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6 Household Bills Hacks to Save You Money

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6 hacks to lower your bills

Managing household bills can be a real challenge, especially when they seem to keep climbing higher each month.

But fear not!

We’ve got your back with six ingenious household bill hacks that will help you save money without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

These simple yet effective strategies will empower you to take control of your expenses and free up some extra cash for the things that truly matter to you.

Let’s dive in and discover how you can make a significant difference in your monthly budget!

Why are household bills soaring in the UK?

Since 2020, prices have been rising nationwide. Although this may have been kickstarted by the pandemic in several ways, the war in Ukraine has also led to soaring inflation.

Staying up to date on market trends is more important than ever and can help you stay prepared for further price rises.

Our weekly shops, insurance, petrol, and energy bills are sky-high, so it’s understandable that you’re looking to cut back where you can.

Our top 5 expert tips for cutting household bills

We asked our experts to explain the top six most effective hacks for reducing your home bills.

Everyone can try at least one of these – so read on for more!

  1. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Cut Costs, Not Comfort

One of the most impactful ways to save on your household bills is by investing in energy-efficient appliances. These modern marvels consume less power while delivering the same level of performance.

From energy-saving LED bulbs to Energy Star-rated refrigerators and showerheads, these appliances will not only lower your electricity bill but also reduce your carbon footprint.

We say that’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet!

  1. Embrace the Power of Smart Thermostats

Heating costs can take a considerable chunk out of your budget.

Enter the era of smart thermostats – the ultimate household bill hack. These intelligent devices learn your preferences, adjust temperatures accordingly, and can be controlled remotely through your smartphone.

By optimizing your home’s climate, you’ll avoid energy waste and save big on your bills.

Plus, some energy providers even offer rebates for installing smart thermostats, giving you an extra incentive to make the switch.

This is also the case for solar panels, depending on whereabouts you live.

It’s worth investigating if you would be eligible for a government grant.

  1. Bundle Up and Save on TV, Internet, and Phone Services

If you’re still paying for TV, internet, and your landline phone separately, it’s time to bundle up and save!

Many providers offer attractive bundle packages that combine these services into one convenient, discounted bill.

Not only will you enjoy the convenience of a single monthly payment, but you’ll also benefit from significant savings compared to individual subscriptions.

As for your mobile, could you consider a SIM-only plan?

If you’re nearing the end of your contract, and you’re happy with the device, you should look into it.

See our blog explaining everything you need to know.

  1. Unplug to Save: Combat Phantom Energy Drain

Did you know that even when your electronic devices are turned off, they still draw power? Our experts call this “phantom energy drain”, and it contributes to unnecessary energy costs.

Combat this sneaky expense by unplugging “vampire” devices when they’re not in use.

You’ll be amazed at how much you can save just by being more mindful of your off switches!

  1. Save on the Splash and Save up Your Cash

We all love a hot bubbly bath from time to time, but showering is much more efficient.

Even by just swapping to showers and having one bath per week, you can save tens of litres per month.

Putting your clothes on a slightly cooler wash of 30 degrees also saves you money every month, without decreasing the effectiveness of your washing powder.

  1. Don’t be Afraid to Switch, Shop Around and Haggle

When it comes to your bills, switching is your secret weapon. Many providers offer low priced and unbeatable introductory periods, or discounts for new customers.

We’re here to find these deals for you. Small changes make a big difference to your bills, and when it comes to broadband, you might be able to save AND upgrade!

In essence, our team will do all the haggling for you and find you a personalised deal within your budget.

Could you be Overpaying on Your Bills?

Switching your broadband or mobile deal could potentially save you hundreds per year. If you haven’t switched plans in a while, there’s a very real chance you could be overpaying.

Many suppliers will automatically enrol you onto a new standard tariff plan once your initial contract ends.

The catch? You’ll likely be paying more per month – and not necessarily for a better service in return.

We’ll find out how much you could be saving in no time, whilst also ensuring that your new contracts are well suited to your home.

