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Knowing what to do can help you deal with your home energy issues quickly and confidently.
This page is based on the tasks that people most often contact our helplines for help with. Use it to find simple, no-nonsense guidance, from sources you can trust, on the basics of home heating, energy suppliers and bills.
If there are technical terms you're still struggling with that you can't find here, try our Energy jargon buster page.
How to read your meter
Use this energy meter guide from Citizen's Advice to identify the type of meter you have, understand how it records your energy usage, and provide a meter reading to your energy supplier.
If you're considering a meter upgrade, check out this guide to smart meters from the Uswitch website.
How to use your central heating controls
Use this guide to how to use your central heating from Age UK to help you manage timers, thermostats and controls for boilers and central heating systems.
How to maintain your boiler
Use this guide to looking after your boiler from Age UK, to learn about servicing and what to do if your boiler breaks down.
How to understand your energy bill
Use this energy bill guide from the Energy Saving Trust to help you to understand the terms on your bill, and how costs are calculated.
If you're having problems with the cost of keeping your home warm, find out about /get-help-fuel-bills-and-cost-livinghelp with fuel bills and the cost of living.
How to understand your energy tariff
Use this clear, illustrated energy tariff guide from the Uswitch website, to explore the different types of tariffs which are available, and how to switch between them.
What to do if you're in debt to your energy supplier
Use this helpful guide to what to do if you're in energy debt from the Uswitch website.
For more practical help and to find out if you're eligible for financial support, visit our dedicated section on /get-help-fuel-bills-and-cost-livinghelp with fuel bills and the cost of living.
How to complain about an energy supplier
Use Age UK's guide to energy complaints to help you deal with problems such as connection issues or power cuts, problems with billing or faulty energy meters.
How to change energy suppliers
First, you'll need to compare different energy deals, and see what they can offer you. The best deal will depend on the type, size and location of your home, your energy needs, and your lifestyle.
Once you've decided which one you'd like, switching is easy and quick. Just follow the step-by-step instructions for switching your gas and electricity from the Uswitch website.
We're planning on expanding this know-how page over time. If you think there's a common term or problem that we haven't thought of, let us know and we'll fix it as soon as we can!
If you can't find the answers you need here, we recommend getting in touch with CSE to get expert help.
Call CSE on 0800 082 2234Lines are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
Contact CSE online
