As if the economic news isn't bad enough, (the Eurozone being beyond a basket case December 8th should see the euro implode says doyen City Editor Jeff Randall, (who once at the Daily Telelgraph attempted to throw a typewriter at me! [Kids ask your parents...] ) a new report now says that ONE in FOUR UK households is in fuel poverty ie 10 per cent of your income is paid out to the Utilities Companies!
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| The season of goodwill and higher utility bills |
Government says it has an obligation to eliminate fuel poverty by 2016, based on current performance, we say don't bank on it! Fuel prices have risen by 80% over the last 7 years....
This affects Peterborough in a big way, as many households are on modest incomes, and are addtionally saddled with the extra sky high cost of key advance pay meters, others are on variable direct debits, and if it helps we'll pass on some ideas to reduce your bills....
On direct debits, the energy company will tell you what they propose taking out of your account each month. Always challenge the figures, why should they build up your account so it shows they owe you...ie a credit in their favour?
You can easily negotiate a £20 a month reduction. Don't rely on their meter readings either, if you have access to a computer, take the readings and send them off or telephone them. I've found that to read the water meter stuffed down a four foot tube, simply take a flash digital picture of the underground meter panel rather than try to work it out! The same goes for the gas meter which is also outside and below ground inches away from the front meter box sidewall....bonkers!
Check your utility bills line by line, one meter reader misread the panels and we had the energy company for once on the telephone (gasp!) asking us to check their work!
Central Heating: Now is the time (not too late|) to get an annual service, forget the British Gas offer, way too expensive, try local firm Peterborough Boiler Services on 01733 312586, put what you would have paid out on an annual contract into a deposit account and keep adding to it...
Bleed your radiators! Buy a small radiator key, any hardware shop (£3) and let the trapped air out of ALL your radiators (small valve at top of each radiator, have a cloth handy!
Keep curtains closed before dark (from 4 pm onwards at the moment) to conserve heat and also WD40 the window catches, locks and handles...far cheaper than replacing the handle when it shears off...
Best tip of all and this has saved HUNDREDS OF POUNDS! Install a Victorian style pulley on the ceiling of your stairwell, hot air in your house always rises, so a washing machine load, if spun twice, will dry overnight!
In seven years we have only used the dryer program on our washing machine once! During the Summer if using an outside clothes line, hang bunches of fresh herbs, lavender and flowers for drying from the pulley. An image straight out of Country Life magazine..
On your washing machine, clear the filter (bottom front behind the plastic kick panel) monthly! Have a large rimmed tray ready as you'll get a mug full of effluent.....
Same goes for the dishwasher, keep it clean, use a descaler ONCE A MONTH, and only run it when you have a full load.
When our BOSCH washing machine refused to start, we called out MWS Electrical 01733 204997, he took the top off, to reveal a SERVICE ENGINEER ACCESSIBLE ONLY trip switch, a simple flick and the machine kicked into life. I wonder how many of us have been chaeged a full £60+ call out fee. He refused to charge us a penny! The MWS number is now permanently taped to the front of our machine.
Finally, the bird population is totally confused by the weather and flocks of them should have left our shores for much warmer climes. Please put out bird feeders, seed, fat balls and water on a daily basis. Aldi have just cut by half the price of all their bird feed products (to make way for Christmas tat!) Merry Christmas!
.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE (non-emergency) 101 In an Emergency Dial 999. [Always request an INCIDENT NUMBER] If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Just to add if your neighbours have the same type of house as you, ask them what they are paying! Its amazing the difference between energy companies and the numerous schemes.
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