Heating & Water Bills:
Is your home cold?
· Use thermal curtains and draught-proofing to retain heat, blocking up unused chimneys and lagging pipes
· Have your boiler serviced to make sure it’s working at its best
· Understand how to use your heating system
· Zone your home by heating your main rooms higher than the others
· Check for government schemes to insulate your home, they’re often free!
Is your heating and electric bill too high?
· Check your heating controls are set between 18-21C; heat the rooms you use, when you use them
· A smart meter could help you see what you spend
· Make sure your meter readings are accurate NOT estimated
· Paying by Direct Debit is usually cheaper and spreads the cost over a year
· Struggling to pay – talk to your supplier and let them know what’s going on
· Can you switch energy supplier for a better rate? If you don’t want to change, ask your energy supplier for their best tariff for you, compare unit rate and standing charges or use a trusted site such as uswitch.com to compare rates for you
· You may be eligible for the £140 Warm Home Discount – check in autumn with your electricity supplier
High water bills?
· Speak to Southern Water’s Affordability Team if you’re struggling to pay
· You may be able to make use of their discount tariffs if you are on certain benefits or you use more water due to a medical condition
· Are they suddenly high? It could be a leak, ring Southern Water
For more impartial information on heating, electricity and water, contact The Footprint Trust on or email
Published 25/08/2021
The Footprint Trust
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