to £21 for a dual energy switch (gas and electricity). The energy switching service is completely free, there is plenty of opportunity to earn with uSwitch's affiliate program.

Choose from a range of text links, banners and html postcode checking boxes on the Affili.net platform to help promote energy switching to your users.

If you have a website and want to promote the uSwitch brand sign up to the uSwitch program on Affili.Net

Partners with a call centre

If you manage a call centre and want to be able to offer energy switching to your customers simply contact our Sales team on 0203 214 8300 or at affiliates@uswitch.com

Free energy competition - Terms and Conditions

2012-04-30 00:00:00 +0000

uSwitch Free Energy for a Year Prize Draw Promotion

End date: Prize draw ends at 23:59 on Friday 31st August 2012

Top prize: One lucky winner will receive a cheque for the value of their last 12 months’ worth of energy bills (proof of spend required). Maximum value: £2,000.

Runners-up: 10 runners-up will receive an OWL Micro energy monitor.

Terms and conditions

This promotion is organised by uSwitch Limited.
It is open only to residents of the Great Britain aged 18 years or over (proof of age may be required) and are responsible for paying the gas and/or electricity bills. residents of the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland are not eligible. On fulfilling the promotion criteria, the entrant agrees to be bound by these rules.
Eligibility. Only one entry per household is allowed and entries on behalf of third parties are not allowed. This promotion is not open to employees or agents of any company within the Forward Internet Group and/or anyone professionally connected with this prize draw.
To be eligible the customer must complete a valid gas and/or electricity switch. Every correctly completed energy switch automatically gets entered into the draw to win the prizes identified below. uSwitch Limited will send a cheque to the winner, for the value of the last 12 months of gas & electricity (if gas is applicable) at the address submitted by the customer in the winning energy switch. The winner will need to provide copies of their last 12 month's worth of energy bills so that the prize amount can be identified. uSwitch will send a cheque up to the value of £2,000 (this is the maximum value of the prize).
The prize draw closes at 23:59 on Friday 31st August 2012. All entries must be received by this time to be included in the draw. Any entries received after this time will not be eligible.
The prizes: A representative of uSwitch Limited, whose decision shall be final, shall draw the name of the winner from all eligible entries on Wednesday 5th September 2012. The winner will be notified and receive a cheque for the value of their last 12 months of energy usage (the maximum prize for the winner will be £2,000). An additional 10 runners-up will be randomly drawn to receive a free OWL Micro energy monitor.
The offer is not transferable and there are no other prize alternatives. uSwitch Limited reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value at any time. Other than the cheque for the winning amount and the ten OWL Micro’s, all taxes, insurances, transfers, and other expenses unless otherwise stated, are the sole responsibility of the prize winner.
This promotion is only open to gas and/or electricity switches performed on the uSwitch.com website or over the phone in the uSwitch contact centre. Telephone switches from uSwitch partners do not qualify for entry into the prize draw.
uSwitch Limited reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any person it finds to be tampering or to have tampered with the operation of the promotion or the uSwitch website, or to be acting in violation of these terms and conditions or the terms and conditions of the uSwitch website. uSwitch Limited’s decision is final in all matters relating to this promotion.
Furthermore, any information submitted by the entrant must be personal to and relate specifically to that entrant. You, as entrant hereby warrant that the information which you submit and/or distribute will not infringe the intellectual property, privacy or any other rights of any third party, and will not contain anything which is libellous, defamatory, obscene, indecent, harassing or threatening. If relevant, uSwitch Limited reserves the right, but not the obligation, to screen, filter and/or monitor information provided by the entrant and to edit, refuse to distribute or remove the same.
uSwitch Limited will not be responsible for the non-inclusion of any names and/or email addresses for this promotion by virtue of any technical failures of any telephone network or lines, computer on-line systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software failure of any email or entry to be received on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the internet, telephone lines or at any web site, or any combination thereof, and, whether any such failure is within the control of uSwitch Limited or not. uSwitch Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrant as a result of accepting any offer. Nothing shall exclude uSwitch’s liability for death or personal injury as a result of its negligence.
The winner and runners-up will be notified by email (at the address provided by the customer from the valid winning energy switch) within 28 days of the closing date of the draw. If the prize is not claimed within 30 days of email notification, the prize will be reallocated through an ‘unclaimed prize draw’ entry which will be available to all valid entrants. The winner may be required to take part in publicity and promotional events and all entrants agree to take part in such publicity and promotional events if they should win any of the prizes. The winner’s cheque and ten OWL Micro’s will be distributed to the addresses supplied during the gas and/or electricity switch as soon as is reasonably possible.
Any personal data relating to entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the individual’s prior consent.
Jurisdiction. This promotion and the terms and conditions of this agreement will be governed by English law.
If you have any queries, concerns, comments or suggestions regarding any aspect of this promotion, please contact uSwitch Limited at the following address: Free Energy prize draw, uSwitch Limited, Floor 2 Centro 3, 19 Mandela Street, London, NW1 0DU.

How much water do you use?

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Does it surprise you to know you probably use 153 litres of water a day (according to Ofwat)?

Changing water consumption and the environment

In many developing countries, water consumption is as low as 20 litres a day for the average person (what we used in Britain in the 19th century).

The Environment Agency is urging people to use less water. In April 2012 they announced an environmental drought in the south west of England and the Midlands, with East Anglia, the south east of England and south and east Yorkshire also suffering from drought.

In 2005, groundwater levels were lower than they have been for 20 years, affecting the wildlife that depends on rivers and wetlands - fish, birds and rare plants.

By using less, you can save money and lessen the impact of drought on our environment.

Changes in water resources

Our increased water consumption is putting a strain on our water resources. While this is partly as a result of new technology and behaviour such as frequent showering, dishwashers and washing machines, it's combined with activities such as leaving a tap running while we brush our teeth or shave, increased and unnecessary use of sprinklers or hosepipes, long power showers, running taps for excessive periods and flushing the toilet to dispose of things like tissues and cotton wool.

There are simple things you can do to cut your water use that will, if you have a metered supply, save you money.

Water supplies in the UK

Water wasted by the consumer is not the only issue that threatens our water supplies. Rainfall patterns and population increases are also creating difficulties for the government and water industry. Here are some facts that will get you thinking about the precious stuff that comes out of your tap:

the average Briton uses the equivalent of 16 buckets worth of water a day. One third of this goes down the loo
London gets less annual rainfall than either Istanbul or Rome
about one third of our water is lost through leaking pipes before it gets to our home - many water companies claim they can't afford to repair them because of the difficulties in meeting demands
on average, only 3% of domestic water is used as drinking water
many people in the world exist on 10 litres of water or less a day, we use this in almost one flush of the toilet

What can you do?

For advice on how to limit water use read our guide on how to save water for loads more tips on reducing your water use.

Water suppliers

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Water suppliers are the companies that provide water only and water and sewerage for general domestic use to the UK’s homes.

Suppliers are responsible for all customers in an agreed geographical region and customers are currently unable to switch from one water supplier to another. There are currently 25 water suppliers covering England, Scotland and Wales.

Hosepipe ban - which suppliers does it affect?

The hosepipe ban remains in place for South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Veolia Water Central and Veolia Water Southeast.

Anglian Water, Southern Water and Thames Water are to announced the end of their hosepipe bans, following record levels of rain across England in the April, May and June.

The hosepipe ban was initially enforced in April to tackle drought following two unusually dry winters, but the rain has significantly improved river and reservoir levels according to the Environment Agency, and reduced the risk of drought.

Services provided by your water supplier

Your water supplier has a duty to supply you with a continuous supply of water at an adequate pressure for your daily use.

Your water should be safe to drink and the quality is regulated by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) for England and Wales.

Each water supplier is tested regularly by inspectors to ensure the water is safe to drink.

Tests will cover bacteria, chemicals such as nitrate and pesticides, metals such as lead and the way the water looks and how it tastes. Your water pressure should be sufficient to fill a one gallon (4.5 litre) container in 30 seconds.

Water rates and water suppliers

To cover the cost of supplying you with water and sewerage services, water suppliers charge customers a yearly water rate.

The water rates are regulated by Ofwat, the water industry regulator.

Every five years the water suppliers suggest the prices they would like to set and Ofwat reviews and decides on a price to suit both the suppliers and customers.

Water rates as well as covering day to day services need to cover the cost of renewing water pipes and treatment plants to maintain the quality of water and to improve customer services.

Water suppliers do charge different rates and these differences are due to the geographical area which the company covers and water availability.

Get a meter from your water supplier

Switching to a water meter may mean you pay your water supplier less for your supply. Read our guide to water meters to see if you can save money by switching a meter or save water with water efficiency ideas.

Water suppliers

Anglian water

What area does Anglian Water supply?

Anglian Water supplies water and sewerage services to the largest geographical area of all the water companies in England & Wales, serving East Anglia and East Midlands, from the River Humber to the River Thames. This region is also the driest in Britain with approximately 600mm of rain a year.

About Anglian water

Anglian Water is part of AWG PLC, which is a FTSE 250 company with 10,000 staff across the UK. Anglian Water has around six million water customers, serving 2.6 million properties.

Anglian Water supplies over one billion litres of water a day through its network of 36,000km of water mains and operates 1,077 sewage treatment works.

Water hardness

Anglian Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Anglian Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water

What area does Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water supply?

Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water supplies water services to an area of 1,041 square kilometres in Hampshire and Dorset, with a population of 424,000.

About Bournemouth and West Hampshire water

Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water was formed in 1994, following the merger of Bournemouth Water and West Hampshire Water, both of which were established in the late 1800s. Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water provides water to 191,000 properties via 2,745km of water mains.

Water hardness

Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Bristol Water

What area does Bristol Water supply?

Bristol Water supplies 300 million litres of water a day to Bristol and the surrounding area - about 2,400 square kilometres in total, with a population of 1,066,000.

About Bristol water

Bristol Water was first established by Act of Parliament in 1846 as Bristol Waterworks Company. The first barrow reservoir was built in 1850 and reservoirs were later built at Blagdon, Cheddar and Chew Stoke.

Bristol Water now uses 68 sources of water, including 14 raw water reservoirs and 139 covered reservoirs. As well as the original reservoirs at Blagdon, Cheddar and Chew Stoke, Bristol Water now also obtains over half of its local water supply from the River Severn.

Over a million people are supplied with water by Bristol Water via 6,382 km of local water mains, 18 treatment works and 164 pumping stations.

Bristol Water PLC is also the parent company of Bristol Water Services, Water Systems Optimization Inc, Bristol Wessex Billing Service Limited and Lawrence, a civil and mechanical engineering contractor.

Water hardness

Bristol Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Bristol Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Cambridge Water

What area does Cambridge Water supply?

Cambridge Water supplies water services to an area of 453 square miles in South Cambridgeshire. Like its neighbour, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water supplies water in East Anglia, where rainfall is only half the national average, and Cambridge is the driest part of this region.

Cambridge also has a high population density and that population is increasing at a greater rate than many areas of the United Kingdom.

About Cambridge water

Cambridge Water began life as The Cambridge University and Town Waterworks Company in 1853. By the time the company was renamed as Cambridge Water PLC in 1996 it had taken over the water undertakings of five local authorities and two bulk supply joint water boards.

In 1999 Cambridge Water was taken over by Union Fenosa and in 2004 was sold to Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

Today Cambridge Water supplies 125,000 properties via 2,216 km of water mains and 34 storage towers and reservoirs. Just over half of these properties are metered.

Water hardness

Cambridge Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Cambridge Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Cholderton & District Water

What area does Cholderton & District Water supply?

Cholderton & District Water supplies water services to the villages of Cholderton and Shipton Bellinger in Wiltshire.

About Cholderton & District water

Cholderton & District Water supplies water to 2,100 people via a treatment works, a service reservoir and 44km of water mains.

All of the water supplied by Cholderton & District Water is derived from boreholes and aquifers.

Water hardness

Cholderton & District Water is in an area of hard to very hard water. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Cholderton & District Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Dee Valley Water

What area does Dee Valley Water supply?

Dee Valley Water supplies water services to an area of 831 square kilometres in North East Wales and North West England.

About Dee Valley water

Dee Valley Water was formed when Chester Water Company and Wrexham Water Company merged in 1997. Dee Valley Water derives its water from eight impounding reservoirs, two abstractions from the River Dee and two underground sources.

As a result Dee Valley Water supplies approximately 70 million litres per day to over 257,000 customers, via seven treatment works, 1,970km of water mains, 25 pumping stations and 37 clean water storage reservoirs.

Water hardness

Dee Valley Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Dee Valley Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water)

What area does Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) supply?

Dwr Cymru supplies water and sewerage services to most of Wales, as well as parts of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucestershire.

About Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water)

Dwr Cymru supplies both water and sewerage services to 1.2 domestic customers in Wales and is the sixth largest water company in England & Wales.

Dwr Cymru delivers 900 million litres of water a day via 84 impounding reservoirs, 106 water treatment works, 620 pumping stations, 740 service reservoirs and a network of 26,800km of water mains.

Dwr Cymru runs its sewerage services through a network of 17,600km of sewers, incorporating 1,650 sewage pumping stations and 3,000 combined sewer overflows. Waste water is then treated at 850 waste water treatment works.

Water hardness

Dwr Cymru ranges from both soft to moderately hard water. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Dwr Cymru can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Essex and Suffolk Water

v What area does Essex and Suffolk Water supply?

Essex and Suffolk Water supplies water services to Essex, South Norfolk and North Suffolk.

About Essex and Suffolk water

Essex and Suffolk Water is part of Northumbrian Water Ltd as a result of a merger with Northumbrian Water in April 2000. Together the two companies have 2,259 staff.

Essex and Suffolk Water supplies water to 1.7 million people via 25 drinking water treatment plants, 110 service reservoirs and 8,441km of water mains.

Essex and Suffolk Water derives 95% of its water supply from rivers and reservoirs and the other 5% from boreholes and aquifers.

Water hardness

Essex and Suffolk Water are in an area of hard to very hard water. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Essex and Suffolk Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Folkestone and Dover Water

What area does Folkestone and Dover Water supply?

Folkestone and Dover Water supplies water services to 64,300 households in South East Kent.

About Folkestone and Dover water

Folkestone was one of the first towns in the county to have a public water supply operated under the powers of the Waterway Clauses Act 1847.

Folkestone Waterworks Company was formed in June 1848. In 1989 Folkestone Waterworks was bought by General Utilities (now known as Veolia Water). The name was changed to Folkestone & Dover Water Services Limited in 1992.

Folkestone and Dover Water's parent company, Veolia Water, also owns two other water supply companies in the South East of England - Three Valleys Water and Tendring Hundred Water. Together, these companies provide 900 million litres of water a day to a population of 3.2 million. They employ around 1,050 people and have a total turnover of £186 million.

Folkestone and Dover Water employs 84 staff working on the distribution network, in their water treatment works and in their office in Folkestone.

Water hardness

Folkestone and Dover Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Folkestone and Dover Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Mid Kent Water

What area does Mid Kent Water supply?

Mid Kent Water supplies water services to an area of 2,050 square kilometres in Kent.

About Mid Kent water

Mid Kent Water started as a company in 1898. Today it supplies approximately 210,000 homes and 24,000 businesses with 156 million litres of water a day. 88% of the water supplied by Mid Kent Water is obtained from 100 operational wells and boreholes.

Mid Kent Water provides its water services via 67 water towers and service reservoirs, 34 source stations and treatment works and 48 booster stations and 4,205km of water mains.

Water hardness

Mid Kent Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Mid Kent Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Northumbrian Water

What area does Northumbrian Water supply?

Northumbrian Water provides water and sewerage services to almost two million properties in the North East of England.

About Northumbrian water

Northumbrian Water, along with Essex and Suffolk Water, is part of Northumbrian Water Ltd as a result of a merger April 2000. Together the two companies have 2,259 staff.

Northumbrian Water derives 95% of its water from rivers and reservoirs and the other 5% from boreholes and aquifers (source: Drinking Water Inspectorate). Water is then supplied via 35 water treatment plants, 242 service reservoirs and 16,789km of water mains.

Northumbrian Water collects waste water via 437 sewage treatment works, 683 sewage pumping stations and 15,484 km of sewers.

Water hardness

Northumbrian Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Northumbrian Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Portsmouth Water

What area does Portsmouth Water supply?

Portsmouth Water supplies water services to an area of 868 square kilometres, stretching through Hampshire and West Sussex from the River Meon in the west to the River Arun in the east, with a population of 654,800.

About Portsmouth water

Portsmouth Water dates back to 1857 when the Borough of Portsmouth Waterworks Company was formed to supply water to Portsmouth. Portsmouth Water now has 235 employees and an annual income of £28 million.

Deriving its water from two groups of springs, one river and 18 borehole sites, Portsmouth Water provides 175 million litres a day via 21 reservoirs, 20 treatments works and 3,222 km of water mains. Portsmouth Water supplies water to 286,680 properties, 17,780 of which have water meters.

Water hardness

Portsmouth Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Portsmouth Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Scottish Water

What area does Scottish Water supply?

Scottish Water supplies water and sewerage services to an area of 78,000 square kilometres - a third of the area of Britain. This includes almost 10,000 km of coastline.

About Scottish water

Scottish Water was formed in April 2002 when three former water authorities, East, West and North of Scotland, merged. It employs 4,200 people across four operational areas - North West, North East, South West and South East.

Scottish Water is the sole water and waste water service provider to 2.2 million households, via 1,896 waste water works, 371 water treatment works, 46,000 km of water pipes and 39,000km of sewer pipes.

Severn Trent Water

What area does Severn Trent Water supply?

Severn Trent Water provides water and sewerage services to over seven million customers in central England and parts of Wales. This area stretches from the Humber Estuary in the north to the Bristol Channel in the south, and from Llyn Clywedog, Wales in the west to Lincolnshire in the east.

About Severn Trent water

Severn Trent Water is part of Severn Trent PLC, an international utility services and environmental solutions company. Severn Trent PLC has 4,635 employees and an annual turnover of £893.2 million making it the world's fourth largest privately owned water company.

Severn Trent Water derives 65% of its water supply from rivers and reservoirs and the other 35% from boreholes and aquifers (source: Drinking Water Inspectorate).

Severn Trent Water then delivers its water supply via 534 service reservoirs, 20 treatment works and 45,674km of water mains.

Severn Trent Water collects and treats waste water via 1,018 sewage treatment works and 53,325km of sewers.

Water hardness

Severn Trent Water supplies water that can be between soft to moderately hard. However water hardness levels can vary within each area. Severn Trent Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

South Staffordshire Water

What area does South Staffordshire Water supply?

South Staffordshire Water supplies water services to an area of almost 1,490 square kilometres, from the edge of Ashbourne in the north, to Halesowen in the south, and from Burton on Trent in the east to Kinver in the west, with a population of nearly 1.25 million.

