Energy spending set to rise this weekend as snow blasts Britain

With the UK set to be hit by a flurry of snow and icy temperatures this weekend, Uswitch.com warns that the additional cost of warming our homes will lead to a surge in energy spending.

Compared with mild temperatures, when the weather turns very cold the hourly cost of heating a home by gas central heating can increase by as much as 92% as boilers work harder to keep our homes warm.

Emma Bush, energy expert at Uswitch.com, comments, “Consumers are set to shiver through a weekend of freezing temperatures and snow in many parts of the country. Homes with gas central heating can expect to pay up to 92% more in very cold weather, so if this cold snap continues, consumers could be in for a nasty shock when their next bill arrives.

“With energy prices increasing over recent months and further hikes likely, it’s more important than ever that consumers understand their energy account and take steps to ensure they’re on the best deal available. Switching provider only takes a few minutes and you can save up to £618.

“Those who are concerned about how they’ll afford to pay their bills over the winter should check if they are eligible for government schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment, which can provide much needed help over the winter.”

Find out how you could save over £1,000 a year with Uswitchhere.

In the coldest months of the year, Emma Bush, energy expert at Uswitch.com, shares her top household tips to help keep warm this winter:

Bleed your radiators: if your gas central heating isn’t warming your home properly, it could be because there are pockets of air trapped in the system which prevent hot water from circulating effectively. This means that radiators aren’t as hot as they should be and take longer to heat your home. Bleeding your radiator releases the gases caught inside, vastly improving the efficiency of your entire heating system.

Letterbox flap: a letterbox flap to keep out draughts at your front door is another inexpensive investment. They are especially useful if the outer flap doesn’t fit or return to its position very well.

Curtains: curtains are great at preventing heat loss, but don’t let your curtains hang over the radiator as this will stop the heat from warming the room. Try to keep the surface of the radiator clear at all times.

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, a far more efficient use of that stored heat than throwing it out of your home with an extractor fan.

Switch and Save: if you’re worried about your energy bills the best thing to do is to shop around and consider switching to a different energy supplier and a cheaper tariff. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes – just visit our website www.uswitch.com or download our smartphone app and you could reduce your energy bills by over £600 a year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ailene Barr

Phone: 020 3872 5610

Email: ailene.barr@uswitch.com

Twitter: @uswitchPR

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Uswitch is the UK’s top comparison website for home services switching. Launched in September 2000, we help consumers save money on their gas, electricity, broadband, mobile, TV, and financial services products and get more of what matters to them. Last year we saved consumers over £373 million on their energy bills alone.

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