DIY energy audits key to utilities savings

While growing numbers of Brits are admirably now taking heed of expert advice and regularly taking time out to get their personal finances in order, when it comes to utilities, too many still adopt a passive or even fatalistic approach to their outgoings.

Indeed, even though the Office for National Statistics recently revealed that the cost of heating and lighting a typical home has gone up by 24.6 per cent over the past 12 months alone, a worryingly large number of consumers persist in sticking with their existing utilities provider, with many failing to appreciate that shopping around and switching supplier could be hugely beneficial to their wallets.

According to James Parkinson, an energy efficiency specialist at Vaillant, all too often Brits "think that they get an energy bill and that's how much it's going to be", without making the effort to "make themselves aware of what energy they are using".

And while cutting back on mortgage outgoings or getting the best rates on a personal loan or credit card may well be an arduous task, making significant gas and electricity savings couldn't be simpler.

Rather than pay a third-party expert to carry out an energy audit, homeowners can carry out a comprehensive study of their own house simply by going around their property and asking themselves 'Does this really need to be on?'.

"It is common sense," explained green energy expert Mike Mailna.

"What you should be doing is an energy audit of your house and you don't need to be an expert to do this. Just walk around your house and see what's switched on and some things don't need to be switched on."

Given that a recent report from the Energy Savings Trust revealed that the average household could save £300 a year through stepping up their energy efficiency levels, such a measure is clearly worth the time and effort, while it was also concluded that a collective £962 million in energy bills could be saved each year if Brits were to make use of the benefits of cavity wall insulation.

Key to such savings is only using heating or lighting when absolutely necessary.

Though the shifts being witnessed in the global climate may have led to some unpredictable weather patterns over recent months, for the most part, an extra layer of clothing is an effective substitute for turning up the thermostat in all but the coldest winter days.

Mr Parkinson added: "Delaying switching on the heating will actually save you money – up to about £80 per month – and in this economic climate it is really beneficial."

However, with a harsh British winter on the cards, arguably the biggest gas and electricity savings will be made by those consumers who take the time out to switch energy suppliers and take advantage of the best deals on the market.

Though of course the savviest of Brits takes a proactive approach and does all three – switch suppliers, delay their heating switch-on and carry out an energy audit – enabling them to stay one step ahead of soaring prices.