About South Staffordshire water

South Staffordshire Water was formed in 1853 to supply water to the Black Country. The water supplied by South Staffordshire Water is drawn from two major surface sources - Chelmarsh reservoir and Blithfield reservoir, which was opened by the Queen Mother in 1953. Treated water is distributed via South Staffordshire Water's 25 service reservoirs and 5,722 km of water mains.

Water hardness

South Staffordshire Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. South Staffordshire Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

South East Water

What area does South East Water supply?

South East Water supplies water services to parts of Kent, Hampshire, Berkshire, Sussex and Surrey, an area of 3,607 square kilometres.

About South East water

South East Water is part of the Macquarie Group, an international provider of investment banking and financial services.

South East Water derives 72% of its water supply from boreholes and aquifers and the other 28% from rivers and reservoirs. South East Water then delivers its water supply via 61 water treatment works, 172 service reservoirs and 9,665km water mains (source: Drinking Water Inspectorate).

Water hardness

South East Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. South East Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

South West Water

What area does South West Water supply?

South West Water provides water and sewerage services to the whole of Devon and Cornwall, as well as parts of Dorset and Somerset, an area of 4,300 square miles with 1.5 million residents. South West Water also has the highest ratio of coastline to land of all the water and sewerage companies in England and Wales.

About South West water

South West Water is part of Pennon Group PLC and has over 1,600 staff. South West Water derives 90% of its water from reservoirs and rivers, and the other 10% from boreholes and aquifers.

This water is supplied via 50 water treatment works, 230 pumps, 327 service reservoirs and 15,000 km of water mains.

South West Water collects waste water via 5,000 miles of sewers and treats it in nearly 600 waste water treatment works. South West Water provides water services to around 97% of the region but sewerage services to only 88%, as some people in rural areas use their own methods of sewage disposal such as septic tanks.

Water hardness

South West Water is a soft water area. However water hardness levels can vary within each area. South West Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Southern Water

What area does Southern Water supply?

Southern Water provides water and sewerage service to Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

About Southern water

Southern Water supplies over two million customers with water and sewerage services. Southern Water derives 71% of its water from boreholes and aquifers and other 29% from rivers.

Southern Water then supplies this water via approximately 104 water supply works, 94 service reservoirs and 13,394 km of water mains. Waste water is treated in 390 treatment works.

Water hardness

Southern Water ranges from hard to very hard water. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Southern Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Sutton and East Surrey Water

What area does Sutton and East Surrey Water supply?

Sutton and East Surrey Water supplies a largely rural area of 834 square kilometres, with a population of approximately 650,000 people. The area extends from Morden and South Croydon in the north to Gatwick Airport in the south and from Cobham, Leatherhead and Dorking in the west to Edenbridge and Bough Beech in the east.

About Sutton and East Surrey water

The history of Sutton and East Surrey Water can be traced back to the 1800s, when water was first supplied to homes in the area.

Today, Sutton and East Surrey Water has 280 staff and supplies around 270,000 connected properties. This customer base has a split of approximately 252,000 domestic and 18,000 commercial customers.

Sutton and East Surrey Water derives 85% of its water supply from groundwater and the other 15% is drawn from one reservoir at Bough Beech. Sutton and East Surrey Water then supplies the water via nine treatment works, 36 service reservoirs or towers, 60 pumping stations and 3,280km of water mains..

Water hardness

Water hardness levels can vary within each area. Sutton and East Surrey Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Tendring Hundred Water

What area does Tendring Hundred Water supply?

Tendring Hundred Water supplies water services to the Tendring peninsula in North East Essex, which has a population of 150,000 people.

About Tendring Hundred water

Tendring Hundred Water was first established in 1884 to remedy the shortage of water in Harwich. The company has since grown to also supply surrounding areas and, in 1989, was bought by Veolia.

Veolia Water also owns two other water supply companies in the South East of England - Three Valleys Water and Folkestone and Dover Water.

Together, these companies provide 900 million litres of water a day to a population of 3.2 million. They employ around 1,050 people and have a total turnover of £186 million.

Today Tendring Hundred Water provides water to 70,000 homes and businesses. On average Tendring Hundred Water supplies 25 million litres of water every day. This can rise to 50 million litres during the hottest days.

Tendring Hundred Water also has the highest proportion of metered properties in the country, with 60% of properties charged by a meter.

Water hardness

Tendring Hundred Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Tendring Hundred Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Thames Water

What area does Thames Water supply?

Thames Water supplies water and sewerage services to London and a large proportion of central Southern England.

About Thames water

Thames Water is part of RWE, a leading water corporation in the UK, Germany, central Eastern Europe and the USA, providing clean water and sanitation for 70 million customers worldwide.

Thames Water employs 6,800 people and provides water and sewerage services to 13 million customers in London and the Thames Valley region, and an additional one and half million billed customers across Wales.

Thames Water derives 76% of its water supplies from rivers and reservoirs and the other 24% from boreholes and aquifers. Thames Water then supplies the water via 101 treatment works, 368 reservoirs and 31,300km of water mains (source: Drinking Water Inspectorate).

Water hardness

Thames Water is generally a soft water area. However water hardness levels can vary within each area. Thames Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Three Valleys Water

What area does Three Valleys Water supply?

Three Valleys Water supplies water services to parts of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon and Enfield.

About Three Valleys water

Three Valleys Water was formed when Colne Valley, Rickmansworth and Lee Valley Water companies merged in 1994. Three Valleys Water later merged with North Surrey Water in 2000.

Three Valleys Water is owned by Veolia Water, which owns two other water supply companies in the South East of England - Folkestone and Dover Water and Tendring Hundred Water. Together, these companies provide 900 million litres of water a day to a population of 3.2 million. They employ around 1,050 people and have a total turnover of £186 million.

Three Valleys Water is the largest water only supplier in the UK. It provides over 800 million litres of water every day to over three million customers. 42% of Three Valleys Water is derived from rivers and reservoirs and 58% from boreholes and aquifers.

Three Valleys Water then supplies water via 83 treatment works, 137 service reservoirs and 14,277km water mains (source: Drinking Water Inspectorate).

Water hardness

Three Valleys Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Three Valleys Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

United Utilities Water

What area does United Utilities Water supply?

United Utilities Water supplies water and sewerage services to the North West of England, a region with a population of around seven million.

About United Utilities water

United Utilities PLC was formed when North West Water and Norweb merged in 1995. United Utilities is now a FTSE 100 company with 17,000 staff, which manages and operates the regulated electricity distribution, water and wastewater networks in North West England.

United Utilities Water is the UK's largest operator of water systems delivering 2,000 million litres a day to 2.9 million households.

United Utilities Water derives 92% of its water supply from rivers and reservoirs and the other 8% from boreholes and aquifers. United Utilities Water then supplies the water via 192 reservoirs, 453 service reservoirs and water towers, 137 water treatment works and 40,000 km of water mains.

United Utilities Water also treats 2,200 million litres of wastewater every day in 600 wastewater treatment works, via 39,000 km of sewers.

Water hardness

United Utilities Water supplies water in a soft to moderately hard area. However water hardness levels can vary within each area. United Utilities Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Wessex Water

What area does Wessex Water supply?

Wessex Water provides water and sewerage services to an area of 10,000 square kilometres in the South West of England, including Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, most of Wiltshire and parts of Gloucestershire and Hampshire.

About Wessex water

Wessex Water treats and supplies drinking water to 1.2 million people and provides sewerage services to 2.5 million people.

Wessex Water provides up to 385 million litres of water a day, deriving 80% of its supply from groundwater sources such as boreholes and the other 20% from rivers and its 12 surface reservoirs. Water is then supplied via 320 storage reservoirs, 95 treatment plants and 11,000 km of water mains.

Wessex Water also treats and disposes of 480 million litres of sewage every day. This is done via 15,000 kilometres of sewers, 1,314 pumping stations and 392 sewage treatment works.

Water hardness

Wessex Water supplies water in a soft to moderately hard area. However water hardness levels can vary within each area. Wessex Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Yorkshire Water

What area does Yorkshire Water supply?

Yorkshire Water supplies water and sewerage services to Yorkshire.

About Yorkshire water

Yorkshire Water is the main UK subsidiary of the Kelda Group, which provides water and waste water services to customers in the UK and USA.

Yorkshire Water provides water and sewerage services to 1.7 million households, deriving 78% of its water supply from rivers and reservoirs and the other 22% from boreholes and aquifers. Yorkshire Water then supplies the water via 116 water treatment works and 30,000km of water mains.

Yorkshire Water also collects a billion litres of waste water and sewage each day, which is then treated in Yorkshire Water's 612 waste water treatment works.

Water hardness

Yorkshire Water is generally a hard water area. However, water hardness levels can vary within each area. Yorkshire Water can provide you with further information about water hardness in your particular area.

Water meters - How they work

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Water meters measure the exact amount of water you use, rather than relying on estimates.

A water meter is a device that records the amount of water being used in your home for billing purposes, similar to your gas and electricity metering. Your water company checks your water meter to calculate how much to charge you.

Should I get a water meter?

If you have a water meter fitted your charges would be based on the amount of water you use, rather than being a fixed amount each year based on the rateable value (RV) of your property.

Any savings depend on how much you pay now and how much water you use.

Will I have to pay to get a water meter installed?

Most homes can have a meter installed free of charge. The only exception would be when it is unreasonably expensive or impractical for the water company to install a meter.

In these circumstances the customer would need to pay for the installation of the water meter (although the meter itself would be free). If a water meter cannot be fitted then the customer can be put on assessed charges.

Compulsory metering can also occur in areas designated by the Secretary of State as 'water scarce', in which case the water company can if it is necessary, install meters in all households.

Save water - your guide to how to save water in your home

2012-04-26 00:00:00 +0000

Use this guide to find essential information about water efficiency and reducing your water use.

Knowing how much water you're using can be difficult. Here's few handy tips on how to reduce your water use both in your home and in the garden.

For more information about some of the terms we use, click on the highlighted words or see our water glossary. For more information on water rates, see our Price of water guide.

What is water efficiency?
Why is saving water important?
Can cutting my water use save me money?
How can I reduce my water use at home?
How can I reduce my water use in the garden?
What water saving gadgets are there?
Where can I get further information on reducing my water use?
Glossary

What is water efficiency?

Water efficiency means thinking about the way you use water - your water management. The key is to try to reduce your water use where possible and not waste water.

Why is saving water important?

Water is an important resource and wasting it could mean big shortages in the future. In the UK, the average person uses about 150 litres each every day but we could easily reduce our water use without too many changes to our lifestyles.

As the effects of climate change are becoming clear, it is even more important to look at our water use and see how we could save water. The Government and water companies are also responsible for reducing the UK's overall water use and cutting down on water wastage.

Can cutting my water use save me money?

Yes. With good water management you can save money because you are using less water and this means you will be using less energy . If you reduce your water use by, for example, having shorter showers you will be using less energy to heat the water.

If you think you could save money on your water bill, you may want to consider having a water meter installed.

How can I reduce my water use at home?

turn off the tap when cleaning your teeth and rinse your mouth with water from a beaker - this will instantly reduce your water use
fit spray taps on the sinks - these taps are easy to fit and really reduce your water use
have fewer baths and reuse your bathwater on your garden or house plants
have shorter showers and turn the hot water down slightly - this reduces your water use and your energy use
wash on a full load when using your washing machine and dishwasher and you'll cut your water use by doing fewer loads (when you replace your machine, go for an energy efficient model)
using the toilet: use a water displacement device to cut the water use of flushing your toilet, or get a new dual-flush or low-flush toilet (throw tissues and cotton wool in the bin - not down the toilet)
mend dripping taps and make sure you know where your stopcock is in case of a water leak from a burst pipe
don't overfill the kettle - only use as much water as you need when you're making tea or coffee

How can I reduce my water use in the garden?

Collect rainwater to use for your garden plants - this will cut your water use from the mains. You can also use rainwater for your washing machine and dishwasher, using a special tank and pump.

Plan your garden - you can create a low-water-use garden by choosing particular plants and using tree bark and gravel. Ask your local garden centre for advice.

Don't over-water your garden and never leave a hose running. This reduces your water use and keeps your plants healthy.

What water saving gadgets are there?

A water meter calculates your household water use - some people can save money by switching to a water meter. Find out more about water meters

A water displacement device , also known as a hippo or save-a-flush, goes in your toilet cistern and reduces the water used each time you flush. Most water suppliers will provide them free.

A shower timer can encourage you to spend a bit less time in the shower which will reduce your water use.

A water butt collects rainwater for you to use on the garden and in your appliances, reducing your mains water use.

Where can I get further information on reducing my water use?

For further advice on managing your water use more efficiently:

contact waterwise
speak to your local water supplier
see the Environment Agency website
see the Energy Saving Trust website

Glossary

Rateable value (RV)

The rateable value (RV) of your home is a figure that was set in 1990 to work out council tax bands and was roughly based on rental value. It is still used in England and Wales to calculate water rates.

Soakaway

A rainwater soakaway is an underground pit filled with gravel that stores water that runs off the roof and gradually disperses it into the soil - rather than into a public sewer.

Surface water drainage

Water, including rainwater, that drains from the property into a public sewer. The charge for this is included in the sewerage element of your water bill.

Water meter

A domestic water meter is a device that measures how much water your household uses.

Water displacement device

Also known as a hippo or save-a-flush, this goes into your toiler cistern to reduce the water used when you flush.

Price of water - How your water rates are calculated

2012-04-26 00:00:00 +0000

If you want to know more about the price of water and how your bill is calculated, this guide will reveal all.

Water rates differ depending on where you live and you are charged in two different ways. Find out what makes up your water bill and how water rates work.

Most recent change:

In April 2012 the average household water and sewage bill went up £20, although the exact amount will vary depending on the factors listed below.

How do water rates work?

In England and Wales there are regional differences in domestic water rates. Your domestic water rate will depend on the availability of water in your region and the size of your region.

The majority of people are charged a yearly water rate which covers the domestic water supply and associated costs such as maintaining water quality. Some people have a water meter instead, which is a cheaper alternative in some cases.

How do water companies work out my water rates?

Water companies calculate your domestic water bills in one of two ways:

Unmeasured you pay a set amount for your domestic water and sewerage service, regardless of how much you use. This is based on the rateable value (RV) of your home
Measured your domestic water readings are taken from a meter and you pay for the units of water you use.

What's the difference between water and sewerage charges?

There are two parts to your water bill:

Water charges are for the fresh water that comes out of your taps.
Sewerage charges are for the water you use that goes back into the system as waste to be treated - assumed to be about 95%. This is also known as foul or grey water.

The sewerage charge includes any water that runs from your property into public sewers.

What's the difference between water and sewerage charges?

There are two parts to your water bill:

Water charges are for the fresh water that comes out of your taps.
Sewerage charges are for the water you use that goes back into the system as waste to be treated - assumed to be about 95%. This is also known as foul or grey water.
The sewerage charge includes any water that runs from your property into public sewers.

How can I get a surface water drainage rebate?

Almost everybody pays for surface water drainage as part of the sewerage element of their domestic water bill.

If you can prove that no water from your property drains into a public sewer - if you have a soakaway for example - you may be able to apply for a refund of your most recent charges. For further information, please contact your domestic water supplier.

How can I limit how much I spend on water?

There are a range of water-efficiency products that can help you. These include:

A water meter calculates your household water use - some people can save money by switching to a water meter. Find out more about water meters.
A water displacement device, also known as a hippo or save-a-flush, goes in your toilet cistern and reduces the water used each time you flush. Most water suppliers will provide them free.
A shower timer can encourage you to spend a bit less time in the shower which will reduce your water use.
A water butt collects rainwater for you to use on the garden and in your appliances, reducing your mains water use.

uSwitchforBusiness - save on your business energy costs

2012-04-16 00:00:00 +0000

What is uSwitchforbusiness and how can it help my business save on its energy costs?

uSwitchforBusiness is a free, impartial energy brokerage service. uSwitchforBusiness focuses on helping business customers get the best gas and electricity contracts.

What does else uSwitchforbusiness do?

uSwitchforBusiness also provides a range of additional products and services, including insurance and communications, which are tailored specifically for customers who own, run or hold responsibility for procurement in a business.

How is it different ?

uSwitchforBusiness was launched in November 2008 as a sister site to uSwitch, allowing us to speak to our business customers directly and give our clients access to our dedicated team of business energy specialists.

We're part of uSwitch - so you're guaranteed to receive the same high level of service we give to all of our customers.

You'll also benefit from our extensive knowledge of the business energy market and our strong commercial relationships.

Why should I use uSwitchforBusiness?

The energy market can often be a minefield for businesses, but we make it a level playing field by giving you the help and guidance you need to make an informed and confident decision on your business energy.

We have an extensive panel, including leading energy companies as well as smaller, niche suppliers.

This combination means we can help our business customers take advantage of the best prices, service and products for their individual needs, rather taking a one size fits approach.

When you decide to switch, uSwitchforBusiness will help you every step of the way, taking care of all the paperwork, and making the whole process is completely hassle-free.

What's more, the relationship doesn't just end when you switch - as your energy broker we'll be there if you need us for the duration your new contracts and beyond, to ensure you always have the support you need when it comes to your business energy.

Does uSwitchforBusiness provide any further support?

Each service available on the site has a comprehensive help section, which should answer any questions you have about switching or applying for a product. It also provides valuable business advice designed to help you get the best deals.

If you would prefer to speak to an advisor (and we recommend that you do before you switch), then the uSwitchforBusiness customer services team is just a phone call or email away. Alternatively, fill in our handy form to arrange for us to call you back.

Cheap business electricity

2012-04-16 00:00:00 +0000

Savvy customers shop around - and so should your business.

Find out how your electricity could be costing you less with uSwitch business energy.

Getting cheap business electricity is made simple with uSwitch.

Simply tell us about your typical electricity usage and our business energy team will liaise with the suppliers to secure the cheapest deal available.

uSwitch also caters for businesses of all sizes , from small and medium sized business to large companies and multi-site businesses.

The quickest way to cheap business electricity

One way to lower energy costs is to use less electricity, but when a constant supply of electricity is vital to the operation of your business, cheap business electricity prices are the only solution.

According to the energy industry watchdog, Consumer Focus, 60% of all energy consumed by businesses is purchased through brokers and agents.

uSwitch's business energy team offers independent advice and expertise to help find cheap business electricity for businesses of all sizes.

Switching for beginners

Our business energy team will liaise with suppliers to find the cheapest electricity for your business. Our comparison service is impartial and free for you to use. Compare your business electricity prices now and see how much you could save.

Business energy suppliers

2012-04-16 00:00:00 +0000

Why let one business energy supplier monopolise your business? Find the best business energy supplier for all your business needs with uSwitch business energy.

Business energy customers have plenty of options when deciding who to choose for their energy supply.

