8 tips to reduce your energy bills   

Getting a huge electricity bill will ruin your day, maybe even your week. However, there are several effective measures to lower your electricity bill. They are simple but some require some upfront investment. Nevertheless, you can cut your electric bill by 30% or more if you implement these electricity saving measures.

1. You can begin by checking the price of electricity you are presently paying. There are lots of price comparison sites on the internet so it won't take you long to find the one with the best rate. Now switch to them. If you have gas, you'll often find a significant discount offered when buying gas and electricity from the same supplier.

2. When you have settled on the best electricity rate, it's time to focus on the way you use the electricity. Pull the plug from the socket on any appliance when not in use. Anything that can be put on standby mode still uses electricity. Appliances such as computers, televisions, kitchen appliances, phone chargers and sound systems all have standby modes.

3. Start switching the lights off when not in use. Big savings can be realized in the long run. Replace your bulbs with compact fluorescent lights as they use less electricity while still giving you the same amount of light.

4. Instead of using your tumble dryer, hang the clothes on a line. This will not only make your electric bill lower but it will also make your garments last longer.

5. Not that we need either of them very often in the UK, but try swapping the air conditioning for an electric fan. At work, if it gets really hot, buy one fan per desk. Even with 30 or more fans going at the same time, it won't be consuming as much energy as the air conditioning. And there's nothing nicer than the sound of an oscillating fan in the summer. Or one that blows cool air directly into your face. If you really can't do without air conditioning, make sure that you've got the temperature right and it is activating in the morning and switching off in the evening when noone is there.

6. Consider adding insulation to your house. Insulation keeps the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Loft insulation is the easiest place to start. Then look at double glazing and cavity wall insulation. It will require initial investment, but you'll reap the rewards in the long run. And with the cost of power increasing year on year, probably in the medium term.

7. Generally, gas is cheaper than electricity. So, if you're moving into a new house or flat, your running costs will be lower if your kitchen and heating system is gas powered. And if you really want to make a dent in your power bills, look at installing solar hot water heating or solar panels for electricity. This will require substantial initial investment, but you'll see your bills drop by around 40%.

8. Most appliances today are designed to be energy efficient. But if you've got an old boiler that's inefficient, replace it as soon as you can. Although the cost of a new boiler can be high initially, you could be burning 30% more gas than you really need to. Similarly, an old fridge - throw it out and get an energy efficient one. Remember, in the 21st Century, generally speaking, appliances are cheap but power is expensive!

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