As the ongoing cost of living crisis continues to strain household budgets across the United Kingdom, energy provider British Gas has unveiled a remarkably simple yet effective strategy to reduce energy expenses. The company claims that a minor adjustment, taking merely seconds to implement, could lead to substantial savings of up to 10% on annual heating bills.
The Thermostat Adjustment That Delivers Major Savings
According to British Gas, the key to lowering energy costs lies with your home's thermostat. By reducing the temperature setting by just one degree, households can achieve a significant 10% reduction in their yearly heating expenditures. This quick tweak requires minimal effort and is unlikely to be noticeably uncomfortable for most residents, yet it promises considerable financial benefits over time.
Ofgem's Price Cap Reduction Offers Additional Relief
This advice comes alongside positive news from the energy regulator Ofgem, which has confirmed that the energy price cap will decrease starting April 1. The revised cap, which will remain in effect until June 30 of this year, reflects a decline in wholesale energy costs and is expected to lower typical household energy bills. However, British Gas emphasises that proactive measures to reduce consumption remain crucial for maximising savings.
Further Practical Tips to Minimise Energy Usage
Beyond the thermostat recommendation, British Gas suggests several other straightforward methods to keep energy costs down:
- Lower washing machine temperatures: Setting your washing machine to 30°C could cut electricity usage by approximately 40% annually.
- Bleed radiators regularly: Ensuring radiators are functioning efficiently prevents wasted energy and money.
- Switch off electronics at the socket: Avoiding standby mode for devices might save households around £55 per year.
A spokesperson for British Gas highlighted that "small changes can add up to a big difference." When these energy-saving habits are combined with the anticipated price cap reduction in April, many families could experience meaningful relief in their monthly expenses.