The familiar names which currently supply your home can also supply your business.

British Gas, EDF Energy, npower business, E.ON, Scottish and Southern Energy and ScottishPower all offer energy plans for business customers, but there are many other smaller companies providing competitive prices too.

Like domestic customers, businesses are free to choose the best business energy supplier for their needs.

But with so many options and variables involved in choosing the best business energy supplier, many businesses opt to use an experienced intermediary to do the research and negotiations for them.

uSwitch business energy comparison provides a free, quick and impartial service to find the best energy deals for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

How does uSwitch evaluate business energy suppliers?

uSwitch business energy compares plans from many business energy suppliers. uSwitch is not a supplier itself, but acts as an independent advisor in association with its partners, giving businesses an impartial view of the business energy suppliers on offer.

uSwitch business energy makes it easier to choose the most appropriate deal for your business energy needs.

Why put up with high business energy prices?

Save on your business energy bills by becoming one of the thousands of customers who switch with uSwitch each week.

Business Energy prices

2012-04-16 00:00:00 +0000

Cheaper energy equals better business

With energy prices rising, switched on businesses are looking for the best energy deal with uSwitch business energy.

Rising energy prices

Energy customers have spent the last few years watching energy prices fluctuate.

Although there have been are occasionally reductions, these are often not enough to counter the huge increases of the previous years.

However, there are still plenty of savings to be made on business energy prices.

See how much you could save

Cut your business energy prices now

Strike an electricity bargain with the uSwitch business energy experts.

uSwitch is Britain's top gas and electricity switching service because we're free, quick and completely impartial.

We'll compare energy price for your business so you can switch to the best deal.

After a brief consultation to ascertain the needs of your business, uSwitch's business energy team will research the market to find you the best deal.

Start saving now

Our business energy team will liaise with business energy suppliers to find the best energy prices for your business. Our service is impartial and free for you to use.

Looking for domestic energy?

Find the best energy prices for the home.

Looking for the best domestic energy supplier?

Find the best energy supplier for your home.

Business electricity suppliers

2012-04-16 00:00:00 +0000

Good research is good business. Learn how you can get cheaper energy with uSwitch.

Find the best energy supplier for your business needs with uSwitchforBusiness energy.

See how much you could save! Simply enter your postcode on the right and find cheaper business energy prices for your company.

The only way to find out who can supply your business with the cheapest electricity is to compare all the electricity suppliers, taking into account the amount of electricity you use.

Why compare business electricity suppliers with uSwitch?

The uSwitch business energy services tales the hassle out of energy comparison. uSwitch caters for businesses of all sizes, from small and medium-sized business, to large companies and multi-site businesses.

Our teams search for the biggest savings for your business. Contact uSwitch business energy to find a cheaper business electricity supplier and learn more about business energy prices.

Why should I switch supplier?

Following the deregulation of the electricity and gas supply industries in the 1990s, both domestic and business energy customers throughout the UK can sign up to the energy supplier of their choice.

Will there be any interruption to my electricity supply?

No, your new electricity supplier will continue to use your existing wires and pipes. They will also contact your supplier to arrange the transfer of your supply. The only change you will notice is that your bill will come from a different electricity supplier.

Business electricity prices

2012-04-16 00:00:00 +0000

Rising business electricity prices means switched on businesses are looking for the best business electricity deal

uSwitchforbusiness can help.

You'd be surprised by how much the price of business electricity can differ from business to business. How much you pay and the way bills are structured can vary considerably, so it pays to have an expert to make sense of the options available.

What's happening to business electricity prices?

Business electricity customers have spent the last few years seeing prices rise. However, there are still plenty of savings to be made on your business energy bills.

How does uSwitch find the best electricity prices?

The uSwitchforBusiness team liaises with suppliers to get your business the best business electricity prices. Ask uSwitch to evaluate the electricity usage of your business and see how much you could save with business electricity prices that suit you, not your supplier.

Why put up with high business electricity prices?

Save on your business electricity bills by becoming one of the thousands of customers who switch with uSwitch each week.

Enter your postcode below to see if you could save today.

Business electricity: get a better commercial electricity deal

2012-04-16 00:00:00 +0000

Looking for cheap business electricity? Save time, save money, save energy with uSwitch.

Our straightforward service helps you save time, money and effort on your business energy prices. Find out how your energy could be costing you less with uSwitchforBusiness energy.

Running a business requires a vast amount of time and dedication.

With so many decisions to be made, the prospect of looking for a better deal on your commerical gas and electricity can be daunting.

Now uSwitch business energy takes the hard work out of finding the right supplier for your business, with its free and impartial switching service.

'See how much you could save.

Business electricity explained

Most businesses use more electricity than homes. As a result it is often possible to negotiate with suppliers to get a better price.

Finding the right deal can take time and expertise, so most businesses use an agent specialising in energy negotiation to find the right deal.

uSwitch business energy provides independent advice and assistance to find the right solution for all your business electricity needs.

Switch your business electricity supplier with uSwitch

Our business energy team provides a comprehensive, accurate and impartial comparison of suppliers based on your business's requirements. Once we have found you the best supplier we can ensure you have a smooth transition.

Simply enter your postcode below to see if you can save on your business energy today.

Flow Energy | Prices, tariffs & reviews of energy supplier Flow Energy

2012-04-13 00:00:00 +0000

Flow Energy is the brand-new dual fuel supplier to the energy market, offering a simplified approach to energy

To compare all energy suppliers including Flow Energy and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now. To learn more, keep reading:

Boasting a ‘simpler’ energy experience, Flow offers just one fixed rate plan, and it is only available as a Direct Debit plan with paperless billing.

Flow Energy highlights its leadership team of industry innovators and insiders, which they say allows them to offer the most competitive rates.

Corporate info

Flow Energy is part of Energetix, a UK-based firm founded in 1997 that focuses on developing and commercialising products to meet the quickly evolving energy needs of the country.

Why we like Flow Energy

Though not yet available, Flow’s unique boiler can be a market innovator. The electricity it generates will reduce customers' bills and their carbon footprint.

They also offer UK-based customer service personnel who are empowered to provide answers and help the first time customers contact them.

daligas | Prices, tariffs & reviews of gas supplier daligas

2012-04-13 00:00:00 +0000

daligas is the new gas-only supplier offering the simplicity of just one tariff, calling its offering a ‘smart and straightforward’ product.

To compare all energy suppliers including daligas and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now. To learn more, keep reading:

daligas is the privately held, UK-based supplier offering cheap gas to consumers. The company has just one tariff, called the daligas one plan, which is payable only through monthly direct debit.

Corporate Info

Founded by members from the energy, IT, sales and marketing fields, the company says that its low overhead allows the ability to offer the lowest prices and better, more direct contact with customers.

The independent gas supplier says that its goal is to achieve trust and satisfaction for its valued customers, and its market strategy is a straightforward one:

A simplified price structure
A fair agreement between the customer and daligas
Transparency
Customer awareness and friendly customer support

Why we like daligas

daligas highlights its ‘lean corporate structure’ that allows it to have reduced operating costs (and therefore reduced gas prices for customers) and the ability to quickly respond to market changes.

The independent gas supplier has great benefits for those wary of hidden costs, such as not requiring a deposit, and not charging a cancellation fee should customers decide to switch suppliers.

The company states that it conducted extensive research before entering the UK gas market, including surveying what consumers’ needs and expectations are from a gas supplier.

From the findings, daligas structured its ‘promise’, which includes flexibility, simple pricing, fairness and transparency.

Smart meters | What is a smart meter and how do they work

2012-04-10 00:00:00 +0000

Smart meters are to be installed in every home in the UK by 2020 - but what is a smart meter, and what difference will they make to your electricity bills?

What is a smart meter?

Smart meters are a new kind of energy meter. Smart meters are a replacement for your existing meters and send electronic meter readings to your energy supplier automatically.

There are both gas smart meters and electricity smart meters.

How does a smart meter work?

A smart meter works by communicating directly with your energy supplier, so the company will always have an accurate meter reading and there's no need for you to take a meter reading yourself. Smart meters can work in a variety of different ways - First Utility's smart meters use an in-built SIM card (like the one in your mobile phone) to send the readings, while other suppliers are looking at using long range radio.

What are the benefits of having a smart meter?

There are two main benefits to smart meters:

no-one has to come round to read your meter.
your bills will be accurate - no more estimated bills or over or under-paying.

Will a smart meter save me money?

A smart meter itself won't save you money, but it may come with add-ons like an energy monitor or computer software that could.

These extras let you see how much energy you are using at different times of the day, week, month, or year, which could help you to cut your energy usage and your bills by highlighting ways you can be more energy efficient.

Smart meters could also mean lower electricity bills, because they will help energy companies to run more efficiently.

If energy companies have a more accurate picture of how much energy the country uses and when they use it, they will be able to make sure they have the right amount of energy at the right time.

Smart meters could also lead to the creation of innovative new energy tariffs, or personalised plans individually tailored to fit your lifestyle and energy usage.

How do I get a smart meter?

The plan is for smart meters to be in every home by 2020. However, it is still unclear when the roll-out will start, so you may have to wait a while before you get your smart meter.

The Government has stipulated that the mass roll-out of smart meters must begin by 2014.

However, in the meantime, uSwitch has teamed up with independent supplier First Utility to offer one of the first plans on the market for smart meter installation when you switch. Use our gas and electricity price calculator to see how much the tariff would cost you.

Green energy plans. Compare green energy plans and learn more.

2012-04-10 00:00:00 +0000

Green energy plans are a good choice if you want to be more environmentally friendly.

If you're one of the growing number of conscientious people who feels it is more important to go with a green energy plan then you may know that comparing just how green some energy plans really are can be quite challenging.

Green energy plans

It can be difficult to know which suppliers to trust, what kind of green energy you're getting and just how much good you're doing for the environment.

All energy suppliers get some of their electricity from renewable sources, and they publish the percentage (known as their fuel mix) on their websites. In the table below, you'll see the fuel mix of some of the major energy suppliers.

You can use the table below to find a supplier who you feel measures up to your standards on green electricity, and then switch to their most competitive deal. You might not end up with either the cheapest or the greenest plan on the market, but it does mean that you can find a compromise that suits both your pocket and your ethics.

Green Energy Certification Scheme

However, it's now possible to check how 'green' your energy plan is, with the help of the independent Green Energy Certification Scheme (GECS).

To help you make an informed choice of green energy plan, the Green Energy Certification Scheme gives a green energy plan a stamp of approval if it meets certain standards, so you can be confident in your choice of green plan.

The Green Energy Certification Scheme independently checks that the electricity you use comes from a renewable source and that the energy supplier is going above and beyond the existing regulatory obligations to deliver additional environmental benefits as part of the plan.

Green energy plans approved by the GECS

Tariff name	Renewable %*	Renewables matching**	Additional info
Future Energy Plus	6.6%	Yes	The electricity you use will be offset through the government's Quality Assurance Scheme. Contributions will be made to the Energy For Tomorrow fund, which invests in community projects to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Future Energy	6.6%	Yes	Free Standby Saver Contributions will be made to the Energy For Tomorrow fund, which invests in community projects to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Go Green	0.3%	Yes	E.ON will purchase 1.8 tonnes of good quality carbon offsets for every 12 months you are on the plan.
Green Tariff	6.9%	Yes	EDF's Green Fund helps to support renewable energy projects for non-profit organisations across the UK.
100% Green and Gold	100%	Yes	Good Energy will purchase 1 tonne Gold Standard Certified Emission Reduction (CER) Offset per customer, every year.
Good Energy	100%	Yes	Good Energy tariff will invest in renewable heat generation projects that benefit local communities. The income from these schemes will be entrusted to an independent body to invest in further projects, creating ongoing carbon savings.
juice	5%	Yes	npower makes an annual contribution of £10 into the Juice Fund for every Juice customer. The Juice Fund supports innovation, research and development in the marine and tidal renewables sector and invests in community-based small- and micro- renewable generation projects.
Simply Green	6.9%	Yes	Contributes funds towards small-scale environmental and educational renewable energy projects within communities across the UK.
Betterplan plus	9.7%	Yes	Betterplan is an energy reduction programme, which encourages and advises customers to help them reduce their energy usage and also rewards them for doing so.

* The percentage of overall fuel mix from renewable energy sources. ** Does the plan promise to match your usage with 100% renewable energy?
Information from the Green Energy Scheme site. Last updated 8.9.2010.

Switching to a Green Energy plan

Just like normal gas and electricity tariffs, some green tariffs are cheaper than others. Some suppliers, including new kid on the block Ovo, have tried to make their renewable energy plans more affordable.

We incorporate green dual fuel plans in our results table, just pop your postcode into the box below. You can see a full list of all the green energy plans approved by the Green Energy Certification Scheme so you know which ones to look out for.

You can also compare prices on green electricity tariffs with uSwitch - just put in all your details as normal, and when you get to the results page, select the 'Green electricity' tab.

Doing a comparison will also help you to see the difference between the cheapest overall plan and the cheapest green plan, so you can judge whether or not you can afford the difference.

Remember that you can split the difference too, by opting for a green electricity plan, and offsetting the expense with the cheapest gas deal you can get. Unlike electricity, gas can't be produced from renewable sources like solar or hydro, so your conscience can remain relatively clear.

However, you will miss out on things like the dual fuel discount, which can knock a reasonable amount off your bill.

Energy fuel mix | What types of fuel does your supplier use?

2012-04-05 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered where your electricity comes from?

All energy suppliers publish information about their fuel mix - which is the ratio of different fuels or energy sources they use to generate your electricity, for example coal, nuclear power or renewable energy sources.

On this page you'll find information about the fuel mix of some of the UK's biggest energy suppliers, so you can see exactly where your electricity comes from. This information is the latest available from 1 April 2010 to March 2011.

Supplier	Coal	Gas	Nuclear	Renewable	Other	CO₂*	Nuclear Waste*

British Gas (Centrica)	11.40%	56.90%	22.80%	7.70%	1.20%	338 g/kWh	0.0023 g/kWh
EBICo	29%	59%	1%	10%	1%	505 g/kWh	0.000084 g/kWh
Ecotricity	12.1%	19.7%	2.3%	64.3%	1.6%	195.5 g/kWh	0.00021 g/kWh
EDF Energy	27.9%	5.7%	61.8%	3.9%	0.7%	280 g/kWh	0.0062 g/kWh
E.ON Energy	34.3%	47%	5%	10.2%	3.5%	543 g/kWh	0.001 g/kWh
Good Energy	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	100%	0.0%	0.000 g/kWh	0.0000 g/kWh
npower (RWE npower)	28%	60%	1%	9%	2%	509 g/kWh	0.0001 g/kWh
Scottish and Southern Energy	29%	59%	1%	10%	1%	505 g/kWh	0.000084 g/kWh
ScottishPower	48.9%	43.4%	0.0%	7.6%	0.1%	620 g/kWh	0.000 g/kWh
Utility Warehouse	28%	60%	1%	9%	2%	509 g/kWh	0.0001 g/kWh
UK average	28.90%	44.20%	17.30%	7.90%	1.70%	450 g/kWh	0.0017 g/kWh
*Units used: carbon dioxide (kilograms per kWh) and nuclear waste (grams per kWh).

Table from: Consumer Focus,

Southern Electric | Prices, tariffs & reviews of Southern Electric

2012-03-21 00:00:00 +0000

Southern Electric is owned by SSE which manages the largest distribution network in the UK.

To compare all energy suppliers including Southern Electric and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now. To learn more, keep reading:

Customer satisfaction

The SSE Group, which includes Southern Electric, achieved the second-highest score amongst the big six suppliers

Latest price change

SSE (Southern Electric's parent company) announced a price rise of 9% on both gas and electricity that went into force on the 15th of October 2012, and added £119 to the average SSE dual-fuel customer.

Supplier	Date effective	Average gas price change (%)	Average electricity price change (%)
	15/10/2012	9%	9%

Southern Electric price history and where the energy supplier ranks with the competition

2011-2012

Previous to the price increase that went into effect in October 2012, the SSE Group reduced its gas tariffs by 4.5% in March 2012. Before that, Southern Electric increased its gas prices by 18% or £118 on gas and 11% or £49 on electricity from September 2011.

2010

Southern Electric increased its gas prices by 9.4% on 1st December 2010. On 29th March 2010, Southern Electric cut its gas prices by 4% for dual fuel customers, 7% for single fuel customers and 9% for pre-payment customers.

2009

Southern Electric cut its gas prices by 4% and its electricity prices by 9% in March 2009.

The table below shows which of the big six energy suppliers last raised and dropped their prices, and when:

Date of price change	Average gas price change (%)	Average electricity price change (%)
18th January 2013	9.4%	7.7%
26th November 2012	10.8%	10.8%
26th November 2012	7%	7%
26th November 2012	8.8%	9%
16th November 2012	6%	6%
15th October 2012	9%	9%
26th March 2012	4.5%	0%
27th February 2012	5%	0%
27th February 2012	0%	6%
01st February 2012	5%	0%
12th January 2012	0%	5%
07th February 2012	5%	0%
10th November 2011	4.5%	15.4%
1st October 2011	15.7%	7.2%
13th September 2011	18%	11%
14th September 2011	18%	11%
18th August 2011	18%	16%
1st August 2011	19%	10%

How do SSE (Southern Electric's parent company) generate energy?

29%Coal
59%Gas
1%Nuclear
10%Green
1%Other

Average from all UK suppliers

29%Coal
44%Gas
17%Nuclear
8%Green
2%Other

Green (renewable) energy is from sources such as wind, solar and hydro-electric. Information taken from the Energy Saving Trust.

CO² waste from UK energy suppliers

Nuclear waste from UK energy suppliers

What else Southern Electric offers

Boiler and heating cover

Scottish Hydro | Prices, tariffs & reviews of energy supplier Scottish Hydro

2012-03-21 00:00:00 +0000

Scottish Hydro Electric is owned by SSE, which achieved the second-highest score in the Customer Satisfaction Awards. The supplier manages the largest distribution network in the UK.

To compare all energy suppliers including Scottish Hydro and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now. To learn more, keep reading:

Customer satisfaction

The SSE Group achieved the second-highest score amongst the big six suppliers

Latest price change

SSE (parent company of Scottish Hydro) announced a price rise of 9% on both gas and electricity prices that went into effect on the 15th of October 2012. The rise added £119 to the average SSE dual-fuel customer's annual bill.

Supplier	Date effective	Average gas price change (%)	Average electricity price change (%)
	15/10/2012	9%	9%

Price History

SSE (Scottish-Hydro's parent company) announced a price rise of 9% on both gas and electricity prices that went into force on the 15th of October 2012.

The SSE group which includes Scottish Hydro previously reduced its gas tariffs by 4.5% on 26 March 2012. Prior to that, Scottish Hydro increased its gas prices by 18% or £118 on gas and 11% or £49 on electricity from the 14th September 2011.

