Winter Fuel Payment – methods to save lots of a whole lot in your power payments in the event you lose it

Millions of pensioners are set to miss out on £200 this year (£300 for over 80s) in Winter Fuel Payments after Labour leader Keir Starmer controversially changed the eligibility rules so only the poorest in society will receive this financial help. The news comes just as energy bills are set to rise again from October by an average of £12 a month but don’t despair there are some simple things you can do to save money on energy.

Central Heating versus Heated Throw

When it comes to the biggest energy guzzlers, one of the main culprits is central heating but a heated throw can keep you warm for much less. It’s much cheaper to heat the human and not the home and a heated throw or blanket can keep you much toastier. While a heated throw costs around three pence an hour to run, gas central heating costs around £1.68 per hour, a saving of £1.65 an hour.

Oven v Slow Cooker/Air Fryer/Microwave

Swapping your oven for a slow cooker and using the microwave to heat things which you would usually heat on the hob can make a big difference. A typical gas oven uses 2,000 watts of energy, putting the cost of one hour’s cooking at 58 pence. In comparison, using a slow cooker for an hour costs just 5p and opting for a three-minute blast in the typical microwave will cost only three pence. An air fryer costs around 51p per hour to run but cooks in half the time or less so per typical usage costs just 17p.

Tumble Dryer v Heated Clothes Airer

One downside to not having the heating on as much is that it can be difficult to dry clothes when it’s raing outside. Tumble dryers are one of the most expensive appliances to run at 85p per hour so a heated clothes dryer could help you save a fortune. Depending on the model they cost around 6 pence per hour to run – a saving of almost 80p per hour.

Central heating v 1000w heater

Depending on the brand, a 1000W heater costs around 27p per hour to run compared to central heating which is around £1.68 an hour. You can buy a small heater for just £30 which gives off enough heat to warm up a room. Running a small heater and a heated throw combined would add up to just 30p an hour, equaling a £1.38p per hour saving.

Draught proofing

Spending just a few quid on draught-proofing your home could save you £35 a year on your energy bills, Energy Saving Trust says. For just a few pounds you can buy strips that can prevent cold air from entering through windows and doors. You can also buy draught excluders, bleed your radiators and insulate your water tank – a hot water cylinder jacket costs around £15.

Programme your boiler

It can be tempting to get in from a long day at work and crank up the heating, but this isn’t the most economical way to use your boiler. A common question is ‘Is it cheaper to leave the heating on low all day or only turn it on when I need it?’. Generally speaking, leaving the heating on all day will use more energy – so why not make use of your boiler’s scheduling functions or invest in a smart thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Install a smart meter

If you’ve been resisting having a smart meter installed, now might be the time. Smart meters can help you better understand your energy usage because the display that comes with your smart meter shows you how much each appliance is using. Having the figures in front of your eyes can help you identify ways to cut back and save money.

Turn your thermostat down

You can significantly reduce your energy usage by turning down your thermostat by just one degree. Many people won’t even notice this difference in the room temperature but it could cut your bills by up to 10%, saving more than £100 a year on energy bills. Turn it down two degrees and that saving could be doubled.

Check eligibility for Pension Credit

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income.To qualify for Pension Credit as a single person, your income must not be more than £173.75 a week. Not only could it mean you are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment but it could also mean you’re eligible for additional help like a free TV licence (if you’re over 75) and support with housing costs. To check your eligibility go to https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit

Do a full benefits check

Check the Better Off Calculator to see if you are getting all the support you are entitled to. Visit you local council’s website to find out about the Household Support Fund and speak to your energy provider who may be able to offer extra help.