Money-saving Tips for my Home

The Best Way to Save money is to Make money - Easy Way Here

Below we have identified a few ways to save money and energy in your home or rented property to ensure you keep your outgoings in good shape by saving cash:

Turn your room or radiator thermostats down by just 1°C. It can cut as much as 10% off your heating bills.
Don't set your Hot Water Cylinder Immersion Heater water thermostat too high; 60°C/140°F is usually adequate for bathing and washing.
Make sure that your timer for the hot water tank only heats it up for when you need it morning and evening unless you are a large family having lots of dirty washing, dish washer, baths or showers.
Ensure that the timer for the central heating system is not making the heating work when you don't need it to be on during the day or in the middle of the night.
At night, pull all curtains to stop heat loss through the windows. Heavier lined curtains are better at insulation.
Take care not to let curtains hang over radiators as this will direct the heat straight out of the windows. It could also be very dangerous as a fire hazard if there are electric convector heaters.
Use a shower if possible, this saves money and water - Don't stay in too long though!
If you have a dripping tap ensure it is repaired quickly. In just one day, you could waste enough hot water to fill a bath. It will also save you money by reducing your metered water bills.
Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room for long periods.
Fit low energy use light bulb fittings.
Use low energy lamps wherever you can as they can use less than a quarter of the electricity used by ordinary light bulbs and last up to ten times longer.
Switch off your TV, video and Hi-Fi at the set. Standby can use as much as 10%-60% of the power that would be used by the device if it was switched on.
Remove or switch off, all those transformers for recharging mobile phones, laptops, printers, batteries etc. when not in use as they still use power even when not connected to the equipment.

Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to keep them running efficiently.
Where possible wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine.
If you use a dishwasher select the low-temperature programme unless you have very soiled dishes. Try to make sure that it is a full load too.
Use a kettle to boil water for cooking. Avoid over-filling the kettle but be sure to cover the element. If you use gas don't let it boil longer than required either.
Use a toaster rather than the grill to make toast. Select the correct browning and number of slices for your needs.
Make sure your hot water cylinder and hot water pipes are fully lagged, this can pay for itself in a few months and go on saving you money for years to come.
Put draught strips around windows and exterior doors. If possible fit a flap across the letter-box.
If you haven't got double glazed windows then you can fit a cheap sheet of plastic film to the inside of the window frame to reduce heat loss and draughts.
Loft insulation can help you reduce heat loss by up to 25%. Lay at least 100mm and preferably 150 to 200mm deep material. The government have a scheme to help you pay for roofspace insulation.
Move all your households bills onto direct debit, most utility companies also offer discounts of up to 5% for setting this up rather than paying by cheque or cash.
Take packed lunches to work instead of buying sandwiches. Don't add lots of unhealthy snacks or crisps every day to lunch boxes. Make it a twice-weekly treat.
Re-use those plastic soft drink bottles for lunch boxes. Wash them out in the washing up water before you start cleaning any dishes.
Check the interest on your bank accounts and credit cards. Average bank accounts pay just 0.1 per cent interest but if you shop around you can get up to six per cent a year. Some credit cards are more expensive than others.
If possible see if you have a claim for bank account overcharges.
You may have a claim for compensation against other lenders products such as loans, vehicle finance, mortgages and credit cards.
Keep track of what you spend This will make you more aware of where all your money goes.
Check you are getting the best deals from service companies in your area. Many companies are now offering the 'cheapest' electricity, gas and telephone services, but which one really is?

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If you would like more help with saving money at home or general financial issues, call us to see how we may be able to point you in the right direction and work with one of our financial advice associate companies.