Switch and Save Now

We can help you cut back on your expensive contracts. Whether it’s your mobile, or your home broadband, we can find you a personalised deal today.

Get started with a few clicks and you’ll be surprised by the savings!

 

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How Switching Water Suppliers Can Save Your Business Money

Business Water Bills

Repost from MoneyExpert.

Could you be overpaying on business water?

Since April 2017, the business water market in England was deregulated, fully opening up to competition.

From then on, businesses have been able to choose which company they want to buy their retail water services from.

This includes a variety of services, like billing, account management, meter reading and water efficiency advice.

Ofwat closely monitor and regulate the market to protect business customers, for example by setting limits on the price that customers pay if they don’t switch or renegotiate a new deal.

How does the business water market work?

The market works much like other open utility markers, like for gas and electricity. Retail suppliers buy wholesale services, such as the physical supply of water or the removal of wastewater. They then offer packages to sell to their business customers.

Who are the market’s key players?

  • Retail suppliers – these suppliers compete for your custom.
  • Wholesalers – the companies which own and operate the network of water pipes, mains and treatment works. They sell water and wastewater services to the retail suppliers.
  • Open Water – this is the government’s programme which aims to open the new business retail market. Open Water is led by three organisations – Ofwat, Defra and MOSL. The programme shares information about the market with business customers.
  • Defra – the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
  • Ofwat – they are the economic regulatory body for the water sector. They are also the market’s licensing authority. In order to offer water services to customers, suppliers must first be awarded a license by Ofwat.
  • MOSL – the Market Operator, who makes sure that the market functions simply and efficiently. They facilitate the transfer of customer information when said customer switches retail supplier.
  • WICS – the Water Industry Commission for Scotland is responsible for regulating the water market in Scotland.

Changing water supplier – what are the benefits?

Switching to a new water supplier comes with a host of benefits for your business. For example:

  • You can request consolidated and electronic billing, making your water bill easier to pay back. What’s more, you can ask for more frequent bills, allowing you to monitor more closely your business’ water usage.
  • You can also obtain consumption and billing data to whatever standard you would prefer, including online self-service.
  • You may also receive better customer service, as you would have the choice of competing your supply, rather than receiving customer service just from your local supplier.
  • You could save money by choosing a more cost-effective supplier.
  • If you have multiple sites in different areas, you could streamline your bills by choosing one supplier for all sites.

How to switch

The process of switching water suppliers is easy and simple, so it’s well worth doing if you want to take advantage of all of the benefits that come with it.

  1. Find the right supplier for your business: Write down everything that you’re looking for in a water supplier, from good customer service to getting help with water efficiency. You should then look through Open Water’s online catalogue of providers to find one that meets all your requirements.
  2. Get a quote: when you’ve found your ideal supplier, make sure their price is also ideal for your business. Have your Supply Point Identification (SPID) number on hand. You can find this on your latest water bill.
  3. Sign up: sign an agreement with your new supplier. Normally, they will contact your current supplier to let them know that you’re moving. When switching supplier, you will need the following essential information on hand:
    • Your organisation’s name
    • Your business’ address, including postcode
    • Your annual water consumption
    • Contact name at the premises
    • Contact phone number for your premises
    • Desirable but not essential is your unique property reference number, demand profile and annual spend

How to increase your business’ water efficiency

Water is a precious and finite source – less than 3% of earth’s water is fresh, and only 0.3% is readily accessible. In the UK, businesses account for 25% of water usage, so it’s important that every business is conscious of how much they’re using.

Benefits of water efficiency

  • Saving water can cut down your energy bill, as the two are closely linked. For example, when you run a tap, energy is used to pump the water.
  • You can save other resources too. It takes five litres of water to run a lightbulb or one plastic bottle. Reducing your business’ water consumption can therefore help you save in other areas.
  • The less water you use, the bigger savings you will see on your bill. Even the smallest changes can have a tangible impact.

