Bills are rising for many people in recent months with it expected to rise even further soon.
And while the cost of living is increasing, many people are naturally concerned about how to cut down costs.
Some of the most asked questions usually involves how to stay warm without the need to pump up the heating and what you should do about your energy supplier.
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So to answer these questions, lead energy researcher Sarah Ingrams, senior sustainability researcher Karen Lawrence, and senior appliances researchers Jane Darling and Aaron West spoke to consumer website Which? to answer them.
1. What's the most energy-efficient way of cooking?
The experts explained that electric ovens, whether part of a cooker or a built-in oven, are "more energy efficient than their gas counterparts" adding that "electric induction hobs are the most efficient as they supply heat only to the pan and not out into the kitchen."
They continue: "Electric ceramic hobs are second best, while gas trails in third. However it's worth noting that, because gas is cheaper than electricity, your energy bills will be lower if you cook on gas.
"Using a slow cooker is a smart choice as, although it may be on for a number of hours, heating a small space requires less energy than cooking the same kind of meal in an oven. Microwaving cooks food quickly, so is another option for keeping cooking costs low."
2. Costs are rising - should I switch energy supplier?
Experts have said that the current circumstances are quite difficult for a lot of people as some suppliers aren't selling cheap deals.
This combined with price hikes in more than just energy bills means people are in a tricky situation.
They explain: "It’s still important to look closely at your current deal and what you should do depends on your situation.
"If you're on a low-priced fixed-term deal, don’t switch away from it early. You’re unlikely to find anything as cheap. If you move onto a deemed or default tariff (e.g. if your supplier closes, or you haven’t switched in a while) then you may be paying the maximum permitted by the price cap.
"This gives you some protection – Ofgem revises the level every six months (next in April 2022) – but it’s likely to be much pricier than your old deal. A fixed-term deal will give you price security but you may have to pay a premium for it."
3. What's the most energy-efficient way to heat a room if I don’t want to put the central heating on?
The experts have stated that central heating is "generally the most cost-effective way to heat your home."
However you will want to make sure that it's working efficiently such as using timers, room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control when each room is heated.
They recommend setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature and turning it down by just 1C.
This small adjustment alone can save you between £80 to £85 a year.
They add that "if your central heating system doesn’t have individual room controls and you only need to heat one room, a portable heater can be cost-effective.
"Convector heaters, including oil-filled and oil-free radiators, are best for heating a room for a period of a few hours or more, while fan or halogen heaters are better for a shorter blast of heat to warm you up quickly. Choose a heater with a decent thermostat and timer to avoid overheating and save money."
4. Are there any cheap ways to insulate my home?
While some home tweaks and upgrades need a professional to install them, there are ways you can do it yourself if you're up for a bit of DIY.
The expert's top five recommendations are:
- Insulate the loft
- Install draught proofing
- Insulate hot water pipes and tanks
- Fit secondary glazing
- Add cosy furnishings
5. My energy direct debit has gone up – what should I do?
Speaking to Which?, the experts explained that you should see your "direct debit payments increase if you’re moving onto a pricier deal (for example if your fixed tariff ended and you move onto an out-of-contract price-capped tariff automatically, or your energy company went bust). Your payments might also rise if your supplier notices that your energy use has increased.
"If you don’t understand why your direct debit payments are increasing, ask your supplier to explain. If you don’t agree (for example if you think your current payments will cover your increased usage or the higher rates of a new tariff) then you can ask for your payments to stay the same.
"If you are unable to pay your higher energy bills, help is available. Contact your supplier in the first instance."
For more top tips, visit the Which? website here.