Corporate info

Scottish Hydro Electric is owned by SSE, which manages the largest distribution network in the UK. Formed in December 1998 following the merger of Scottish Hydro Electric and Southern Electric, SSE has since also acquired SWALEC and Atlantic Electric and Gas.

What else Scottish Hydro offers

Boiler and heating cover

Atlantic | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Atlantic

2012-03-21 00:00:00 +0000

Atlantic energy is part of the SSE group, which achieved the second-highest score in our Customer Satisfaction awards. They supply gas and electricity throughout the UK.

To compare all energy suppliers including Atlantic and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now. To learn more, keep reading:

Customer satisfaction

The SSE Group achieved the second-highest score amongst the six major suppliers in Overall Customer Satisfaction

Price History

SSE (Atlantic Energy's parent company) announced a price rise of 9% on both gas and electricity that went into force on the 15th of October 2012, and added £119 to the average SSE dual-fuel customer.

Previously the SSE group reduced its gas tariffs by 4.5% on 26 March 2012. Prior to that, Atlantic increased its gas prices by 18% or £118 on gas and 11% or £49 on electricity from the 14th September 2011.

Latest price change

SSE (Atlantic's parent company) announced a price rise of 9% on both gas and electricity prices that went into effect on the 15th of October 2012, and added £119 to the average SSE dual-fuel customer's annual bill.

Supplier	Date effective	Average gas price change (%)	Average electricity price change (%)
	15/10/2012	9%	9%

Corporate info

The company was acquired by SSE in 2004, but continues to operate under its own brand name.

What else Atlantic energy offers

Boiler and heating cover

Swalec | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Swalec

2012-03-20 00:00:00 +0000

Swalec (which stands for South Wales Electricity) is an electricity company supplying Wales which was bought out in 2000 by SSE Group.

To compare all energy suppliers including Swalec and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now. To learn more, keep reading:

Customer satisfaction

SSE, parent company to Swalec, earned the second-highest score in our Customer Satisfaction awards in Overal Customer Satisfaction. They supply gas and electricity throughout the UK.

The SSE Group achieved the second-highest score amongst the six major suppliers

Latest price change

SSE (Swalec's parent company) announced a price rise of 9% on both gas and electricity that went into effect on the 15th of October 2012 and added £119 to the average SSE dual-fuel customer.

Supplier	Date effective	Average gas price change (%)	Average electricity price change (%)
	15/10/2012	9%	9%

Price History

Previous to the October 2012 price rise, the SSE Group reduced its gas tariffs by 4.5% on 26 March 2012. Prior to that, SSE/Swalec increased its gas prices by 18% or £118 on gas and 11% or £49 on electricity in September 2011.

Corporate info

Swalec is owned by SSE which manages the largest distribution network in the UK and services more than 8 million customers. The company was formed in December 1998 following the merger of Scottish Hydro Electric and Southern Electric.

How do Swalec generate energy?

29%Coal
59%Gas
1%Nuclear
10%Green
1%Other

Average from all UK suppliers

29%Coal
44%Gas
17%Nuclear
8%Green
2%Other

Green (renewable) energy is from sources such as wind, solar and hydro-electric. Information taken from the Energy Saving Trust.

CO² waste from UK energy suppliers

Nuclear waste from UK energy suppliers

Spark Energy | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Spark

2012-03-20 00:00:00 +0000

Spark Energy is a small energy supplier who aim to provide renewable energy to every customer.

Spark Energy used to only specialise in rentals, landlords and property management, but now also provides tariffs for private households.

Spark Energy 'fuel mix'

33%Coal
39%Gas
23%Nuclear
8%Green*
1%Other

Average from all UK suppliers

29%Coal
44%Gas
17%Nuclear
8%Green*
2%Other

*Green (renewable) energy is from sources such as wind, solar and hydro-electric. Information taken from the Energy Saving Trust.

Why we like Spark Energy

Up to 10% of the independent supplier's electricity requirements are purchased from renewable generators, which includes wind, bio-energy, bio-mass, anaerobic digestion, energy crops and hydro.

In addition, Spark Energy supplies smart meters to its customers for free. Smart meters electronically measure how much energy you use and ensure accurate billing.

By allowing you to carefully monitor how much energy you are using, smart meters can also be used to help you reduce your energy use. Smart meters allow prepayment customers to see how much credit they have left without the need to submit meter readings.

M&S | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier M&S

2012-03-20 00:00:00 +0000

M&S Energy is a subsidiary of SSE who offer two energy options with built-in rewards.

The M&S Standard Energy option is a straight-forward solution with no cancellation fee and offers £70 of M&S vouchers in the first year.

The M&S Capped Price option offers long-term assurance with capped prices until February 2015. Capped Price customers also get the £70 vouchers in the first year.

Why we like M&S Energy

M&S may be better known for clothing and food than energy, but after teaming up with SSE they have entered the UK's gas and electricity market.

The supplier offers vouchers to its members, including M&S vouchers for when you sign up to paperless billing, vouchers for reducing how much energy you use, and a voucher for staying with M&S each year.

M&S is also one of the few suppliers to offer a capped plan. While capped plans may initially be more expensive, prices can come down but can't go above the capped price.

M&S are also committed to match each unit of electricity its customers use with one unit of hydro-generated electricity that goes back into the national grid.

LoCo2 | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier LoCo2

2012-03-20 00:00:00 +0000

LoCO2 Energy is part of a privately owned group of UK energy companies who specialise in renewable energy.

To compare all energy suppliers including LoCO2 Energy and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now. To learn more, keep reading:

Customer satisfaction

LoCO2 had less than 200 responses in our survey, so we can’t show a customer service rating.

Corporate info

LoCO2 Energy is an independent, family-run British renewable energy and low-carbon electricity supplier.

They were founded in 2009, and through their sister business, TLS Hydro, they also own and operate our own hydropower stations throughout the UK.

Why we like LoCO2 Energy

LoCO2 Energy, as the name suggests, has a focus on low-carbon energy.

Rather than having a supply partner, LoCO2 Energy produce their own electricity from micro-hydropower stations in the UK, built and operated by the company, so you know exactly where you electricity is coming from.

LoCO2 Energy is family run, and was founded by its Chief Executive, Dr Anthony Robert Middleton, who set the company up in 2009.

LoCO2 also offer a novel approach to call centres. They promise that when you call, you speak directly to them, not a remote call centre. They also promise no touch-tone navigation, but rather that you speak to someone who deals with your question on an individual basis.

Green Energy | Prices and tariffs of Green Energy

2012-03-20 00:00:00 +0000

Green Energy UK sources its energy from UK-only renewable sources, excluding nuclear power.

Green Energy offer two tariffs: Pale Green which is 100% green and Deep Green which is 100% renewable.

Pale Green uses the heat generated by power plants making electricity which would otherwise go to waste, making it a low carbon tariff with less than half the national average carbon emissions per kWh of electricity.

Deep Green is 100% renewable, using the power of falling water, the sun, the wind, and organic waste material.

Green Energy’s aims to re-invest up to 50% of its profits into renewable electricity generation projects in the UK.

To compare all energy suppliers including Green Energy UK and find the cheapest - or greenest - tariff for you enter your postcode above.

Corporate info

Green Energy UK is fully accountable to its customers, most of who take up the offer of 400 free shares when they sign up as customers of the company.

As well as owning a part of the company, customer shareholders can turn up to Green Energy UK’s AGM and put questions and ideas to the board. Green Energy UK is the first and only company to offer customers free shares in its business.

Customer satisfaction

Green Energy UK had less than 200 responses in our survey, so we can’t show a customer service rating.

The Co-Op Energy | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Co-Op

2012-03-20 00:00:00 +0000

Co-operative Energy is part of the well-known Midcounties Co-operative, and is committed to sharing its profits with its members.

To compare all energy suppliers including Co-operative Energy and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now.

Midcounties set up Co-operative Energy in 2010. Although founded by a regional co-operative, Co-operative Energy is a national business, covering the whole of England, Wales and Scotland.

Customer satisfaction

The Co-operative Energy had less than 200 responses in our independent YouGov survey, so we can’t show a customer service rating.

Why we like Co-operative Energy

The Co-operative Group may be better known for food and banking, but Co-operative Energy offers gas and electricity tariffs to compete with the 'big six'.

Co-operative Energy's main difference is that it is owned by the customers rather than shareholders, who in turn take a share of the profits.

The Co-operative Energy is also actively engaged with where their energy comes from, and try to ensure the gas and electricity they source contains less than half the carbon content of the national average.

Co-operative Energy guarantee that their variable rate tariffs do not contain an exit penalty. They also promise to not offer better deals to new customers at the expense of existing customers.

Unlike many suppliers, they use only one unit rate for all their customers, regardless of consumption, although the cost may vary from region to region as a result of different distribution costs.

Some suppliers charge different unit rates depending on your consumption, typically with a higher charge for lower consumption, which can be confusing and rewards higher usage.

Co-operative Energy also try to ensure the amount you pay per month is fixed for as long as possible to balance winter and summer payments, and will review how much you're paying every six months.

uSwitch Community Events

2012-03-19 00:00:00 +0000

uSwitch Community Events helps local communities to switch their gas and electricity, and become better informed about managing their energy bills

Do you run a local voluntary group, charity, housing association or academic institution?

Do you run a large business and want your employees to get the best energy deal?

If you answered yes, the uSwitch Community Events team can visit you wherever you are in Great Britain free of charge to make sure that your members, residents or employees get the best deal on their energy supply.

What happens at a uSwitch Community Events event?

Our experienced and friendly team of energy experts will work in partnership with your volunteer group, charity, housing association, faith organisation, or academic institution to show residents/members just how easy it is to save money on household bills by comparing energy plans.

We do this by running demonstrations of our website service, and by providing information on how best to compare utility prices.

In addition, we provide guest speakers and host Q&A sessions to address any queries your group may have.

We also provide advice leaflets that contain information on getting comprehensive household savings by comparing broadband, mobile phone service and insurance. Perhaps most importantly, we provide helpful information about how to save money on energy bills by being more energy efficient.

Can I trust that my group will get impartial advice?

uSwitch is an independent and impartial price comparison website. We have earned Ofgem's Confidence Code stamp of approval, which is a voluntary code of practice for online domestic price comparison services.

This code of practice makes our switching service reliable and provides reassurance for consumers. Requirements include independence, impartiality, the fair presentation of tariffs, and the accuracy of information presented.

Do you have any testimonials?

Yes! Here's what previous Community Events participants have said about us:

"Gareth and his colleagues attended our Eat or Heat roadshows we held throughout the Bradford district. We were really grateful for their attendance ... they went above and beyond their duties to talk to over 80+ carers.

Fuel poverty has been a major factor with carers, [and] many expressed how helpful it was to speak to representatives from uSwitch face-to-face about different tariffs, money saving tips and how to switch suppliers to help reduce fuel costs.

Also, a lot of carers said they did not feel pressured, as all advice given was impartial. It was nice to know all the work was done for them without having to telephone different fuel suppliers to see which tariff would work out best.

[The uSwitch Community Events team were] Really approachable, friendly advisors.”

Sarah Baker – Project Officer at Carers Resources

How can I get the uSwitch Community Events team to visit my group?

To find out more about having our team visit your community group, call us on 0800 688 8660 or email communityevents@uswitch.com.

Sainsburys | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Sainsburys

2012-02-28 00:00:00 +0000

With Sainsbury's Energy customers can earn Nectar points on their gas and electricity bills each month. Sainsbury’s Energy is in a partnership with British Gas.

To compare all energy suppliers including Sainsbury's Energy and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now.

Price History

Sainsbury's price history reflects that of its partner, British Gas. In November 2012, British Gas increased its prices by 6%.

Previous to this, British Gas increased its prices in December 2010 and August 2011 by 24.9% or £256 in total – it cut them by 2% or £26 in January this year

Corporate info

Sainsbury’s Energy is a partnership between Sainsbury's and British Gas, and previously worked with EDF Energy.

Customer satisfaction

Sainsbury's Energy had less than 200 responses in our independent YouGov survey, so we can’t show a customer service rating.

Why we like Sainsbury's Energy

One of the main benefits of Sainsbury's Energy is that customers can earn Nectar Points, the UK's biggest loyalty points programme. The points can be used for shopping in Sainsbury's shops.

Nectar points are offered to customers when they join, and over the course of their time with Sainsbury's Energy, with up to 10,000 points on offer.

Sainsbury's Energy does not at present supply prepayment meter customers.

Ovo | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Ovo

2012-02-28 00:00:00 +0000

OVO Energy is one of the UK's smaller suppliers, and follow the motto 'Cheaper, Greener, Simpler'

To compare all energy suppliers including OVO Energy and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode above.

Who they are

OVO Energy's idea is to keep things simple. They offer simplified tariffs and the greenest standard dual fuel tariff in the market, with the option of either online account management or paper bills with every plan.

OVO Energy is an independent energy supplier with a mission to build ‘the UK’s most trusted energy company’.

OVO Energy’s customer service teams are based in the UK and pride themselves in providing clear and easy to understand bills.

OVO Energy is also a green choice. They generate their electricity with more than double the amount of renewable energy than the UK average.

Price History

On the 29th of June OVO decreased it's average prices by 4.5% for dual fuel customers to £1,088. This represents a 4.8% reduction in the price of electricity, and a 4.4% reduction in the price of electricity.

On 4th March 2011, OVO put up the prices of its Green Energy Fixed Dual Fuel and Fixed Energy Dual Fuel tariffs.

Corporate info

OVO Energy launched its domestic tariffs on the 2nd September 2009.

First Utility | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier First Utility

2012-02-28 00:00:00 +0000

First Utility is an independent utilities supplier, founded in 2008.

First Utility has 100,000 customers, making it the seventh largest energy supplier in the UK after the 'Big Six'.

To compare all energy suppliers including First Utility and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode above.

First Utility has a focus on energy-saving, offering products like smart meters and energy monitoring units with some accounts to help you control how much you use.

Price History

On the 11th of May 2012 First Utility released the cheapest fixed-price deal on the market, under-cutting the winning Big Switch tariff offered by The Co-operative Energy.
The move meant First Utility had the cheapest fixed price tariff as well as the cheapest variable tariff (the iSave V9) on the market at the time.
First:Utility released the iSave plan in September 2009, which undercut the average household energy bill at the time by 14.5%.

Customer satisfaction

First Utility energy had less than 200 responses in our latest independent YouGov survey, so we can’t show a customer service rating.

Ecotricity | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Ecotricity

2012-02-28 00:00:00 +0000

Ecotricity is dedicated to building new sources of renewable energy and invest more per customer in this than all the other UK suppliers together.

To compare all energy suppliers including Ecotricity and find the cheapest - or greenest - tariff for you enter your postcode above.

The more customers the company has the more investment they can make in building new renewable capacity.

Customer satisfaction

Ecotricity had less than 200 responses in our independent YouGov survey, so we can’t show a customer service rating.

How do Ecotricity generate energy?

12.1%Coal

19.7%Gas

2.3%Nuclear

64.3%Green

1.6%Other

Average from all UK suppliers

29%Coal

44%Gas

17%Nuclear

8%Green

2%Other

Green (renewable) energy is from sources such as wind, solar and hydro-electric.

CO² waste from UK energy suppliers

Nuclear waste from UK energy suppliers

Price History

Ecotricity's prices are always in line with the customer’s incumbent energy supplier, which varies depending on region.

Good Energy | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Good Energy

2012-02-27 00:00:00 +0000

Good Energy supplies 100% of its electricity from renewable sources generated by wind, small-scale hydro and solar power generators located across Britain.

To compare all energy suppliers including Good Energy and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode on the right.

Price History

In October 2012 Good Energy announced a price rise of 9% on its electricity prices to take effect from the 5th December 2012.
Prior to that Good Energy cut its gas prices for dual-fuel customers by 5% on the 1st of August 2012. Previously they cut their standard electricity plan prices by 7.5% in January 2009, with a further cut of 7.5% made in March 2009.

Corporate info

Good Energy is a green electricity company formed in 1999 by the Monkton Group.

Good Energy and the National Trust

When you choose green energy supplier Good Energy to power your home, you’ll be helping the National Trust look after the nation’s special places forever.
Good Energy will give the Trust £40 each year you’re a customer to help it develop its own renewable energy generation projects, cutting its energy usage and inspiring individuals and communities to do the same.
You’ll also receive a free visit to a National Trust property to say thank you for the support.

How do Good Energy generate electricity?

100%Green

Average from all UK suppliers

29%Coal

44%Gas

17%Nuclear

8%Green

2%Other

Green (renewable) energy is from sources such as wind, solar and hydro-electric.

CO² waste from UK energy suppliers

Nuclear waste from UK energy suppliers

Gas Meter | We explain how to read your gas meter

2012-02-27 00:00:00 +0000

Gas meters aren't hard to read - if you know how.

Taking an accurate reading on a gas meter means that you are more likely to pay for the energy you actually used, rather than the nearest guess.

We explain how to read your meter, and what to look out for.

Why do I need to read my gas meter?

It's important to make accurate measurements of your gas consumption so you don't pay more than you need to. Your supplier will often use estimates of what they think you've used unless you prove otherwise.

Knowing how much you actually use, rather than the estimate your supplier uses for each bill, will also help you decide whether you can get a better rate by switching.

Estimates from your supplier

Unless you have a prepayment meter, your supplier will estimate how much gas you are consuming and use this figure in your monthly or quarterly bill. This will either be based on past use or, if you have recently moved, typical or average figures.

Too much or too little?

You'll need to check that you aren't paying more or less than you should for your gas. Your supplier's estimate won't take into account any effort you've made to save energy and which your own meter reading could demonstrate.

On the other hand, changes in routine could mean you're using more gas than you normally do. You could be stung the next time the supplier comes to take a meter reading.
Both situations are avoided if you phone to give a correct meter reading each time you receive a bill that uses estimated meter readings.

Types of meters

There are four main types of meters: standard meters, dial meters, digital meters and prepayment meters. They differ in how they display the information and what readings they give you.
Standard, digital and dial are three ways to show you a basic meter reading. You'll need a different sort of meter for prepayment gas meters.

Reading a standard meter

This is the most common type of meter and uses a mechanical display to show your readings. You'll need to take a reading of five black numbers from left to right - ignoring any red numbers (if present).

Reading your dial meter

Dial meters - which look like small traditional clocks - are slightly more complex. When reading your dial meter, always remember that dials next to each other go round in opposite directions.

Recording your dial meter reading

Read the numbers on the dials from left to right, ignoring the last red dial (if it is present), or any dials without figures or hands. If the needle is between two figures, write down the figure the dial has just passed.
The reading now needs adjusting to make allowances for any small variations in the pointer positions. If the figure is directly over the figure, say 5, write down that figure and underline it.
Look at the figure underlined. If one of those numbers in the sequence is followed by a 9, reduce the underlined figure by 1 (so the underlined '5' becomes '4').