Understanding your current water usage

Before you can come up with a plan to become more water efficient, you need to understand your current consumption. This can help you to understand how and where water is being used on your premises, allowing you to target key areas.

  • Take a meter reading: take these readings frequently over one month, at the beginning and end of each day.
  • Look at your previous bills: if you notice that your consumption varies a lot without there being any obvious reason for this, then leaking of faulty equipment might be the culprit, or your bill might be inaccurate. If this is the case, then further water audit or an investigation may be required.

Implementing water saving devices

Taps:

  • Automatic taps: these can save you up to 70% compared to manual taps. This is because a lot of water is wasted when a tap is turned off and on manually. With an automatic sensor, it takes 0.5 seconds to turn a tap off and on. These taps also remove the problem of drips.
  • Spray taps: these can also save you up to 70%. With spray taps, water is forced through small hole filters, creating a spray. This decreases the amount of water that runs through your taps.

Toilets:

  • Dropping cistern water: this is often done by placing a brick in the cistern and can save up to 5,000 litres of water per year.
  • Dual flush technology: this can save up to 70% of water.
  • Passive infrared sensor: this can save up to 75% of water involved in flushing urinals.

Other things to think about:

  • Banning bottled water: by replacing bottled water with water fountains, you can reduce your water costs by as much as 50%
  • Rainwater storage tanks: you can save money by capturing and recycling rainwater. We get plenty of it in the UK, so why not exploit it? Storage tanks range in size, so you can get the right one to suit your business premises.

 

Ready to save on your business bills?

We search offers with your best interests in mind.

Browse the latest business water deals in seconds and see how much you could save.

Deals are found instantly and always tailored to your business and budget.

Whether you’re looking to save on VoIP, card payments, or more, we can help you find a better deal today.

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Business Water Bills Explained

Business Water Bills

Our Rundown of Business Water Bills

The cost of business water can quickly add up when you’re misinformed.

However, all businesses need running water.

In fact, research from Energy Costcutters shows that 67% of businesses across the UK and Scotland have been overcharged on their business water bills.

Here’s what you need to know.

It’s key to note that your business water bill varies depending on your area and your local utility company charges.

Consequently, there are over 20 different licensed water suppliers for UK businesses, but their charges are regulated and fortunately, predictable.

So how does it all work?

In simple terms, your bill is split up by the water coming and coming out of your business premises.

These are known as Water charges, and Wastewater charges.

Water charges

This cost relates to the supply of fresh water coming into your business premises and depends on how much water you and your team use.

Wastewater charges

These charges are for the removal of used water going out of your business premises into the local sewer system.

Being connected to the sewer system means that these charges apply to you.

Do you have a water meter?

You should submit your meter reading at least once a year (if not more), to avoid being charged for an estimated consumption.

Your bill will be an ‘estimated’, ‘read’ or ‘actual’ consumption.

The two charges your bill will be made up of are:

  • A fixed charge. Based on the type of water meter you have, and this covers both the readings and water meter maintenance.
  • A variable charge. Based on your overall business water usage.

No meter?

In this case, you’ll be paying a fixed price.

You’ll also be paying a charge relatable to the valuable of your business premises.

A lot of our customers find using a water meter offers more accurate and better-priced bills.

If you’re a small business, you’ll likely find that your water bill is similar to that of a household.

Large business owners should look for an alternative tariff better suited to high demand.

Our advice on reducing your business water bill

  1. Encourage all staff to get on board with saving water. Run fun competitions, ask for creative tips and urge staff to report any leaks
  2. Invest in efficiency. Geysers and water-efficient taps (or automatic taps) are worth buying to help you save in the long run. Dual-flush toilets are also a valuable investment.
  3. Leave notes around the office. Dishwasher in the breakroom? Leave a sign instructing staff to only turn it on when it’s full
  4. Get a water meter installed.

Looking to save more on your other business bills?

We compare business broadband, VoIP and mobile suppliers in one place.

It’s our mission to upgrade you whilst also saving you money.

Join countless other business owners in saving thousands today.

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