Saving money at home

Energy

There are many ways that you could save money on your energy costs and become more energy efficient. These include:

• adding insulation around pipework and in loft spaces will reduce some of the 40% of heat that can be lost from the home
  
• installing or replacing a new, more efficient, boiler can save 40% on household fuel bills
  
• when replacing or buying new appliances always look for the energy efficient symbol; this can cut both your energy bills and environmental impact
  
• replacing old light bulbs with energy saving ones will reduce your energy costs and, as they last much longer, will save you money in the long term
  
• always remember to switch off lights and appliances when they are not needed

You may also be entitled to receive a grant for work to make your home more energy efficient. More information about energy savings and grants is available from:

• the Kent Energy Centre  offers information regarding grants and discounts on insulation and heating. They also offer an on-line energy check to see what your house needs to make it warmer and cheaper to run, call 0800 512 012
  
• the Energy Saving Trust  provides a 'grant finder for household energy improvements' and provides a free home energy check, call 0800 512 012
  
• the Act on CO2 website  includes an online CO2 calculator

Difficulty paying bills

If you are finding it difficult to pay you energy bills you should contact your energy provider and try and agree a payment plan.

Electricity and gas suppliers follow a code of practice and will not cut off your supply if you agree a payment plan and keep to it.

Read information about paying your rent or mortgage.

Food

Research shows that the average household spends up to £400 on food per year that isn't eaten. There are lots of ways that you could save money on the food you buy. The Love Food Hate Waste campaign offers lots of tips to help you save.

The Money Saving Expert website provides information on speacial deals and discount vouchers for shopping and eating out.

Entertainment

The county's libraries provide access to over 2,102,751 books and 157,617 audio/visual items such as DVDs and CDs. You can make use of all of this collection by joining a library.

Travel

Kent Car Share helps bring together people that make similar car journeys so that they can share a lift and the costs. Register for free and use the online system to find others to share your journey with.