Reading your digital meter

Use the first five figures on the digital display, and ignore any last figure that begins 0.1. You may need to press a button to get the figure to display.

Prepayment meters

There are several types of prepayment meters including standard or electronic display and digital meters. Based on any calculations you make about the amount you are paying, you can change energy suppliers, but this service is not available with uSwitch at the present time. Prepayment customers will be able to use uSwitch.com in the near future.

What to do with your meter reading

Once you have your reading check your last bill and see what the estimated reading was. If it looks like you have been overpaying, you are entitled to a refund from your gas company.
If you have been underpaying contact your supplier to increase your Direct Debit payments or pay it off in one go if it is a small amount. Once you've paid off what you owe, you can search for a cheaper supplier.

Speaking with your supplier

The suppliers often have a dedicated phoneline you can use to provide your own meter readings. This number should appear clearly on your bill. Some companies will automatically send you a fresh bill based on your reading, others may ask whether you want a fresh bill.

Think the meter reading is wrong?

If your meter reading seems wrong, you might want to supplier an altered reading, or contact your supplier to let them know there could be something wrong with your meter.

Start switching

Your results are accurate and impartial. We use the latest rates that we get directly from the suppliers and are not influenced by any commercial interests. Start switching your gas supplier now , to find out how much you could save.

The Utility Warehouse | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Utility Warehouse

2012-02-26 00:00:00 +0000

To compare all energy suppliers including The Utility Warehouse and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now.

Corporate info

The Utility Warehouse sold its energy subsidiaries to npower in 2006. Originally established as National Power in 1990 following the privatisation of the state-owned Central Electricity Generating Board, npower is now owned by RWE Group which incorporates Germany’s leading gas and electricity companies.

Why we like the Utility Warehouse

The Utility Warehouse is one of the smaller energy suppliers in the UK, but its aim is to offer a variety of different utilities under one roof.

This means that all the utilities you choose from the Utility Warehouse, including your energy, come through on one bill.

In total, the Utility Warehouse supplies utilities to around 400,000 homes and businesses across the UK.

The Utility Warehouse also offers a loyalty discount of 10% for customers who have been with them for 12 months, and they are committed to no-minimum contract terms.

They also have three price promises. The first is to always supply cheaper gas than the UK's largest gas supplier: British Gas.

Secondly, they aim to always provide cheaper electricity than the regional electricity supplier in the area you live.

Finally, they aim to always keep their dual-fuel prices competitive compared to the 'big six' energy suppliers in the UK.

Utilita | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Utilita

2012-02-26 00:00:00 +0000

Utilita energy is the leading supplier of prepayment energy in Great Britain using smart meters.

To compare all energy suppliers including Utilita and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode above.

Utilita energy is an independent Gas & Electricity supplier who specialise in prepayment energy with the newest smart metering technology available today.

Price changes

On the 7th of November Utilita announced price changes to take effect from the 1st of December:

Supplier Date effective Average gas price change (%) Average electricity price change (%)

01/12/2012 9.5% 9.5%

Utilita energy was formed in 2003 with the intention of bringing innovation to the energy supply industry and in particular address the issues outlined in the Energy White Paper of February 2001.

In 2007 Utilita re-launched, with a partner – Secure Meters (UK) Limited - with the specific aim of addressing Fuel Poverty by using smart meters to both reduce costs (and prices) and to help consumers reduce their energy consumption.

By 2010 Utilita were fast becoming the first energy supplier to model itself on the needs of prepayment customers, and their growing customer base clearly showed the need for this type of supplier.

Today Utilita have installed over 30,000 smart meters. Getting involved with housing associations and housing projects, and with an emphasis on clarity of service and information, Utilita continue to put their customers first and are dedicated to maintaining competitive tariffs and developing new, user friendly ways to pre-pay the smart way.

iSupplyEnergy | Prices, tariffs & reviews of energy supplier iSupplyEnergy

2012-02-26 00:00:00 +0000

iSupplyEnergy is a new British-owned and -operated electricity supply company based in Dorset on the South Coast of England.

iSupplyEnergy launched in 2012, and offer electricity only, with the aim of supplying gas as soon as possible.

iSupplyEnergy offers a fixed-price product, but does not offer any green or renewable plans.

iSupplyEnergy is the branded trading name of electricity supply licensee Energy Coop Ltd.

Why we like iSupplyEnergy

iSupplyEnergy's aim is to put the customer back in control. As a result, it promises not to engage in pushy sales tactics, offer special discounts or cash-back offers. Rather, the company tries to keep things simple.

iSupplyEnergy also offers an online 'self-service' system, and its customer services are based on 'technology' rather than call centres to better respond to your questions.

This focus on offering things online may not appeal to everyone, but iSupplyEnergy believe this saves them from employing people in call centres, and they can pass the savings on to their customers.

Editorial Team

2012-02-26 00:00:00 +0000

The uSwitch editorial team write and edit everything on the uSwitch site - from news and blogs, to guides and tips.

Meet the team

Lauren Vasquez - Content Editor, Energy

Lauren is uSwitch's Energy Editor, covering consumer energy switching and energy effciency. She edits content on the site, and writes energy-related guides and news.

Lauren comes from an extensive journalism and digital publishing background. When she's not researching and writing about energy, Lauren can be found either glued to her Kindle or trying out another new recipe at home.

Ernest Doku - Content editor, Tech

Ernest is uSwitch's resident tech expert, and has an unabashed love for gadgets as well as saving consumers money on their broadband and phones.

He joined the team after a time in the games industry before moving into writing about communications with Omio – a mobile phone comparison site and also part of the Forward Group.

Jonathan Leggett - Content editor, Mobiles

Jonathan heads up our uSwitch Mobile Phones news team. With more than five years experience in the technology sector, Jonathan has worked on some of the biggest stories the industry has seen.
When not immersed in all things tech on behalf of uSwitch, Jonathan also contributes to the Guardian supplements, G2 and The Guide as well as MixMag magazine.

Alex Kouzarides - Content editor, Money

Alex is our resident personal finance expert. He has had over five years experience in the sector and has a genuine passion for saving consumers money.
An avid Arsenal fan, Alex can often be found gesticulating wildly at the TV as his team succumbs to yet another trophyless season.

Chris Cummins - Content producer, Money

Chris writes and edits content for the personal finance section of uSwitch. Before joining the team he worked as a journalist and copywriter for various magazines and websites.
When not writing about money, Chris enjoys playing Playstation and deciding which indie band should be his latest affectation.

Drop us a line

If you have any comments, want us to look into an issue, or think there's important information we're missing on the site please drop us a line at editor@uswitch.com.

Our editorial team (left to right) - Nicolas Frankcom, Alex Kouzarides, Chris Cummins,
Maya Robert, Jonathan Leggett, Ernest Doku

Ebico | Prices and tariffs of energy supplier Ebico

2012-02-26 00:00:00 +0000

Ebico is a not-for-profit company, which was founded in 1998. They aim to use their status as a national company to further their ethical goals.

To compare all energy suppliers including Ebico energy and find the cheapest tariff for you enter your postcode now.

Ebico offers the only gas and electricity tariffs in the UK where each unit costs the same, no matter how much the customer uses.

Customer satisfaction

Ebico had less than 200 responses in our independent YouGov survey, so we can’t show a customer service rating.

Why we like Ebico

Ebico may be one of the smallest energy suppliers in the UK, but it is also one of the only not-for-profit gas and electricity suppliers with a strong social and environmental goal.

Ebico does not charge its customers a standing charge, so you know what you're paying for, regardless of how much you use. Instead, Ebico charge one flat rate for all its customers.

For instance, some suppliers may charge prepayment meter customers more, and charge less for those who pay by direct debit. With Ebico, all customers pay the same rate.

This can make Ebico a good proposition for prepayment meter customers, although you should always compare them against other suppliers.

Ebico doesn't generate its own electricity, but rather works with 'Big six' supplier SSE as its supply partner.

Consequently, the energy you receive when you choose Ebico will come from one from the SSE group depending on where you live: Southern Electric, Swalec, SSE or Scottish Hydro. Your bills will therefore show both the Ebico and the SSE group logo.

Contact us

2012-02-25 00:00:00 +0000

uSwitch customer services and website assistance

If you're having problems switching online, have an enquiry or want to give us feedback, you can get in touch with our customer services team who will be happy to help.

Telephone

0800 051 5493 (freephone)

Monday to Thursday 8am - 9pm

Friday 8am - 6pm

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Email

General enquiries: customerservices@uswitch.com

Fax

020 3214 8417

Post

uSwitch

Floor 2, Centro 3

19 Mandela Street

London

NW1 0DU

Send us your bill

We'll make switching your gas and electricity even simpler. Just send us a copy of your bill, and we'll work out which is the cheapest deal for you. Send us your bill

Complaints

Providing a high level of service is important to us, and you can find out more about how to make a complaint on our complaints page.

Business enquiries

Find out more about becoming an affiliate

affiliates@uswitch.com

uSwitch Community Events

Do you run a local association, charity or other voluntary group?

We can come to you and help your members to reduce their energy bills. Find out about uSwitch Community Events here or email us on communityevents@uswitch.com to arrange a visit.

Managing Director

Steve Weller: steveweller@uswitch.com

Marketing team

Simon Hills: simonhills@uswitch.com

PR team

prteam@uswitch.com

Online marketing team

search@uswitch.com

Content & editorial team

editor@uswitch.com

Careers at uSwitch

uswitchjobs@forward.co.uk

Who is the cheapest gas and electricity supplier?

2012-02-25 00:00:00 +0000

Most energy suppliers claim to have the cheapest tariffs, but who really has the best gas and electricity deals?

Whenever you see the words 'cheapest energy supplier', 'cheapest tariff' 'cheap gas and electric' or 'cheap gas and electricity', it is usually based on a very specific type of user.
What really matters is who the cheapest electricity supplier for you is. Start your comparison to find the best gas and electricity deals for you:

Compare your energy bills and save up to £294!
Your postcode:

If you use a gas and electricity comparison site you may well be surprised about who the cheapest energy supplier for you is.

Who's the cheapest gas and electricity supplier on average?

Again, finding a cheap gas and electricity plan will depend on your specific circumstances, but below is a table containing the best gas and electricity deals, based on a medium user consuming 3,300kWh electricity and 16,500kWh gas, with bill sizes averaged across all regions:

Supplier Plan Name Price
Discount Energy Bonus October 2014* £1,145

Online Energy Saver 22 £1,179

Online July 2014 £1,157

Energy Online August 2014 £1,183

Blue +Price Promise February 2015 £1,192

iSave V15 £1,199

E.ON Energy Discount £1,209

Online Variable May 2014 £1,219

*Paperless billing required.

**Requires advance payment (payments are taken in advance of energy usage).

Ok, but who's the cheapest for me?

The way energy tariffs work means that there's no one single cheapest energy supplier or tariff, only the best gas and electricity deals for you.

The claim to be the cheapest energy supplier is based on an average user. The problem with that is that not everyone is average.

Luckily, it's easy to find a cheap gas and electricity tariff for your home.

How do I find a cheap gas and cheap electricity supplier?

When you compare gas and electric suppliers, the cheapest one for you will depend on several different factors - most significantly where you live and how much energy you use.

When you compare gas and electric prices with uSwitch we give you a personalised quote, based on where you live and how much energy you use, so you can better choose a cheap gas and electricity plan for you personally.

Some of the best gas and electricity deals may not be available in your area, or the rates may be different.

Usage also has an impact. Plans that have a standing charge for example, with a lower cost per unit of gas and electricity after that, might work out to be cheap for someone who uses a lot of electricity, but very expensive for someone who uses very little.

So, if you're a low user, the standard best gas and electricity deals or the cheapest energy supplier on average may not be right for you.

So who offers cheap gas and cheap electric in your area? The only way to be sure you're getting the cheapest electricity and gas prices is to do a full comparison of the whole energy market.

What happens if a supplier raises its cheap gas and electric prices after I've switched?

Being a consumer in the energy market can feel like it's a bit of the "better the devil you know" kind of game.

But, when looking for cheap gas and electric prices, you can take some precautions to protect yourself from an energy price rise.

A popular choice for households as of late has been to opt for fixed price energy plans. These plans come at a slightly higher premium - so it will not be the cheapest gas and electricity right now - but will lock your energy rate for one, two or even three years. If you can afford the premium, you will likely end up paying less in the long term and end up with the cheapest gas and electricity on average

Some of these plans even come without cancellation fees. So, in the unlikely event that your supplier lowers rates, you can switch plans or suppliers without incurring a charge.

Careers with uSwitch

2012-02-25 00:00:00 +0000

Find out what it's like work at uSwitch and see our current vacancies.
At uSwitch we've helped more than 1.5 million people to save money on their energy bills since we first went into business 10 years ago. We compare prices on over 20 other products and services too - someone saves money with uSwitch every 25 seconds.

Since December 2009 we've been part of the Forward internet group. Forward is a privately funded collection of internet-based businesses focused on consumer engagement and innovation.

Browse jobs available at uSwitch »

8 great things about working at uSwitch and Forward

A fantastic working environment

smart-casual dress-code, top-spec computers, weekly massages, comfy Aeron chairs and free fruit and afternoon treats every day.

Flexible benefits package

A flexible benefits package that includes a variety of different options to chose from.

A multi-cultural team

We have team members from over 20 different countries.

A beautiful office

Furnished with massage chairs, a pool table, table football, PS3 and a Nintendo Wii!

We like to have fun

Regular company get-togethers and a spectacular Christmas party.

We give something back

A percentage of our profits is donated to charity through the Forward Foundation.

We encourage innovation

We're an innovative business and help people to act on great ideas.

We're on the Times' list of the 100 best small companies to work for.

Browse jobs available at uSwitch »

Why switch with uSwitch? Eight reasons to choose uSwitch

2012-02-24 00:00:00 +0000

Eight great reasons why uSwitch is the only price comparison you'll need - and ways you can save.

Imagine how long it would take to get a car insurance quote from every insurer you can think of, or how much time you'd waste phoning dozens of credit card providers to find the best rate for you. At uSwitch we've done all the hard work, so all that's left is for you to tell us what you're looking for, and choose the deal that fits.

All the facts, all the information, right at your finger tips; clearly laid out to help you make the right decision.

Expert insight that makes choosing easy

uSwitch has nearly a decade of experience in helping you save money - when we launched in 2000, we were one of the UK's first price comparison sites.

Since then our in-house experts have been called-up on a regular basis by news institutions like the BBC, ITVSky and all the major newspapers to give insight on how changes in the economy, government and customer markets will impact you.
They trust our insight and knowledge, all of which is available to you for free at uSwitch - product information, switching guides, opinion articles and news, all there to help you make the right decision as easily as possible.

We make saving money easy

Most of our customers visit us to save money. We all love a good deal and this is exactly what our site can offer you. Using our service you could start saving on a whole range of products in just a matter of minutes, and the more you save the more of a real difference the savings will make.

You can switch at the click of a button

You don't save until you switch, so uSwitch is not just about comparing prices, but also switching to the deal you want. With minimum hassle, a great money-saving deal can be yours, and our customer care department is on hand to answer any questions.

We help you find the right deal for you, not for us

uSwitch makes money by earning a small commission each time you switch to one of our partners using our service. And some providers don't pay us at all. However, when you compare prices we don't let this get in the way of your needs - all our results are presented to reflect only the selections you make.

We constantly check our data to give you accurate results

Because accuracy is crucial to making sure you find the right deal, our industry experts are constantly working to check that every fact, figure, and piece of information we offer is absolutely accurate. We know that there's little more frustrating than 'hidden costs', so we do everything we can to ensure that the price you see is the price you get.

We always get you the best price we can

To help you save as much money as possible, we make sure that all our suppliers give us the best price they can give, so you won't get it cheaper if you go direct. These suppliers also know that any savvy consumer will compare prices before buying almost anything these days. They can't afford to miss out, so it's in their interest to offer low prices or their deals won't be competitive in our results tables.

We seek out exclusive deals for uSwitch customers

Because our suppliers value the customers we bring them, we do all we can to get exclusive deals for uSwitch customers only. This way, we give you top insurance, finance, communications and utility deals you can't get anywhere else, helping you save even more money.

We're campaigning for a better market - for you

At uSwitch we're working to be the best in our market when it comes to treating customers fairly - never misleading you, and making sure you always get the best service. We're also accredited by Ofgem's Confidence Code, and our website is secured by VeriSign.

Our services

With uSwitch, you can find great deals on a range of services including

car insurance,

gas and electricity,

insulation,

credit cards, and

mobiles and broadband.

What is uSwitch?

2012-02-24 00:00:00 +0000

uSwitch is a free, impartial online and telephone comparison and switching service that helps you to compare prices on a range of products and services

We can help you save money on gas and electricity, heating cover, home phone, communications, insurance and personal finance products. Our aim is to help you take advantage of the best prices and services on offer from suppliers.

All the benefits of uSwitch.com's impartial, comprehensive and convenient service are available for business customers too with uSwitchforBusiness.com, which helps companies compare prices and switch on a range of business services including gas, electricity and insurance.

How does uSwitch make money?

uSwitch has commercial deals in place with some suppliers across all our services which means we receive a small commission payment if you choose to switch or apply for a product with us. Our commercial relationships are in place to help make the switching process as convenient as possible for our customers, and in some cases we can offer exclusive deals that are not available directly from the supplier. They also mean we can provide you with a free service.

Can I trust your information to be accurate and comprehensive?

Energy, heating cover, water

The data we use to calculate your results for these services is provided directly by suppliers. We monitor all suppliers continually and update to ensure our results are comprehensive and accurate.

Credit cards, loans, current accounts, savings and ISAs

The data we use to calculate your results for our personal finance services is supplied by an independent personal finance data publisher. They monitor all providers continually and update us daily with changes to ensure our results are comprehensive and accurate.

Mortgages, investments, home phone, broadband, digital TV, mobile broadband, mobile phones

For these products, we receive data from third party providers, which continually monitor the market and update uSwitch daily with any changes or new deals to ensure our results are comprehensive and accurate.

Car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, life insurance, van insurance, bike insurance

We get our the data for our car insurance directly from the wide range of insurance providers we work with. All our other insurance product data is provided by third parties, who monitor the market continually to ensure that you receive up-to-date quotes.

uSwitch tries to include all suppliers and products on the market in our comparisons whenever possible - whether we receive commission from them or not. However there are circumstances where a supplier or a product cannot be included in our search - for example, we may not be able to show a supplier's products because we do not have a commercial agreement with them or because they do not wish to be included in our comparison.

Why do people use uSwitch?

