The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your household bills and save money. Your bills are likely to go down a little during the summer months, but if you aren’t careful with your consumption, you could end up paying the same as in the winter. If you’re ready to put a stop to out of control energy bills, follow these 6 steps.

Switch Tariff/Supplier

The first step to saving money on your energy bills is to make sure you’re on the correct tariff. When you first sign up with a supplier, you’ll be placed on an introductory tariff. When this expires, you may be moved to the default tariff without warning. And the default tariff rarely offers good value for money. Try switching to a better tariff to bring down your energy prices. If this doesn’t work, you could also switch suppliers. By comparing the best electricity rates and switching providers, you might be able to benefit from an introductory offer and save some money. Many suppliers will also pay your exit fees from an existing contract, so you won’t be left out of pocket.

TIP: Homeowners and private landlords can qualify for a free central heating grant through the ECO initiative, funded by the big 6 energy companies and backed by the government. Warma UK are grant specialists and have prepared a handy guide on how to qualify for a central heating grant

Upgrade Your Tech

Old technology can leach electricity even when you’re not using it. Old lightbulbs are also a common drain on resources. By upgrading to efficient LED light bulbs and getting rid of any inefficient technology, you could be well on your way saving money every month and reducing your carbon footprint.

Install a Smart Meter

The easiest way to save money on your energy bills is to first get a clear grasp on what you are using. By installing a smart meter, you will be able to see how much energy you are using throughout the day and take steps to reduce your consumption. It will soon become very clear just how much energy is wasted by leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms or leaving the TV on when no one is watching. If you have kids in your house, this can be a great way to help them understand just how much energy they are wasting. Turn it into a game to see how low you can get your energy consumption throughout the day.

Fix Your Thermostat

A faulty thermostat could mean your central heating is switched on for longer than necessary. It’s common for thermostats to become less accurate over time, and all they need is a new battery or the correct calibration. By arranging an annual boiler service, you could save money through a more efficient central heating system. With a company like YourRepair, you could enjoy complete central heating and boiler coverage and get a free annual boiler service.

Insulate Your Home

Insulation not only helps in the winter months, but it can also help to keep your home cooler in summer. Start by eliminating drafts around windows and doors. You could also make sure that chimneys are properly insulated if they aren’t in use. And finally, check that your roof insulation is up to standard. If you want to keep your home cooler in the summer, try using thick blackout curtains to block out the sun. By blocking out the sun, you can prevent your home from heating up too much, so you won’t have to work as hard to cool it down. Open windows on the opposite ends of your house to create a cooling breeze. This can be far more efficient than relying on a fan to cool down your home.

Submit Meter Readings On Time

You may be paying more for the electricity you aren’t even using. If you don’t submit meter readings regularly, your energy supplier will have no choice but to estimate your readings. If you use less than the average person, this could mean that you are overpaying every single month without knowing it. The good news is that this money won’t be lost. Instead, your account will just be in credit once you submit accurate meter readings. You can then either put this towards future bills and lower your monthly payments, or you can request a refund and continue paying the same amount every month. By getting into the habit of submitting a meter reading regularly, you will enjoy more accurate bills and you could see your monthly payments reduced. Don’t forget, there is also the risk that your bills could be underestimated, so you may be using more than you are paying for over a long period. This could mean you are landed with a large bill when you least expect it. This is why you should always keep on top of meter readings to keep your payments accurate. Start to save on your energy bill and find a supplier that fits your needs. You can do all that easily online at SimplySwitch.com.