As the evenings get cooler and the heating starts going back on, now is a good time to give your home a quick energy check.
A few simple checks can help you get ready for the colder months, understand how much energy you’re using and spot any problems before winter arrives.
Check your meter
Take an up-to-date meter reading and compare it with your latest bill. If your bill shows an estimated reading, send a current one to your supplier.
Even if you have a smart meter, it’s worth checking your bill to make sure readings are being sent correctly.
Not sure how to read your meter? Our 'home-heating-know-how’ page has straightforward guidance on meter readings, as well as other common home energy tasks.
Get to know your heating controls
Before your heating is on every day, take a few minutes to check your controls.
Is your timer set for the times you’re normally at home? Do you know how to adjust your thermostat or radiator controls?
Using your heating controls effectively can help you keep your home comfortable without heating it when you don’t need to. Our ‘home heating know-how’ page includes guidance on timers, thermostats and central heating controls.
And if terms such as smart meter, energy tariff, standing charge or unit rate leave you scratching your head, try our 'energy jargon buster'.
Check your energy account
It’s easy to pay your energy bill by Direct Debit without looking closely at your account.
Before winter, check whether you’re building up a large credit balance or whether your Direct Debit still reflects the amount of energy you’re using. It’s also worth checking which tariff you’re on and understanding what you’re being charged for.
Our ‘home heating know-how’ page includes guidance on understanding your energy bill and tariff, changing supplier and what to do if you’re in debt to your energy supplier.
Try some quick wins for a warmer home
There are also some simple things you can do around your home to help make it feel warmer and more comfortable as the temperature drops.
Take a look at our ‘quick wins for a warmer home’ page for practical ideas you can try without taking on a major home improvement project.
Don’t ignore a problem with your bill
If something doesn’t look right with your energy bill, or you’re worried about affording your energy this winter, ask for help early.
Our ‘help with fuel bills, hardship and the cost of living’ page brings together information about support that may be available.
You can also speak to someone. Free, impartial advice is available to people across Bath and North East Somerset.
The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) can help with energy bills, energy debt, grants and financial support, keeping your home warmer, heating problems and difficulties with your energy supplier. Call 0800 082 2234, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
If energy costs are part of a wider problem, the Community Wellbeing Hub can connect you with local support for energy, money and benefits, housing, food, health and wellbeing. Call 0300 247 0050, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can find these and other sources of support on our ‘Get help from an expert’ page.
Find the right energy advice for you
Whether you have a question about your bill, want to make your home more energy efficient or simply don’t know where to start, we’ve brought together trusted information from local partners and national organisations.
Find energy advice by topic to explore all our home energy advice and support.