People use uSwitch because we help you find the best product or tariff for your needs. We don't mind who you switch to, we just care that you switch to the right deal for you. Switching suppliers saves our customers hundreds of pounds on their bills and is easy to do. For example, Between 1st November 2012 and 31st April 2013, at least 10% of people who switched energy supplier for both gas & electricity with uSwitch.com saved £294 or more.

We're always here to help

Each service has a comprehensive help section to answer any questions you have about switching or applying for a product. If you would prefer to have a helping hand, our customer service team are here to help, both before and after you switch.

Our team are just a phone call or email away:

Phone: 0800 404 7908 (freephone number)
Email: customerservices@uswitch.com

uSwitch wins Hitwise UK Top 10 Award

uSwitch was ranked the top website by Hitwise in the 'Business and Finance - Utilities' category in 2012 and number 2 in 2009-2011. The Hitwise Awards recognise online leaders from over 160 different industries.

Send us your bill | Switching's never been easier with uSwitch

2012-02-24 00:00:00 +0000

Send us your bill & we'll make switching your gas and electricity even simpler for you

It's easy to switch your gas and electricity, just pop in your postcode in our
If you don't have the time to compare prices on gas and electricity, feel like it's too complicated or just want a hand finding the best deal, we can help.

Send us a copy of your bill*, and we'll work out which is the cheapest deal for you.

Once we've found the best deal for you, we can even arrange the switch - right down to setting up direct debits and contacting your old supplier.

It won't cost you a penny

It's completely hassle-free

You could save up to £294

How it works

Fill in the checklist

Send us a copy of your bill*

We'll find your best deal

We'll get in touch to tell you how much you could save
You switch and save

How to send your bill to us

Post us your bill

Send a copy of your bill and your completed checklist to:

uSwitch - Send Us Your Bill

Floor 2, Centro 3

19 Mandela Street

London

NW1 0DU

Download the checklist »

Email us your bill

Email a copy of your bill and your completed checklist to: sendyourbill@uswitch.com

Download the checklist »

Fax us your bill

Fax a copy of your bill and your completed checklist to: 020 3214 8417

Download the checklist »

Need help?

Call us on 0800 051 5493

How does uSwitch calculate its savings messages?

2012-02-24 00:00:00 +0000

How does uSwitch calculate its savings messages?

Around the site, you'll see that we use examples of the great savings you could make when you compare and switch with uSwitch.

We think these figures are a good indication of how much money you might be able to save - but because we're all different, you might find that your savings are less or maybe even more than the amounts we use in our examples.

We're transparent in everything we do, so you'll find details of how we calculated these savings in the table below.

Product Savings message How was the potential saving worked out?

Energy You could save up to £294 Between 1st November 2012 and 31st April 2013, at least 10% of people who switched energy supplier for both gas & electricity with uSwitch.com saved £294 or more.

Energy You could save an average of £294 Between 1st November 2012 and 31st April 2013, people who switched energy supplier for both gas and electricity with uSwitch.com saved an average of £294.

Bundles You could save £672 Saving based on switching from separate broadband, phone and digital TV subscription services to a comparable bundle. Separate services assumes standard ongoing annual costs; bundle assumes first year cost. Information correct at 21st August 2012. Terms and conditions apply. The services used in this calculation may not be available in your area

Credit cards You could save £668 by transferring your credit card Transferring a credit card balance of just over £2,000 with a typical APR of 17.9% and switching to the Barclaycard Platinum Extended Balance Transfer Visa card with 0% on balance transfers for 22 months.

Home insurance You could save up to £68 on your home insurance All customers using the Quotezone’s (uSwitch's home insurance partner) comparison service between Jun and Dec 2012. The cheapest quote was subtracted from the median (halfway point) quote returned to each customer to produce a 'representative' saving. At least 85% achieved a representative saving of £68. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.

Energy Over 2 million people have saved money on their energy bills Based on the volume of transactions over the last 12 years (2000 - 2011)

Save money with uSwitch

2012-02-24 00:00:00 +0000

There are many ways uSwitch can help you save money - here's ten of our best.

When you ask most people what they think of when they hear the name 'uSwitch', the answer is usually 'switching gas and electricity'.

It's no wonder really - over 2 million people have switched and saved money on their energy bills with uSwitch over the last 10 years.
If you haven't switched yet, why not compare gas and electricity prices today? You could save up to £294.

However, there's more to uSwitch than gas and electricity - we compare prices on over 20 different products and services. Here are 10 other ways you can save money with uSwitch today:

Save up to £400 on your car insurance

Save up to £65 on your home insurance renewal

Find your perfect credit card

Bundle your home phone, TV and broadband to save £321

Get a cheaper landline

Cut your mobile phone bills down to size

Swap your current account

Get some advice on energy efficiency

Find out if you could save with a water meter

Save your business money with uSwitchforBusiness.com

1. Save up to £400 on your car insurance

Car insurance is one of those essential items that none of us like having to pay for, so when it's time to renew your policy it's all too easy just to stick with the same company. However, if you do this you run the risk of paying more than you need to - so when it's time to renew your car insurance, come and compare with uSwitch: over 50% of car insurance customers could save £400 or more.

Compare car insurance

Top tips for getting cheaper car insurance

2. Save up to £65 on your home insurance renewal

Much like car insurance, home insurance is something we all know we need but don't want to think about too much. Come and do a home insurance comparison with uSwitch - 50% of home insurance customers could save up to £65.

Get a home insurance quote

Seven steps to cheap home insurance

3. Find your perfect credit card

There are hundreds of credit cards out there, and it can be hard to know which one to go for, but uSwitch makes its quick and easy find the best one for you. You can browse our 'Best Buy' tables or compare different types of card like balance transfer credit cards , cashback credit cards and 0% purchase cards

Compare credit cards

Get the right credit card for your credit rating

4. Bundle your home phone, TV and broadband to save £321

Combine your home phone, digital TV and broadband into a bundle from a single supplier and you could save as much as £321. Many people find it more convenient too, as there's only one account and monthly bill to deal with.

Compare bundles

5. Get a cheaper landline

If you don't need or want to bundle your home phone, broadband and digital TV, you could save with a cheaper landline. There used to be only one choice for line rental, but this is no longer the case and there are some very competitive deals out there, whether you want to switch or have a whole new line installed.

Compare home phone and landline

6. Cut your mobile phone bills down to size

With uSwitch you can compare over 800,000 different mobile phone deals. With that many on offer there's something for everyone, whether you want a contract phone , pay as you go , SIM free or SIM only . It's easy to narrow down all the different options to find the right phone and tariff with our easy-to-use comparison tool.

Compare mobile phone deals

Read our guide to getting the best mobile phone deal

7. Swap your current account

Many people are wary about switching their current account; in fact, we're more likely to get divorced than break up with our bank. However, current accounts differ hugely in terms of the rate of interest, service and value for money they offer. The process of moving to a new bank is also far smoother than you might think - banks have dedicated accounts to handle every stage of your switch, and some even offer incentives like cashback if you move your account.

Find the right current account

Read our guide to current accounts

8. Get some advice on energy efficiency

We can do more to help you cut your gas and electricity bills than just switching your gas and electricity. We've also got lots of information on how you can use less gas and electricity and be more energy efficient.

Energy saving tips

10 energy saving gadgets that could save you money

9. Find out if you could save with a water meter

You can't switch water company, but you may be able to save money by switching to a water meter, and only paying for the water you use. Our water calculator asks questions about your home and lifestyle to work out whether or not you'd be better off with a water meter. As a rule of thumb, if you have more bedrooms than there are people living in your home then a water meter could be a cheaper option.

See if you should switch to a water meter

Find out how to save water

10. Save your business money with uSwitchforBusiness.com

uSwitch isn't just for you to use at home, we can save your business money too. We can find great deals for your business on gas and electricity, broadband, phone and insurance too.

Find out more about uSwitchforBusiness.com

Complaints

2012-02-24 00:00:00 +0000

Our complaints procedure and how to complain.

At uSwitch we want to provide the highest possible level of service to all our customers and we take any complaints very seriously. Use this page to find out how to make a complaint.

General complaints

Home insurance

Car insurance

Life insurance

Bike insurance

Travel insurance

Van insurance

Boiler cover complaints

General complaints

Step 1: Contact us

For complaints about utilities, personal finance and communications switching, please contact the uSwitch customer care team.

Telephone:

0800 051 5493 (freephone number)

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8am - 9pm. Friday 8am - 6pm. Saturday 9am - 5pm. Sunday Closed

Email:
customerservices@uSwitch.com

Post:
uSwitch Ltd, Floor 2, Centro 3, 19 Mandela Street, London, NW1 0DU

We kindly ask that you give our team the opportunity to resolve your complaint. If the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can follow the steps below:

Step 2: Escalate the complaint

Let us know that that you are not happy with the way your complaint has been dealt with and we will escalate the matter to a manager.

Step 3: Get your case reviewed

If you feel that the matter has still not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by the General Manager of uSwitch.

If your query is regarding an FCA regulated product and you are still not satisfied with our responses, you can request that the Financial Ombudsman Service reviews your case. The Financial Ombudsman can be contacted at: South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR or emailed at enquiries@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

uSwitch is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Authority, and our registration number is 312850. This information can be checked on the FCA's register by visiting their website or by contacting them on 0845 606 1234.

Home insurance

Step 1: Contact us

If you have any enquiries or a complaint about the uSwitch home insurance comparison service, please contact the uSwitch home insurance customer service team on:

Telephone: 0800 051 3307

Email: customerservices@uSwitch.com

Post: Please send correspondence to: Customer services, uSwitch Ltd, Floor 2, Centro 3, 19 Mandela Street, London, NW1 0DU

Customer services will respond to your enquiry as quickly as possible, which we trust will resolve the matter.

We kindly ask that you give our team the opportunity to resolve your complaint. If the matter has still not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can follow the steps below:

Step 2: Escalate the complaint

Let us know that that you are not happy with the way your complaint has been dealt with and we will escalate the matter to a manager.

Step 3: Get your case reviewed

If you feel that the matter has still not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by the General Manager of uSwitch.

If you feel that the matter has still not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by the General Manager of uSwitch.

You can also request that the Financial Ombudsman Service reviews your case. The Financial Ombudsman can be contacted at: South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR or emailed at enquiries@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Car insurance

Step 1: Contact Us

If you have any enquiries or a complaint about the uSwitch car insurance comparison service, please contact the uSwitch customer service team on:

Telephone: 0800 051 3307

Email: : customerservices@uSwitch.com

Post:Customer services, uSwitch Ltd, Floor 2, Centro 3, 19 Mandela Street, London, NW1 0DU

Customer services will respond to your enquiry as quickly as possible, which we trust will resolve the matter.

We kindly ask that you give our team the opportunity to resolve your complaint. If the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can follow the steps below:

Step 2: Escalate the complaint

Let us know that that you are not happy with the way your complaint has been dealt with and we will escalate the matter to a manager.

Step 3: Get your case reviewed

If you feel that the matter has still not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by the General Manager of uSwitch.

You can request that the Financial Ombudsman Service reviews your case. The Financial Ombudsman can be contacted at: South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR or emailed at enquiries@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Back to top of page
Life insurance

uSwitch life insurance is provided and administered by Direct Life and Pension Services Limited. If you have any enquiries or a complaint about the uSwitch life insurance comparison service, please contact the uSwitch life insurance customer service team on:

Telephone:01243 817 904

E-mail: uswitchadmin@directlife.co.uk

Post: Direct Life & Pension Services Limited, Metro House, Northgate, CHICHESTER, West Sussex , PO19 1BE

If you feel the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by Direct Life and Pension Services Limited and a final decision will be made on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer.

Bike insurance

uSwitch bike insurance is provided and administered by The Bike Insurer Services Limited. If you have any enquiries or complaints about the uSwitch bike insurance comparison service, please contact the uSwitch bike insurance customer service team on:

Telephone: 0870 225 8207

E-mail: customer.services@thebikeinsurer.co.uk

Customer services will respond to your enquiry as quickly as possible, which we trust will resolve the matter.

If you feel the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by The Bike Insurer Services Limited and a final decision will be made on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer.

Travel insurance

uSwitch travel insurance is provided and administered by Drakefied Insurance Services Limited. If you have any enquiries or complaints about the uSwitch travel insurance comparison service, please contact the uSwitch travel insurance customer service team on:

Telephone: 0845 092 0559

Email: enquiries@uswitchtravelinsurance.co.uk

Post: Customer services, Drakefield Insurance Services, West Wing, Miles Gray Road, Basildon. Customer services will respond to your enquiry as quickly as possible, which we trust will resolve the matter.

If you feel the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by Drakefield Insurance Services and a final decision will be made on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer.

Van insurance

uSwitch van insurance is provided and administered by The Bike Insurer Services Limited. If you have any enquiries or complaints about the uSwitch van insurance comparison service, please contact the uSwitch van insurance customer service team on:

Telephone: 0870 225 8207

E-mail: customer.services@thebikeinsurer.co.uk

Customer services will respond to your enquiry as quickly as possible, which we trust will resolve the matter.

If you feel the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by The Bike Insurer Services Limited and a final decision will be made on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer.

Boiler cover

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversees the regulation of financial products, and this includes certain boiler cover products.

When comparing boiler cover with uSwitch you will be shown products that are covered by the FCA and products that are not. The products that are not covered by the FCA are classed as service contracts and the products that are covered are more similar to insurance products.

The difference between these two types of products is limited to the way the product is described and the process in which you can complain. There is also a difference in tax: the service contracts are subject to VAT of 17.5%, whereas the FCA regulated plans are subject to insurance premium tax (IPT) at a standard rate of 5%. Please note all plans shown on your results include VAT and IPT where applicable.

How you can complain

Step 1

If you have any enquiries about the uSwitch boiler cover comparison service, please contact the uSwitch customer service team on:

Telephone: 0800 404 7960

Email: customerservices@uSwitch.com

Post: Customer services, uSwitch Ltd, Floor 2, Centro 3, 19 Mandela Street, London, NW1 0DU

Customer services will respond to your enquiry as quickly as possible, which we trust will resolve the matter.

Step 2

If you feel the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by uSwitch Ltd and a final decision will be made on behalf of the Managing Director.

Step 3

If your query is regarding an FCA regulated product and you are still not satisfied with our responses, you can request the Financial Ombudsman Service to review your case. The Financial Ombudsman can be contacted at: South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR or emailed at enquiries@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

uSwitch is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Authority, and our registration number is 312850. This information can be checked on the FCA's register by visiting their website or by contacting them on 0845 606 1234.

Our FCA authorisation allows uSwitch to collect all relevant details from you if you choose to apply for a product, and forward them to the selected supplier. Your chosen supplier will process your application and send you any relevant policy documentation. uSwitch will send you a confirmation email with details of the supplier and product you selected.

Terms and conditions

2012-02-23 00:00:00 +0000

uSwitch terms and conditions

The following are the terms and conditions of use of the uSwitch.com website and call centre. Please read these terms and conditions carefully before you use the uSwitch website or call centre.

By using the uSwitch website or call centre you indicate that you accept these terms and conditions. If you do not accept these terms and conditions you must not use the uSwitch.com website or call centre.

1. PARTIES

1. This Agreement is made between you the customer ("Customer") and uSwitch Limited, Company No 03612689 registered in the UK having its registered office at Floor 2, Centro 3, 19 Mandela Street, London NW1 0DU ("uSwitch.com");

2. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Internet" means the global data network comprising interconnected networks using the TCP/IP ("Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol");
"Law" means any law, statute or regulation, guideline or code of conduct (whether or not having the force of law) in any jurisdiction to which uSwitch.com or the Customer is from time to time subject;
"Save-a-Search" means the service that the Customer may register to receive on the uSwitch.com website, which is designed to enable the Customer to, amongst other things, save the searches that the Customer conducts through the site;
"Service" means the service provided by uSwitch.com via the uSwitch.com website or call centre whereby the Customer may obtain impartial information on the Suppliers and the services and products they offer and, potentially transact with the Suppliers for the provision of those services and/or products;
"Software" means any proprietary software utilised by uSwitch.com to enable the Customer to use the Service;
"Supplier" means any supplier of services, products and/or goods selected by uSwitch.com from time to time and who is listed on the uSwitch.com website.

3. uSwitch.com reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. All amendments to these terms will be posted on-line.

The Customer may terminate the Agreement by written notice to uSwitch.com if the Customer does not wish to be bound by such new terms and conditions.

Continued use of the Service or the uSwitch.com website will be deemed to constitute acceptance of the new terms and conditions.

2. PROVISION OF THE SERVICE

1. Use of the uSwitch.com website is currently free. However, uSwitch.com reserves the right to charge the Customer for certain services or impose charges for use of services that were free. The Customer will be clearly notified of any applicable charges before any such services can be selected or before any charges are levied.

2. The Customer shall be responsible for transmitting all payments due to Suppliers on the terms agreed with the relevant Supplier and uSwitch.com shall have no responsibility for transmission of payments to a Supplier.

3. Certain Suppliers will require details of the Customer's credit or debit card and the Customer hereby agrees to provide such details to uSwitch.com where necessary and to the forwarding of such details by uSwitch.com to the relevant Supplier.

3. PAYMENT

1. Use of the uSwitch.com website is currently free. However, uSwitch.com reserves the right to charge the Customer for certain services or impose charges for use of services that were free. The Customer will be clearly notified of any applicable charges before any such services can be selected or before any charges are levied.
2. The Customer shall be responsible for transmitting all payments due to Suppliers on the terms agreed with the relevant Supplier and uSwitch.com shall have no responsibility for transmission of payments to a Supplier.
3. Certain Suppliers will require details of the Customer's credit or debit card and the Customer hereby agrees to provide such details to uSwitch.com where necessary and to the forwarding of such details by uSwitch.com to the relevant Supplier.

4. CUSTOMER'S OBLIGATIONS

1. uSwitch.com will inform the Customer of any applicable terms and conditions imposed by a Supplier, in relation to the supply of its services, products and/or goods and the Customer agrees to abide by those terms and conditions.

2. The Customer acknowledges that the Customer will be required to fully and accurately complete a registration process, which will include the creation of a password, in order to have access to Save-a-Search.

3. The Customer warrants that all information provided on registration and during the course of this Agreement is true, complete and accurate and that the Customer shall promptly inform uSwitch.com of any changes to such information.

4. Any password allocated to or created by the Customer to enable the Customer to use the Services shall be kept confidential by the Customer and the Customer shall immediately notify uSwitch.com if any authorised third party becomes aware of that password.

The Customer agrees that any person to whom its user name or password is disclosed is authorised to act as the Customer's agent for the purposes of transacting via the Service. The Customer shall take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access to its account via any computer the Customer uses to access its account.

