Here at Glide we base your monthly student bills for energy on expected use and this is the case for the vast majority of energy companies.
However, the difference with Glide is that we will refund the money paid for the energy not used. That could be a sweet little cash injection at the end of a tough university term!
Here’s a guide on how to save energy and get a refund at the end of your tenancy.
Firstly, it’s best to be conscious of your energy use from the moment you move into your student house. Naturally, you’ll be come more aware of things like turning switches off at the socket.
Discuss your plan with the other house mates and commit to being aware of how much energy you are using. Should one particular tenant not stick to the plan and leave lights on all the time, then don’t be afraid to give them a little reminder of that agreement you all made when you all moved in.
Don’t forget to layer up!
If it feels colder in your house than it does outside, it can be really tempting to turn the heating right up, however think of much this will cost you. Instead, put more layers on to keep warm, woolly sock, a beanie and a thick hoodie will keep you feeling toasty.
- Check that meter reading…often!
Energy companies often offer their customers bills based on guess work because reading the meter is a faff or difficult to get to. Keep a check on your energy meter and cross reference it against your bill.
Reading the meter on a regular basis and seeing it rise will also focus your mind and energies on saving energy and you’ll definitely become more vigilant. Challenge yourselves to make the increase smaller on a month-to-month basis. If you send regular meter reading to your energy provider, it allows them to bill you correctly which is why here at Glide we ask that these are sent in regularly.
- Avoid expensive and unnecessary use of appliances
Even if your rented house has a tumble dryer and dishwasher – don’t use them! They are expensive and will add pounds and pounds to your all-inclusive bills. Remember that owing money at the end of your energy contract is possible if unexpected energy is used throughout the term.
Think carefully about your use of the washing machine too. Do large loads on occasion rather than regular small loads of bits and pieces. Combine laundry with your housemates if necessary.
Remember that modern washing machines only live up to high energy efficiency ratings on long, eco cycles. It’s backwards but longer washes work out cheaper.
Choose to light your home with energy efficient bulbs in all rooms. Ask the landlord to provide them. They may be a little more expensive to purchase but they use much less energy and will need changing much less regularly.
Switch appliances off at the mains. Even while using the data in one of Glide’s student broadband deals to watch movies on your laptop in bed – it’s important to get up and unplug before going to sleep.
- Spend your time in the library doing more than studying
Glide Utilities provide their customers with great student broadband deals. Because of this fast and cheap internet, it’s tempting to do all your study research at home. But the library has wi-fi … and free electricity and heat!
Find a cosy corner of your university to write your dissertation, catch up with some reading and prepare for the next day’s seminar. While there, make sure you charge your phone, iPod, laptop and tablet. It’s cheeky but in the long run could add to your end of contract rebate.
- Check potential rental houses for insulation
Ask potential landlords about the quality and level of insulation within a property. If the standard is high it will save you money on the house’s student energy bills. Don’t consider a property with very little insulation.
Even if your home is insulated there are further ways to decrease energy loss. Buy a few of those funny sausage dog draft excluders, check windows for drafts and fill cracks and gaps with bubble wrap.
Lastly, it’s a simple thing but make sure that you and your flat mates keep windows and doors shut as much as possible. This is good for both energy saving and security.
Move furniture away from radiators and heaters so you aren’t paying to keep the back of the sofa warm and snug.
- Avoid paying for unexpected permanent ‘guests’
If one of your housemates has a boyfriend, girlfriend or gang of mates that practically lives in your home then this is a tricky situation.
It’s annoying to lose any savings made on your energy bills to people cooking, washing, charging appliances and doing their laundry, sometimes you have to be firm.
Your Glide inclusive student bills are based on the tenants registered and the expected energy use of those people. Explain to your housemate and their guests that perhaps a contribution to the bills would be appropriate – the thought of paying a top-up rather than receiving a refund should be motivation enough.