JDT2Q wrote:
BTW the elec:gas ratio is elec £172 : gas £288
FYI the house here is a late 60s open plan semi, with two adult
occupants 24/7. Back boiler central heating, electric cooker, no
tumble dryer, Economy 7 electricity; computers on 20/24 and router
24/7.
Be aware that Nov-Dec-Jan is the possibly costliest period for
heating; almost half the annual gas bill is accounted for here by
these three months, 6000 out of 14000 kWh annual.
I've just checked the spreadsheet for Nov-Dec-Jan: Gas £226,
electricity £114. Annual use is 14000 kWh for Gas, 3500 kWh for
electricity.
What brought the electricity bill down noticeably was having the
kitchen updated a couple of years ago, and replacing the cooker,
fridge, and freezer with modern ones (fridge and freezer became a
fridge/freezer).
ISTM that your gas usage isn't too far out of line for a back-boiler
system, but you don't say whether you have this type or a modern
condensing one.
As others have said, go for the costliest items first, likely to be
tumble drier, cooker, and washing machine on the electricity side, and
taking the sensible steps as have been mentioned with the central
heating - but keep in mind these are the costliest heating months
anyway.
Turning off things like the router are likely to be more of a pain
that it's worth - if someone's working late, or starts early, and the
router isn't up and running, then it becomes a nuisance that you'll
happily pay a few pounds a year to avoid.
Be aware that 'energy ratings' on appliances can be a con - washing
machines have now gone cold-fill only, to boost their ratings despite
using more electricity than before. It all hinges on what is defined
as 'efficiency', which isn't necessarily the same as reducing your
bills.
Also be aware that 'switch' websites don't always give you the full
range of options. The Equitable Billing Company refuse to pay fees to
switch sites, so don't appear on them. Their only tariff is a 'social'
one, the same for every customer, none of these confusing 'deals' like
the main suppliers, and no expensive 'Primary Day Units' for
electricity or 'Expensive Tier' for gas. Do your suppliers have these?
See if Ebico's price comparisons would help you:
http://www.ebico.co.uk/
HTH