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

1. All intellectual property rights (including all copyright, patents, trade marks, service marks, trade names, designs (including the "look and feel" and other visual or non-literal elements) whether registered or unregistered) in the uSwitch.com website, information and content on the uSwitch.com website, any database operated by uSwitch.com and Software shall remain the property of uSwitch.com and the Customer shall not obtain, and shall not attempt to obtain any title to any such intellectual property rights.

2. No part of the Service may be reproduced in any form or used in any other way except in accordance with these terms and conditions.

3. uSwitch, uSwitch.com, uSwitch.co.uk and the uSwitch logo are registered trade marks of uSwitch.com. You must not use these or any other registered or unregistered trade marks on the Service without the prior written permission of uSwitch.com.

4. uSwitch.com grants the Customer a non-exclusive non-transferable licence to use the Software solely in executable form and only to the extent necessary for use of the Service and for no other purpose.

6. TERMINATION

1. uSwitch.com shall be entitled to suspend the Services and/or terminate this Agreement if:
(i) the Customer commits a breach of Clauses 2.9, 2.10, 2.11 and 2.15 which in uSwitch.com's reasonable opinion is serious enough to merit immediate termination; or
(ii) the Customer commits any breach of these terms and in the case of a breach which is capable of remedy, fails to remedy the same within 7 days after receipt of a notice giving particulars of the breach requiring it to be remedied; or
(iii) uSwitch.com suspects on reasonable grounds that the Customer may have committed or be committing any fraud against uSwitch.com or any Supplier.

2. The right to terminate this Agreement shall not prejudice any other right or remedy of uSwitch.com in respect of any breach or any rights, obligations or liabilities accrued prior to termination.

7. CUSTOMER BREACH

1. The Customer shall compensate uSwitch.com in full for each loss, liability or cost incurred by uSwitch.com arising out of:
1. any claims or legal proceedings arising from the Customer's use of the Services or use of the Services through the Customer's password which are brought or threatened against uSwitch.com by any other person; or
2. any breach of this Agreement by the Customer.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

1. Nothing in these terms and conditions limits or excludes the liability of uSwitch.com for death or personal injury caused by uSwitch.com's negligence or any other liability which may not be limited or excluded under applicable law.

2. uSwitch.com will use its reasonable endeavours to ensure that information provided to it by Suppliers is accurate but uswitch.com does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, legality or suitability for the Customer's needs of any information which is provided to the Customer by any Supplier and/or is accessed or obtained by the Customer via the uSwitch.com website, the uSwitch.com call centre or otherwise through using the Service.

3. Subject to clause 8.1, you agree that uSwitch.com will not be liable for any loss, claim or damage (whether direct or indirect) which arises out of or is in any way connected with:

(i) any use of the Service, the uSwitch.com website or its contents;
(ii) any failure or delay in any component of the uSwitch.com website, the provision of the Service or the provision by any Supplier of its goods, products or services to the Customer (including, without limitation, where the Customer has a delayed or failed switch from its current energy supplier to a Supplier and/or the Customer is unable to obtain the cashback, voucher, reduced price tariff or other reward or incentive which he or she may have otherwise been entitled to from a Supplier were it not for the failure or delay);
(iii) any use of or reliance upon any information, material, software, products or services obtained through the uSwitch.com website, the uSwitch.com call centre or otherwise through using the Service (including, without limitation, any information, material, software, products or services of any Suppliers); or
(iv) any transaction or agreement between the Customer and any Supplier or any attempt to enter into a transaction or an agreement with any Supplier, in all cases even if uSwitch.com has been forewarned of the possibility of such loss or damage.

9. DATA PROTECTION

1. uSwitch.com shall comply with all applicable data protection laws in the UK. For a description of how uSwitch.com uses personal data the Customer should refer to uSwitch.com's privacy policy.

10. NO PARTNERSHIP / AGENCY

1. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a joint venture, partnership or agency relationship between the Customer and uSwitch.com and neither party shall have the right or authority to incur any liability debt or cost or enter into any contracts or other arrangements in the name of or on behalf of the other.

11. ASSIGNMENT

1. The Customer shall not assign or delegate or otherwise deal with all or any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement. uSwitch.com shall have the right to assign or otherwise delegate all or any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any person or entity

12. FORCE MAJEURE

1. uSwitch.com shall not be liable for any breach of its obligations under this Agreement where it is hindered or prevented from carrying out its obligations by any cause outside its reasonable control, including without limitation by lightning, fire, flood, extremely severe weather, strike, lock-out, labour dispute, act of God, war, riot, civil commotion, malicious damage, failure of any telecommunications or computer system, compliance with any law, accident (or by any damage caused by any of such events).

13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND NO WAIVER

1. This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the parties in relation to the subject matter herein and supersedes all other agreements or representations by either party, whether oral or written.
2. No waiver by uSwitch.com of any future defaults, whether of a like or different character. No granting of time or other forbearance or indulgence by uSwitch.com to the Customer shall in any way release, discharge or otherwise affect the liability of the Customer under this Agreement.

14. NOTICES

1. This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the parties in relation to the subject matter herein and supersedes all other agreements or representations by either party, whether oral or written.
2. No waiver by uSwitch.com of any future defaults, whether of a like or different character. No granting of time or other forbearance or indulgence by uSwitch.com to the Customer shall in any way release, discharge or otherwise affect the liability of the Customer under this Agreement.

15. GOVERNING LAW

1. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and both parties hereby submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

16. CAR AND HOME INSURANCE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. The motor and home insurance comparison service is provided by Seopa Ltd, registered in Northern Ireland, Registration Number NI46322. Seopa Ltd has its registered office at 5 Dogleap Road, Limavady, Co Londonderry, N.Ireland. BT49 9NN. Seopa Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (Registration number: 313860).

2. In order to get a quote, you will need to answer a number of questions which cover the full set of questions needed by all the different underlying insurance providers and any intermediaries they may use.
The answers you give will determine the amount you pay and the level of cover you receive. You must get permission from any other people whose details you propose to use in requesting a quote, before you provide any of their information.

This applies to all information that you provide, but especially sensitive data like health information or criminal proceedings or convictions. In submitting any other person's details, you are confirming to us that you have their permission to do so, and that they understand how their information will be used.

3. Once you have processed a quote, you can tailor your quotation to cover a range of different circumstances (for example, to amend the voluntary excess) on the results page. When you wish to accept your quotation, it is your responsibility to ensure the changes made to the results page are also made on your proposed insurance providers website.

4. It is very important that you answer all questions truthfully and that you disclose all relevant facts. If you do not provide your insurance provider with the information they have asked for, or fail to tell them about any circumstance likely to influence the assessment of the risk involved, or any change in the facts supplied or your circumstances, it could invalidate your policy.

5. In order to accept a price, you must contact the insurance provider directly. We will give you a direct link to their website and/or telephone number along with any identification needed to access your details. You will find all the relevant information regarding the acceptance of the product and contact details on the insurance providers website.

6. If you are buying via their website you must also read the insurance provider's own policy/agreement/terms and conditions. They are the terms and conditions that you agree to by buying from them and are separate from our own.
7. Insurance providers can make certain assumptions. It is important that you check for any assumptions made as they form part of your contract and incorrect information could invalidate your insurance cover.
8. Companies change their prices and tweak their rates on a regular basis, sometimes even daily. When you receive your quotes, it will tell you how long each provider guarantees their price. The price quoted to you will be accurate at the time of issue, based on the details you provided and confirmed. You will receive the same guarantee from the insurance provider as you would have received from them by going direct.

9. We seek to ensure that we accurately pass on the information you have provided for the purpose of providing a price comparison, however we stress that it is your responsibility to check that your details are correct on the underlying providers website.
10. We aim to provide a first class standard of service, however there may be occasions when you feel we may have not achieved this. We take all complaints seriously - please follow this link to read our complaints procedure.
If your complaint is regarding a provider that you have purchased a product through and with whom we put you in touch, then you should address your complaint direct to that company.

We cannot accept liability for errors made by the underlying provider or their intermediary or appointed representative, or answer complaints on their behalf. In such an event, we recommend you follow the guidelines provided in the provider's documentation.
11. You can link to other websites by means of hyperlinks published on the website or e-mailed to you as part of our service. These websites are owned and operated by third parties.

We accept no liability for any statements, information, products or services that are published on or may be accessible through third party websites.
12. Every reasonable step is taken to make sure the information contained in the motor and home insurance comparison website is accurate and up-to-date. However, we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. We reserve the right to add, amend or delete information from this site at any time.
While we take every reasonable step to counteract viruses and other contaminating or destructive properties, we can give no warranty that this site and its content are free from viruses or anything else that has such contaminating or destructive properties.
13. The copyright in the material contained in the motor and home insurance comparison website belongs to Seopa Ltd. Any private individual may print off a copy of any part of this material for their own personal use, subject to the following conditions:
The material may not be used for any commercial purposes;
The copy must retain any copyright or other intellectual property notices contained in the original material;
The technology or processes utilised by or described on the website may be subject to other intellectual property rights reserved by Seopa Ltd (see point 10 on intellectual property rights below);
Images on the website are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced or appropriated in any manner without the written permission of their respective owner(s);
no logos, trade marks or service marks appearing on the site may be printed off or copied, except as part of the text of which they form part.
14. Any logos, trademarks, service marks and domain names and all related intellectual property rights of the companies whose sites are searched in providing the service belong to those companies - you may not reproduce them without their prior written consent.

Except for them, all intellectual property rights including, without limitation, all logos, trademarks, service marks, domain names, database rights, rights in design, rights in know-how, patents and rights in inventions (in all cases whether registered or unregistered and including all rights to apply for registration) and all other intellectual or industrial property rights in any jurisdiction in any information, content, materials, data or processes contained in or underlying the motor and home insurance comparison website and/or the service's provided belong to Seopa Ltd. All rights of Seopa Ltd in such intellectual property rights are hereby reserved.
15. We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. The amended terms will be effective from the date they are posted on the website.

Privacy policy

2012-02-23 00:00:00 +0000

The uSwitch privacy policy forms part of uSwitch's terms and conditions.

What personal information do we collect?

How do we use your personal information?

Accessing personal data

Your consent

Use of cookies and third-party advertising technology

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy forms part of uSwitch.com's terms and conditions. Once you have provided your personal details on this website you will be deemed to have read and accepted this privacy policy.

uSwitch.com is committed to protecting your privacy. We use the information that we collect about you to process your switch and to inform you about other services we provide.

The site is operated by uSwitch Limited; a company incorporated in England and Wales (registration number 03612689), the registered office of which is Floor 2, Centro 3, 19 Mandela Street, London NW1 0DU ("uSwitch.com"). uSwitch.com complies with all applicable UK Data Protection legislation currently in force in relation to its treatment of personal information.

The motor and home insurance comparison service is provided by Quotezone, a trading style of Seopa Ltd. Seopa Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Registration number 313860 with the registered address at Seopa Ltd, Blackstaff Studios, 8-10 Amelia Street, Belfast, BT2 7GS. Seopa Ltd is a data controller and complies with all applicable UK Data Protection legislation currently in force in relation to its treatment of personal information.

This privacy statement sets out the policy in relation to how any personal information collected from you through your use of this site is used.

What personal information do we collect?

In order to process an energy switch, we collect your name, address and may collect payment details and other details to process the switch. We also collect your email address and phone number.
These details allow uSwitch.com and your new supplier to contact you about the switch and any other information which uSwitch believes may interest you.
If you abandon your switch, we may email or call you to give you the opportunity to compare again and/or to provide feedback on our switching process.

You can opt-out of receiving information from us whenever you input personal data, or by sending an email to help@uswitch.com .

How do we use your personal information?

If you have requested to switch suppliers, we will use your personal information to process that switch. This will include passing your information to the new supplier.
uSwitch.com may disclose and use personal information collected about you within its own organisation (including its representatives) for the purpose of internal business administration, analysis and marketing.
uSwitch.com may also disclose personal information collected about you to third parties, for the purposes of completing any transaction you are undertaking with us, for providing any goods or services to you or for the purposes of associated administration or obtaining professional advice.

If you enter a contest or another promotion, we will use the data so that we can administer the contest and notify winners.

If you have requested to be kept informed of services that we offer, we will contact you with these details.

If during your visit to one of our insurance or energy calculators, you elected to continue by accepting the terms of our Privacy Policy, we may pass the details you submitted to our quote engine on to one of our representatives.
By indicating that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy, you are agreeing to allow uSwitch to pass on your personal data to the relevant supplier.
If you provide us with your information through this website, for instance by filling in one of the forms requesting us to compare insurance quotes, we shall use your information as set out in this privacy policy and in the notices we provide when you submit your information.

By submitting your personal information, you consent to our use of the information as set out in this privacy policy and such notices.

In particular, we may need to collect your sensitive personal information to allow us to provide you with quotes, for instance information relating to criminal convictions or to your health. You consent to our use of such information for the purposes set out below.

If you give us your personal information, we will use it to provide you with the quote comparison information you request.

When completing a car or home insurance comparison, uSwitch.com may use the information you supply to contact you by phone, email, SMS or otherwise about products and services which may be of interest to you. Such services could include our newsletter, exclusive offers or renewal reminders.

If you are not happy for your data to be used in this way, you can unsubscribe by: Click on the ‘unsubscribe’ link provided on each marketing email we send to you, or email help@uswitch.com and ask to unsubscribe from future marketing materials.

Please remember that by opting out, we will not be able to contact you about products or services that may benefit you. After processing a quote, we may send you a summary of the prices received by either email or SMS. This is part of our automated service and is a condition of use of our website.

If necessary the supplier might contact you to discuss your insurance or energy quotes. Without clicking 'Continue', 'Find Suppliers' or ‘Compare Quotes’ you will be unable to complete the car insurance or energy quotation process.

If you request an Insurance quote comparison through our website, we will forward the personal information you submit to selected insurers, insurance brokers and other related third parties to enable us to obtain a quote for you.

The insurers may use your personal information for their own purposes, which may include contacting you by mail, telephone or email, and any use by these insurers will be subject to the insurer's own terms and conditions and/or privacy policies.

We cannot provide a quote comparison to you unless we are able to share your personal information in this way.

In the event that none of the companies we forward your information to are able to provide an online quotation, we may pass on your contact details to a small number of companies who may be able to provide an offline quotation according to your circumstances.

Also, we may share your personal information with other selected third parties that may contact you directly about their products or services. We shall give you an opportunity to choose not to share your information with such selected parties before you submit your personal information.

If while comparing loans with us you provide us with your phone number, name, address and postcode, we may pass these details - and the information you have submitted on the site - on to one of our loans brokers.

By entering this information you are agreeing for us to pass your personal data to our loans brokers and for them to contact you by phone or email to discuss your requirements.

They will only contact you in relation to this enquiry for a limited time after you have used our service. They will not use your details for any other purpose.

If during your visit to our business energy service, you elected to continue by accepting the terms of our Privacy Policy, we may pass the details you submitted into our web form onto one of our representatives.

By indicating you have read and understood this Privacy Policy you are agreeing for us to pass your personal data to one of these representatives and for them to contact you by phone or email to discuss your requirements and provide business energy quotations.

Without clicking 'continue' you will be unable to complete the business energy web form process.

The representatives will only contact you in relation to this enquiry for a limited time after you have used our service. They will not use your details for any other purpose.

If during your visit to the energy calculator you opted in for our marketing and told us the month of your home insurance renewal you will be called by one of our representatives in order to help you with your home insurance enquiry.

We monitor traffic patterns and site usage. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 we follow strict security procedures in the storage and disclosure of information which you have given us, to prevent unauthorised access.

For these purposes we may send your information internationally, including to countries outside the European Economic Association. Other countries offer differing levels of protection for personal information, not all of which will be as high as the levels of protection offered in the UK.

Accessing personal data

You can contact us to ask whether we are keeping personal data about you, by sending an email to dataprotection@uSwitch.com. Upon request, we will provide you with a readable copy of data which we hold about you. If you ask us to delete, correct or amend that personal data we will do so within a reasonable time.

If you have any queries relating to your personal data please contact us at:

Data Protection Officer uSwitch.com Floor 2, Centro 3 19 Mandela Street London NW1 0DU

Alternatively, you can call us on 0800 404 7961.

Your consent

By disclosing your personal information to uSwitch.com or the motor and home insurance comparison service , you consent to the collection, storage and processing of your personal information in the manner set out in this Privacy Policy.

Use of cookies and third-party advertising technology

1.How does uSwitch use cookies for advertising?

a) Non-personalised uSwitch online banner advertising

We use third-party advertising technology to serve ads when you visit our website and sites upon which we advertise. This technology uses information about your visits to this website and the sites upon which we advertise to serve our ads to you.

In the course of serving our advertisements to you, a unique third-party cookie may be placed or recognized on your browser. In addition, we use web beacons, provided by our third-party ad server, to help manage and optimise our online advertising.
These web beacons enable our ad server, on our behalf or on behalf of our agent, to recognize a browser's cookie when a browser visits this site, and to learn which banner ads bring users to our website.

Our third-party ad server is performing its functions on our behalf or on behalf of our agent, and we may, directly or indirectly, instruct such ad server to enable other service providers to receive information about our site related to our online advertising.

To learn more about our third-party ad-serving partner, cookies, and how to "opt-out" please click here .

b) Personalised gas & electricity results advertisements

Part of this activity includes personalised retargeting display advertisements, which use information collected from your visit to uSwitch to make them more relevant to you. They also provide you with an easy way to revisit the results you saw during your comparison.

We understand privacy is very important to our customers, and want to reassure you that we do not share personally identifiable information with 3rd parties while providing this service.

If you wish to opt-out of receiving these personalised adverts, please click here .

c) Further information/questions relating to online advertising?

The IAB (Internet Advertising Bureau) has put together a great resource for information on behavioural advertising: how it works, further information about cookies, and steps you can take to protect your privacy on the internet. To learn more, click here .

You can also contact us directly with queries relating to online advertising by sending an email to privacy@uswitch.com .

2. How does uSwitch use cookies?

uSwitch collects information about your preferences in relation to this site by analysing site traffic, which includes the use of cookies.

A cookie is text file which is stored on your computer and is sent by a web server to a web browser, which enables the server to collect information back from the browser. This enables us to identify if you have visited uSwitch before.

We use cookies to help us analyse traffic on our site and customer behaviour. Cookies may also be used by our partners to understand marketing and traffic patterns.

During the course of any visit to uSwitch, the pages you see, along with a cookie, are downloaded to your computer. Any information that is supplied by cookies can help us to provide you with a better service and assists us in analysing the profile of our visitors.

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but normally you can alter your browser settings to prevent automatic acceptance, if you prefer. If you opt not to receive our cookies, we cannot guarantee that your experience with our website will be as quick or responsive as if you do receive cookies.

