Luke Dunstan Posted December 1, 2010 Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 Since leaving home 3 years ago I've never rented somewhere that you have to pay bills, it's always been all inclusive. I'm moving out on Monday to a 2 bed house with the Mrs. And just wandered if anyone could share there own advice? things to watch out for, energy saving tips? haha. Any help would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leistonbmx Posted December 1, 2010 Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 Don't use stuff you don't need? haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forteh Posted December 1, 2010 Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 Eliminate any draughts if you can, depends on what the heating is learn how to use it effectively. Currently Ive only got storage heaters in my house and any cold draughts/doors opened leeches the heat away very quickly; fortunately Im getting central heating in the next couple of weeks so that shouldnt be such an issue. Turning stuff off when youre not using it, even on standby uses power, unplugging phone chargers and the like will also save a little. Do you know how the electricity/gas is paid for? Is it a prepay meter or set up on DD? If its on DD have a look through the different suppliers before making a decision on which to go for, you can always swap later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT! Posted December 1, 2010 Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 Unplugging phone chargers is a myth. You're looking at about 4 pounds a year for 10 things. I'd rather pay 4 pounds a year for the convenience. Get energy saving light bulbs, they use 12w vs 60w (same brightness). You can have 5 of them running using the same power as one regular one. Also, they last so much longer than regular bulbs too so it's fit and forget. Steal internet if you can. Don't ever be late on a bill, they'll charge you for it. You can buy a plastic wrap that you can put up over your windows which get's rid of any drafts to cut down on your heating. Depending on your living situation you could get away with turning off the heat on a night and having a space heater in your room. If you have a good thermostat you can set it to come on when you usually get up so you don't take your morning pee in the cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Dunstan Posted December 1, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 Eliminate any draughts if you can, depends on what the heating is learn how to use it effectively. Currently Ive only got storage heaters in my house and any cold draughts/doors opened leeches the heat away very quickly; fortunately Im getting central heating in the next couple of weeks so that shouldnt be such an issue. Turning stuff off when youre not using it, even on standby uses power, unplugging phone chargers and the like will also save a little. Do you know how the electricity/gas is paid for? Is it a prepay meter or set up on DD? If its on DD have a look through the different suppliers before making a decision on which to go for, you can always swap later on. Yeah it's going to be direct debit, so shopping around for a deal is the best bet I guess. To save hassle probably be best to get gas/electric from the same supplier? Unplugging phone chargers is a myth. You're looking at about 4 pounds a year for 10 things. I'd rather pay 4 pounds a year for the convenience. Get energy saving light bulbs, they use 12w vs 60w (same brightness). You can have 5 of them running using the same power as one regular one. Also, they last so much longer than regular bulbs too so it's fit and forget. Steal internet if you can. Don't ever be late on a bill, they'll charge you for it. You can buy a plastic wrap that you can put up over your windows which get's rid of any drafts to cut down on your heating. Depending on your living situation you could get away with turning off the heat on a night and having a space heater in your room. If you have a good thermostat you can set it to come on when you usually get up so you don't take your morning pee in the cold. Thanks for the advice, actually very helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Shucksmith Posted December 1, 2010 Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 I tend to find if you think you've been undercharged on a bill, give the company a ring and check it's right. I've been in situations before where they've undercharged and added it on the next month + interest without informing. Not too sure on the legal end of shit there but it can be a nuisance if you're going to be very tight on money the next month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Dunstan Posted December 1, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 I tend to find if you think you've been undercharged on a bill, give the company a ring and check it's right. I've been in situations before where they've undercharged and added it on the next month + interest without informing. Not too sure on the legal end of shit there but it can be a nuisance if you're going to be very tight on money the next month Ah okay, fair point. I think it's going to be pretty tight for the first few months until we know how much everything is going to cost. I have done some research and know we can afford it, but it's better to be safe than sorry in these situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadManMike Posted December 1, 2010 Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 Wait 'til you have enough money not to worry, then gradually work on bringing bills down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.Wood Posted December 1, 2010 Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 If its brown, flush it down. If its yellow, let it mellow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellingtj Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 (edited) Unplugging phone chargers is a myth. You're looking at about 4 pounds a year for 10 things. I'd rather pay 4 pounds a year for the convenience. Why be wastefull at all? It's not a myth - whether wound or switch mode adaptors plugged in and switch on do still consume power, ok it's not much but neither is flicking a switch. Oh yeah for the original question, take your own meter readings - estimate bills normally guess too high, also do this as soon as you get the keys - no point paying for the previous owners consumption. Edited December 3, 2010 by ellingtj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocktrials Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 I tend to find if you think you've been undercharged on a bill, give the company a ring and check it's right. I've been in situations before where they've undercharged and added it on the next month + interest without informing. Not too sure on the legal end of shit there but it can be a nuisance if you're going to be very tight on money the next month yee, we had estimations after first reading for a whole year around 90 We then got a final bill when we moved out for 400 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT! Posted December 4, 2010 Report Share Posted December 4, 2010 Why be wastefull at all? It's not a myth - whether wound or switch mode adaptors plugged in and switch on do still consume power, ok it's not much but neither is flicking a switch. I've been here so long I forgot they have switches back at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Dunstan Posted December 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2010 If its brown, flush it down. If its yellow, let it mellow. Think I'll get that stitched and framed, then hang it above the bog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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