UK residents will be rejoicing all week long as the news of lower gas prices begins to spread. The news comes as reports of a downward trend were attributed to slightly less frigid weather and a positive outlook on gas supplies. Prices have officially fallen below 52 pence for the first time this year.
A forecast for the remainder of the third week in January highlighted rising temperatures. The UK Met Office offered even more details on the break in freezing temperatures, saying that mid-days for the rest of the week would welcome temperatures in the tens, a departure from the near-zero cold that England and Wales residents experienced last week.
The falling gas prices will mean lower energy tariffs for some residents. However, simultaneous reports maintain that the actual demand for gas is not letting up despite the warmer weather. If you’re trying to figure out how you can use the lower gas prices as a stimulus to send your energy bills in the same downward spiral this season, here are some quick and easy tips:
1. Monitor your electricity consumption. Be mindful that just because gas is down doesn’t mean that electricity prices will fall any time soon. However, you can still enjoy less expensive energy bills by monitoring your home’s use of electricity. Just by turning the temperature down by a couple of degrees, you could see substantial savings on your energy bill without sacrificing the comfort of indoor climate control on cold days. Also, if you have a working fireplace, now is the perfect time to get the family together in one room and use it.
2. Plug up any draughty spaces. Something as simple as sealing your door with a rolled up floor rug can help you avoid losing energy in draughty places. Test out your attic and closets to make sure you don’t have any phantom drafts that could be sucking all of the warm air right out of your home and letting cold air in. Also, don’t forget to check the insulation on pipes and the water heater, which are two more common places where household heat is lost.
3. Dress for the season. Encourage your family to bundle up during the day, even when they are at home, so that you don’t spend so much energy on heating. Use heavier blankets on the bed in the winter, and try not to keep the entry door open for too long when coming home or leaving to keep warm air inside.
4. Practice regular maintenance. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to make sure your HVAC system and hot water heater are functioning properly. If you wait until there is a major problem, not only will it cost loads of money, but it may also mean days of frigid temperatures inside as you and your family wait for it to be fixed.
5. Make energy saving a habit. Energy conservation should be a year-round practice, so remember to do the little things like always. This includes turning off lights when they are not needed, unplugging electronics that are on standby mode, and keeping a close eye on the thermostat.
With lower gas prices and these energy saving tips, you should be able to pocket a lot more of your household budget when it’s time for the next bill.
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