The rising gas prices have caused many a headache for consumers over the recent months, but consumers can still act to help reduce their fuel bills. Just read through our top tips to help you track down the cheapest gas rates and reduced your monthly outgoings.
Several variables will affect the amount that you pay for your gas. These include the way in which you opt to pay for your gas bill, the amount of gas that you use over each year, the gas company that you choose, and your location.
1. The only way to guarantee that you are on the cheapest gas tariff possible is to compare gas tariffs across the board and choose which option is right for you. Gas tariffs can change at the drop of a hat so it is important to remember that a tariff that looks too good to be true now may not offer much stability in future.
2. Prior to making any tariff comparisons you need to know how much gas you typically use. This can be done very easily with a utilities calculator. These can be accessed easily online where you will be asked to enter details of your previous gas bills and details about your home, including whether you use gas for cooking or just for heating, and how many rooms your property has etc.
3. The cheapest rates tend to be offered with online accounts. This means that you manage your gas bills online by entering your meter readings and receiving your gas bills over the internet. This does away with the need and inherent cost in posting paper bills out to you. Most of the main energy companies now offer online tariffs.
4. Most companies offer discounted rates to customers who choose to take their electricity supply and gas supply with them. Combining your accounts like this not only means cheaper rates, but also makes for easier management of your utility bills.
5. Choosing to pay by direct debit will result in lower gas bills, as this offers your supplier a guarantee of payment each month. As a result, customers paying by direct debit usually pay a few less pounds each month than customers who pay as and when there bill arrives.
Any way that you can reduce the amount of gas you use will obviously help to reduce your gas costs. This can be done in a variety of ways, including insulating your loft and hot water pipes and installing double-glazing. All of these steps will prevent heat loss and result in less gas being used.