| During a recession, everybody looks for ways in | | | | the oven, microwave or toaster. |
| which they can cut costs. This ranges from | | | | Once you get used to the idea of saving, the |
| changing what we buy in supermarkets through | | | | process becomes really quite simple. However, |
| deciding against that last drink at the pub, taking | | | | simply using less gas and electricity isn't the only |
| our lunches into work and trying to reduce our | | | | way to cut down: you can also compare |
| bills wherever we go. | | | | providers to make sure you're getting the best |
| Some bills many people aren't aware can be | | | | deal, switching to save money if possible, and |
| significantly reduced include energy bills. These are | | | | check your monthly bills to ensure you're getting |
| our gas and electricity bills that can stack up quite | | | | charged the right amount. Some providers charge |
| high during particular months, especially winter | | | | you based on an estimate and you may actually |
| when you're more likely to switch your heating on. | | | | be getting overcharged, so you should contact |
| However, rather than deprive yourself of warmth | | | | them with the meter readings to make sure |
| during the cold months, there are still plenty of | | | | you're paying the correct amount. |
| things you can do to cut down on energy | | | | It's also vital to have well-working gas equipment |
| expenditure and save. | | | | because a poorly working machine achieves poor |
| For example, making sure that you don't leave | | | | results. If you own your home, you should |
| any electrical equipment running for longer than | | | | contact your gas company to see if you might |
| necessary is key to reducing your electricity bills. | | | | need a new boiler, in which case a gas boiler |
| This could mean turning off lights every time you | | | | installation could have an enormous effect on your |
| leave a room, turning computers and televisions | | | | energy bills. |
| off at the mains instead of leaving them on stand | | | | What's more, as well as feeling better about |
| by and trying to reduce the amount of times you | | | | spending less, you can also enjoy the feeling that |
| use the washing machine. | | | | you're doing a little more for the environment - an |
| You may be able to use your laptop on battery | | | | issue of increasing importance as time goes by. |
| strength instead of plugging it in, enjoy an evening | | | | So as well as lightening the strain on your wallet, |
| of atmospheric candlelight instead of electrical | | | | lighten the weight on the environment and start |
| ones or make a salad for lunch instead of using | | | | saving energy. |