WARM UP
How much does it cost to leave your central heating on all night?
Plus, we've explained all the energy bills help available this winter
WINTER has arrived, and temperatures are beginning to fall, so should we keep our heating on all night?
With energy prices remaining high and expected to rise again in January, leaving your radiators on overnight could result in a very expensive bill.
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The overall cost of running central heating depends on various factors, including the type of boiler you have and, of course, the size of your home.
According to recent data from Uswitch.com, the average cost of operating a central heating system is 6.24p per kilowatt-hour.
This means that if you have a 24kW boiler, it would cost you £1.50 an hour to run.
This is less expensive than under last year's energy price cap, but it could still push your bills up across the entire winter period.
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For example, if your heating is on overnight for eight hours at this charge, it could cost you £12.
Multiply that by seven, and you’re paying a staggering £84 for the week. Over several months, that's a lot of money.
Of course, prices will vary depending on factors such as the temperature of your thermostat.
It's also important to consider what tariff you're on, as this could determine how much it costs you to have central heating on through the night.
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For example, Economy 7 or 10 tariffs mean you'll pay less at night but a higher rate during the day.
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KEEP WARM WITHOUT THE HEATING
It's better to have your heating on for a few hours in the evening and then set the timer so it comes on an hour before you plan to get up.
Another way to keep warm at night is to layer up and ensure you have a thick winter duvet.
Consider buying an electric blanket; they are another great way to keep warm, and most cost around 2.4p an hour to run.
Turning one on about half an hour before you sleep will warm your bed up and cost just over 1p.
Get yourself a hot water bottle, they are always great way of keeping warm and they are perfect for snuggling up with in bed - you'll just need to factor in the cost of boiling your kettle or heating water on your stove.
Alternatively, if you want to have the central heating on in your bedroom, turn off the radiators in the rooms you're not using to cut costs.
Don't forget about preventative measures, such as draught-proofing your home and sealing your windows to stop cold air from coming in. Shut your curtains to help keep heat in, too.
Prices for draught excludes start from a fiver in most stores, but a thick blanket rolled up next to a draughty door will work just as well.
Loft insulation is also very important as it can stop heat escaping, slashing your heating bill.
You can buy insulation from all local builder merchants or retailers such as B&Q and Wickes.
What energy bill help is available?
There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
If you turn your boiler's flow temperature down you could save around £180 annually on your energy bills.
A couple managed to cut £400 off their EDF Energy bill by turning off their immersion heater.
Topping up loft insulation and switching to a smart meter can also bring a household further savings.
Reducing draughts and heat loss will also help to cut your heating costs, so grab some draught excluders and consider increasing your insulation.
It's also important to consider which rooms in your home need heating.
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You won't be using each one 24/7, so ensure the heating is set to frost protection in any rooms that aren't occupied.
There is also a list of other common boiler problems we've rounded up that could be pumping up your bills.
How do I calculate my energy bill?
BELOW we reveal how you can calculate your own energy bill.
To calculate how much you pay for your energy bill, you must find out your unit rate for gas and electricity and the standing charge for each fuel type.
The unit rate will usually be shown on your bill in p/kWh.The standing charge is a daily charge that is paid 365 days of the year - irrespective of whether or not you use any gas or electricity.
You will then need to note down your own annual energy usage from a previous bill.
Once you have these details, you can work out your gas and electricity costs separately.
Multiply your usage in kWh by the unit rate cost in p/kWh for the corresponding fuel type - this will give you your usage costs.
You'll then need to multiply each standing charge by 365 and add this figure to the totals for your usage - this will then give you your annual costs.
Divide this figure by 12, and you'll be able to determine how much you should expect to pay each month from April 1.
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