We do not store passwords or any other information about a visitor in a cookie that could identify them, their location, their preferences or their financial activity.

3. How to find and control your cookies

If you're using Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0 :

1. Choose Tools, then

2. Internet Options

3. Click the Privacy tab

4. Click on the 'Advanced' button

5. Check the 'Override automatic cookie handing' box and select Accept, Block or Prompt for action as appropriate.

If you're using Mozilla Firefox :

1. Choose Tools, then

2. Options...

3. Privacy

4. Cookies

5. Set your options as required

If you're using Opera 8+ :

1. Choose Tools, then

2. Preferences

3. Advanced

4. Select Cookies

5. Select your settings using the available options

If you're using Safari :

1. Choose Safari, then

2. Preferences

3. Security

4. Select options by Accept Cookies as required.

4. How do you know which of the sites you've visited use cookies?

If you're using Internet Explorer :

1. Choose Tools, then

2. Internet Options

3. Click the General tab

4. Click Settings

5. View Files.

If you're using Mozilla Firefox :

1. Choose Tools, then

2. Options...

3. Privacy

4. Cookies

5. Click the Show Cookies button.

If you're using Opera 8+ :

1 Choose Tools, then

2. Advanced

3. Click Cookies.

If you're using Safari :

1. Choose Safari, then

2. Preferences

3. Security

4. Click Show Cookies button.

5. How to see your cookie code

Just click on a cookie to open it. You'll see a short string of text and numbers. The numbers are your identification card, which can only be seen by the server that gave you the cookie.

Rights are reserved to amend or modify the privacy statement at any time and in response to changes in applicable data protection and privacy legislation.

The Winter Fuel Payment - Do you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment?

2012-02-21 00:00:00 +0000

The winter fuel payment could help you pay for your heating, but you have to meet certain criteria to qualify.

The Winter Fuel Payment, which also sometimes called the winter fuel allowance, is an annual tax-free payment of between £100 and £300 which helps people born on or before 5 July 1951 to pay for their heating in the winter.

These payments aren't to be confused with cold weather payments, which you might receive for spells of particularly cold weather on a weekly basis.

Do I qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment?

You could qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if you normally live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland and were born on or before 5 July 1951.
Whether you qualify also depends on a few qualifying factors. You won't qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if, for the week of 17-23 September 2012:

you were in hospital getting free treatment for more than 52 weeks previously;

you are/were in custody serving a court sentence;

you are/were subject to immigration control and did not qualify from help from the Department for Work and Pensions;

you live/lived in a care home or independent hospital.

How much will I receive?

Situation Born on or before 5 July 1951 Aged 80 or over on or before 23 September 2012

You live alone £200 £300

You are the only person in the household who qualifies £200 £300

You live with someone else who qualifies and is under 80 £100 £200

You live with someone else who qualifies and is over 80 £100 £150

You get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance. £200 £300

You get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance and you live with another qualifying person in the household who qualifies for Winter Fuel Payment. (If someone else in the household is eligible, but not on the above benefits, and not your partner/civil partner they'll get a shared payment.) £200 £300

You qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment and live with someone who gets Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance. (If they are your partner/civil partner, they will get the payment for you.) £0 £0

You qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment and live with someone who gets Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance. (If they are not your partner/civil partner you will get a shared payment.) £100 £150

If both of the following apply:

you live in a care home, an independent hospital or Ilford Park Polish Resettlement Home (and have done so for 12 weeks or more before the qualifying week)

you don't get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance

£100 £150

If both the following apply:

you live in a care home, an independent hospital or Ilford Park Polish Resettlement Home (and have done so for 12 weeks or more before the qualifying week)

you get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance

You don't qualify You don't qualify

Can a couple both receive the Winter Fuel Payment?

If your partner gets a Job Seeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit, the Winter Fuel Payment will be paid to your household.
Otherwise, if you share your home with another qualifying person, you will each get a shared payment depending on your situation.

Do I need to claim my winter fuel allowance or will I be paid automatically?

You'll need to claim your Winter Fuel Payment if you aren't receiving at least one of the following benefits during the week of 17-23 September 2012:

State Pension

Employment and Support Allowance

Income Support

Jobseeker's Allowance

Pension Credit

Attendance Allowance

Bereavement Benefit

Carer's Allowance

Disability Living Allowance

Graduated Retirement Benefit

Incapacity Benefit

Industrial Injuries Benefits

Severe Disablement Allowance

War Pension

Widow's Benefit

If you're getting Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit only you'll need to put in a claim.
You'll also need to claim if you have received the Winter Fuel Payment before but your circumstances have changed.

How do I apply?

To apply, you will need to download an application form from the Direct Gov website, or get a claim form sent to you by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 9 15 15 15. Return your completed application form to: Winter Fuel Payment Team Department for Work and Pensions PO Box 10142 Annesley Nottingham NG15 5WY. The Winter Fuel Payment won't affect your other benefits and you won't have to pay Income Tax on it.

What if my situation changes, like moving house?

You never need to claim more than once. Your payments will be given to you every year automatically. If you move house, move overseas, or have someone move in with you, give the Winter Fuel Payment helpline a ring on 08459 15 15 15.

How is the Winter Fuel Payment paid?

The Winter Fuel Payment is paid into your bank account or by cheque - it's up to you.
If you're receiving benefits you'll get your Winter Fuel Payment in the same way.
If you're part of a couple, and one or both of you are getting:

Pension Credit

income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

you'll get one joint payment.

You must get your claims form to the Winter Fuel Payment team before 31 March 2013 to ensure you receive your payments.

Can I claim for past winters?

If you are eligible, you can claim Winter Fuel Payments retrospectively for 1997/98 and 1999/2000.
You'll need to download a claims form from DirectGov and return it to:
Winter Fuel Payment Centre Department for Work and Pensions PO Box 22 Gateshead NE92 1BX.

What other help can I get with my gas and electricity bills?

Learn more about the cold weather payment - a government payment when temperatures drop below zero for a sustained amount of time. You may also be entitled to the warm home discount.

Alternatively, see what energy efficiency grants are available to see how you can get your home insulated for free, and learn more about saving energy in your home with our tips and tricks to cut your energy bills.

Who is my supplier?

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Whether you're moving to a new property or you've been in your home for a while, you may be wondering who supplies my electricity, who supplies my gas, and should I change energy supplier to save?

Don't panic, there are a number of ways that you can find out which supplier you're with and whether you're getting the best deal. If you've just moved in see our section below.

Who supplies my gas? Who supplies my electricity?

If you're wondering 'who is my gas supplier', try calling the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524. To find out who supplies your electricity you can call your regional electricity distribution number. The numbers are:

If your region is... ...call this number to find your supplier

Scotland North 0845 0262 554

Scotland South 0845 270 9101

North East England 0845 601 3268

North West England 0870 751 0093

Eastern England 0870 196 3082

Southern England 0845 0262 554

South West England 0845 601 2989

South East England 0845 601 5467

London 0845 601 5467

Yorkshire 0845 330 0889

Merseyside and North Wales 0845 270 9101

South Wales 01752 502 299

West Midlands 0845 603 0618

East Midlands 0845 603 0618

Just moved in and wondering who supplies your electricity or gas?

If you've just moved to a new property, the first and easiest option to find out who supplies your electricity and gas is to simply ask the letting agent, landlord or the previous tenant of your property.

If the previous tenant of your property has called the electricity or gas supplier to let them know they're moving, it is likely that the supplier will send you a letter in the near future addressed to 'The Occupier'. This letter should provide any details you need about your supplier.

If you've already been living in your property for a while, or if the previous tenant hasn't told their gas or electricity supplier that they're moving on, you may need to contact your local electricity distribution company to find out who supplies the electricity to your property.

When you move to a new property energy suppliers may put you on a Standard Plan - often the most expensive - automatically.

How to change energy supplier

The next step is to find out which gas and electricity plan you're on. Once you've find out the plan you're on, you can find out how much your gas and electricity will be costing you.

When you move to a new property energy suppliers may put you on a Standard Plan - often the most expensive - automatically.

To find out the name of your electricity and gas plan:

Contact your electricity and gas suppliers directly and ask them

Wait for your first bill to arrive from your electricity and gas suppliers

The plan you're on should be named on the bill itself and include details of unit prices.

How to save on your electricity and gas

So now that you know your electricity and gas supplier and plan name, you can run a comparison to see how much you could save by changing electricity supplier, and find out if you could switch to a cheaper plan.

If you don't have any previous bills to help you compare, simply use the 'no details handy' option, and input a few details about your property to receive a quote.

Utility bills: what do they consist of?

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Utility bills contain a variety of charges, but what are you actually paying for? We look at how utility bills are put together, and how to cut down your usage.

The average utility bill is made up of several different components. Here is a breakdown of an average utility bill to give you a better idea of where your money is going, a guide to how you use, and tips on how to cut down your usage.

Utility bill breakdown

How to cut down how much energy you use

Breakdown of your average utility bill

Embed this infographic on your own website (copy & paste below code):x <a href=http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/utility-bills/><img src=http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/assets/images/gas-electricity/guides/utility-bills/energybill_breakdown_infographic-2013.png alt=utility-bills-infographic></a>

Other costs

Environmental costs

VAT

Transmission charges

Distribution charges

Wholesale energy, supply costs and profit margin

Other costs
4% of your gas bill and 5% of your electricity bill.
Includes meter installation and gas storage costs.

Environmental costs
6% of your gas bill and 11% of your electricity bill
Government environmental initiatives have an impact on the cost of your gas and electricity, because a proportion of your bill is used to subsidise them.

Environmental schemes which are subsidised by your gas and electricity bills include:

Feed-in Tariff scheme (FITs)

Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT)

Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP)

The Renewables Obligation (RO)

EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

VAT
5% of your gas bill and 5% of your electricity bill.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not pay full VAT on gas and electricity, but you do pay some. Currently VAT payments are capped at 5%.

Transmission charges
2% of your gas bill, 4% of your electricity bill
Transmission networks are what actually deliver electricity and gas to your home, and some of the cost of building and maintaining transmission chargers is passed on to customers.

Distribution charges
16% of your gas bill, 16% of your electricity bill
Some of the cost of building, maintaining and operating the local gas pipes and electricity wires which deliver energy to the home is passed on to customers.

Wholesale energy, supply costs and profit margin
67% of your gas bill, 58% of your electricity bills
This is the charge for the actual gas and electricity that you use, which makes up the bulk of your bill.

Wholesale cost refers to the price that the energy supplier has to pay for the gas and electricity they buy.

Supply costs are the costs the energy supplier incurs for the general administration associated with a retail business - for example running a call centre and sending out bills - these vary according to what tariff you are on.

Profit margin is the amount of profit the energy supplier makes from each tariff.

Cut your costs

Heating

The biggest portion of your energy bill is taken up with heating your home and your water. Follow these tips and you could save a fortune on your heating bills:

Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree. This could save you as much as £60 over the space of a year.

Make sure your home is adequately insulated. Loft and cavity wall insulation may require an initial investment, but could easily save you around £310 a year in heating costs.

If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for an energy efficiency grant to make improvements to your home. Find out if you could be eligible and how to apply.

Help your heating to work more efficiently. Try using a radiator booster: a simple device that sits on your radiator and circulates the heat more efficiently, saving you between £70 and £140 a year on your bills.

Try to block any draughts that are coming into your house and make sure you close your curtains to keep the heat in.

In the kitchen

The next largest portion goes towards powering our washing machines, fridges, freezers and cooking appliances. Keep these costs down with these tips:

Do your washing less frequently . It may sound obvious - but keep the number of wash loads down by making sure the machine is full every time.

Use the 'economy' setting on your washing machine. Many washing powders will now work at temperatures as low as 30 degrees, helping your machine run more efficiently.

Dry your clothes outside or on a clothes horse. Tumble dryers use a lot of energy, and should only be used as a last resort.

Invest in a Hob Gas Saver to reduce the amount of wasted heat and energy when you cook. It simply slots over the gas burner to increase its efficiency, making energy savings of up to 12%.

Replace your current fridge/freezer with an energy efficient model. Look out for the energy efficiency stickers on modern appliances (pictured below). The greener, the better.

Computers, gadgets and electronics

Next up is the amount we spend on consumer electronics such as DVDs, TVs and computers every year. Bring this cost down with the following tips:

Don't leave electronics on standby. If you are forgetful, invest in an standby saver - it will automatically cut the power to any electronics left on standby.

Don't charge your gadgets unnecessarily. For example, don't leave laptops and mobile phones charging overnight, as this is a big waste of energy.

Don't leave your computer and peripherals on when you're not using them. Make sure speakers/monitors/printers are turned off when you've finished with them.

Lighting

Finally there is the portion of our bills going towards lighting our homes. The quickest, easiest ways to save on your lighting costs are to:

Buy energy efficient light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than normal lightbulbs and could save you up to £40 over its lifetime.

Turn the lights off behind you when you leave a room. Try and get into the habit of switching the lights off as you move through the house.

Cut £294 off your energy bills in minutes

These energy saving tips will help you bring your energy bills down as well as reducing your carbon footprint. However, the quickest and easiest way to save on your energy bills is to compare energy prices online and switch to a cheaper deal.

UK electricity companies - How to compare UK electricity companies

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If you are fed up with price rises from your electricity company, uSwitch is here to help you.

Our easy to use service compares prices from all licensed electricity companies so you can find the best deal for you. We can even help you start your switch online right now.

Compare your energy bills and save up to £294!
Your postcode:

How much does it cost to change supplier using uSwitch

Nothing - our service is free. We are paid a small commission by the supplier you switch to when you use our service and switch.

This does not increase the price you pay to the supplier, nor does it have a bearing on the ranking of the suppliers in the uSwitch calculators.

uSwitch will not take any money from your bank account or charge a fee for using the service. We will need your bank details if you decide to pay your new supplier by Direct Debit.

Are the supplier details kept up to date?

uSwitch is informed by all of the UK's electricity companies in advance of any price or tariff changes, and ensures that the site is updated accordingly.

How do the uSwitch calculators work?

The calculators evaluate a number of factors including price, service, location and payment method, and will advise you on the best supplier to suit your individual needs.
If you choose to, you can then switch to the alternative supplier online or contact customer services directly on 0800 404 7961.

How do we rate electricity companies?

uSwitch compares electricity prices from all suppliers. uSwitch is not a supplier itself, but acts as an independent advisor, giving consumers an impartial view of what's on offer - making it easier to choose the most appropriate deal.

Customer satisfaction

uSwitch's service is based on the most up-to-date published information from suppliers and regulators. uSwitch has commissioned a survey of gas and electricity customers.
With our survey results you will be able to get an insight into customers' satisfaction with their current gas and electricity suppliers and read customers' reviews.

How does uSwitch get paid?

uSwitch is a free service. We are paid a small commission by the supplier when a customer switches to its service. This doesn't increase the price the consumer pays to the supplier, nor does it have a bearing on the ranking of suppliers in our results.

Green electricity plan

uSwitch can compare green electricity tariffs in your area - just do a comparison, and look for the 'green electricity' tab in the results table.

Switching made simple

Our energy calculator uses the latest rates that we get directly from the suppliers, and is impartial and free for you to use. Compare energy tariffs to find out how much you could save and get an energy deal to suit you, not your supplier.

Energy efficiency upgrade	Cashback level
Loft insulation (incl. top up)	£100
Cavity wall insulation	£250
Solid wall insulation*	£650
Flat roof insulation	£390
Room in roof insulation	£220
Floor insulation	£150
Hot water cylinder insulation (incl. top up)**	£10
Draught proofing	£50
Heating controls	£70
Condensing oil boiler***	£310
Upgrade boiler to condensing gas boiler	£270
Flue gas heat recovery	£90
New or replacement storage heaters	£150
Replacement warm-air unit	£320
Waste water heat recovery systems	£60
Double/triple glazing (old single to A)	£20-320
High performance replacement doors	£40
Secondary glazing	£15-230

Product	Savings message	How was the potential saving worked out?
Energy	You could save up to £294	Between 1st November 2012 and 31st April 2013, at least 10% of people who switched energy supplier for both gas & electricity with uSwitch.com saved £294 or more.
Energy	You could save an average of £294	Between 1st November 2012 and 31st April 2013, people who switched energy supplier for both gas and electricity with uSwitch.com saved an average of £294.
Bundles	You could save £672	Saving based on switching from separate broadband, phone and digital TV subscription services to a comparable bundle. Separate services assumes standard ongoing annual costs; bundle assumes first year cost. Information correct at 21st August 2012. Terms and conditions apply. The services used in this calculation may not be available in your area
Credit cards	You could save £668 by transferring your credit card	Transferring a credit card balance of just over £2,000 with a typical APR of 17.9% and switching to the Barclaycard Platinum Extended Balance Transfer Visa card with 0% on balance transfers for 22 months.
Home insurance	You could save up to £68 on your home insurance	All customers using the Quotezone’s (uSwitch's home insurance partner) comparison service between Jun and Dec 2012. The cheapest quote was subtracted from the median (halfway point) quote returned to each customer to produce a 'representative' saving. At least 85% achieved a representative saving of £68. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
Energy	Over 2 million people have saved money on their energy bills	Based on the volume of transactions over the last 12 years (2000 - 2011)

Situation	Born on or before 5 July 1951	Aged 80 or over on or before 23 September 2012
You live alone	£200	£300
You are the only person in the household who qualifies	£200	£300
You live with someone else who qualifies and is under 80	£100	£200
You live with someone else who qualifies and is over 80	£100	£150
You get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance.	£200	£300
You get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance and you live with another qualifying person in the household who qualifies for Winter Fuel Payment. (If someone else in the household is eligible, but not on the above benefits, and not your partner/civil partner they'll get a shared payment.)	£200	£300
You qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment and live with someone who gets Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance. (If they are your partner/civil partner, they will get the payment for you.)	£0	£0
You qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment and live with someone who gets Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance. (If they are not your partner/civil partner you will get a shared payment.)	£100	£150
If both of the following apply: you live in a care home, an independent hospital or Ilford Park Polish Resettlement Home (and have done so for 12 weeks or more before the qualifying week) you don't get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance	£100	£150
If both the following apply: you live in a care home, an independent hospital or Ilford Park Polish Resettlement Home (and have done so for 12 weeks or more before the qualifying week) you get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance	You don't qualify	You don't qualify

If your region is...	...call this number to find your supplier
Scotland North	0845 0262 554
Scotland South	0845 270 9101
North East England	0845 601 3268
North West England	0870 751 0093
Eastern England	0870 196 3082
Southern England	0845 0262 554
South West England	0845 601 2989
South East England	0845 601 5467
London	0845 601 5467
Yorkshire	0845 330 0889
Merseyside and North Wales	0845 270 9101
South Wales	01752 502 299
West Midlands	0845 603 0618
East Midlands	0845 603 0618