Why choose TopCashback Compare?
We take quotes from a large range of energy suppliers and compare them to find the best deal for you. You’ll be able to view the tariff types, features, and costs per month or per year for each quote to find one that fits your needs.
On top of that, you can receive cashback when you compare through us. While other comparison companies take a commission from the energy suppliers they feature, we pass it onto our customers. So you’re able to switch, save, and earn.
Don’t just take it from us, either. Take a look at reviews from Trustpilot, where we’re rated Excellent with an average score of 4.5 out of 5.*
*Correct as of February 2023.What is the difference between fixed-rate and standard variable tariffs?
A fixed-rate tariff means you’ll agree on what you pay per unit of energy at the beginning of your contract. You may have to pay an exit fee if you decide to leave early.
Standard variable tariffs mean that your rate of pay per unit can fluctuate according to the supplier and based on the energy market.
While a fixed-rate tariff is usually the better option for securing a lower cost, this may not be the case in the current climate. The Energy Price Guarantee currently applies to standard variable tariffs, meaning energy companies are limited on what they can charge. You may find that this means staying on your variable tariff is the best option for now.
The price limit is due to change to £2,074 in July 2023, which could be a good time to analyse your supplier.
Tips to keep your energy prices down
While there are some things you can’t help with the cost of energy right now, there are some simple and low-cost tips you can follow to reduce your usage.
- ⚡ Turn appliances off standby mode
Large tech equipment and appliances like TVs, soundbars, and smart plugs use a small amount of energy when they are left plugged in and on standby mode. Depending on the appliances you have, figures from Which show you can save around £30 a year by switching everything off completely when not in use.
- ⚡ Turn down your thermostat
Turn down the thermostat one degree to save up to £80 a year on heating costs. A comfortable temperature for most people and most homes is between 18 and 21 degrees, so turn it down and layer up to save money.
- ⚡ Adjust your boiler temperature
The flow temperature is what your boiler heats water to before being distributed to radiators, which could be 70+ degrees. Efficient combi-boilers can be turned down to 60 degrees, meaning your radiators won’t be as hot to the touch and your home will warm more gradually. Check with a heating engineer before you adjust anything.
- ⚡ Switch to LED bulbs
LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient forms of lighting and could save you around £50 a year. Although there is a larger upfront cost, the bulbs last longer, so next time you need to change a bulb, opt for an LED one.
- ⚡ Add low-cost insulation equipment to block draughts
There are lots of low-cost items you can pick up to keep cold air out and warm air in. Draught excluders are useful for blocking underneath doorways or along windowsills for an easy way to save heat and money. You can also buy insulation film to cover large windows as an extra layer temporarily. If you’ve got a loft, check you have insulation – if not, you can buy this at most DIY stores and put it in yourself to prevent heat from escaping through your ceiling.
- ⚡ Take short showers, not baths
It’s pretty obvious that it takes a lot more energy to fill a bath with hot water versus what you use in the shower. You can save money by keeping your showers to around five minutes as much as you can.
- ⚡ Wash at 30° or lower and skip the tumbler
Washing clothes at 30°C and air drying uses just 16.5% of the energy it takes to wash at 40°C and tumble drying.
- ⚡ Keep your fridge clean
Make sure the coils at the back of your fridge are dust free to maintain optimal efficiency. There should also be a little breathing room around your fridge so it’s able to allow heat to escape.
- ⚡ Reduce oven usage
Cook on the hob as much as possible to keep your electricity costs down. If you need to use the oven, find recipes you can cook at the same time so you can batch cook and freeze for later consumption.
- ⚡ Fill the dishwasher
Dishwashers use less water and less energy than washing up by hand, but make sure it’s full when you turn it on.
- ⚡ Boil your kettle smartly
Unlike a dishwasher, you should only fill the kettle with as much water as you need, but heating water this way is usually more efficient than a pan on the hob.
- ⚡ Get a smart meter
Depending on your area and how you pay your energy bill, you can qualify for a smart meter in your home. You’ll be able to monitor your energy usage in real time and in real money so you’re not guessing at what your bill will be when it comes through.
