Condensing Boilers - Householders urged to switch

08/02/2008

Householders should consider switching energy tariffs as a matter of urgency, according to a consumer group.

The advice came after E:ON announced it was putting its gas prices up by 15 per cent and its electricity prices by 9.7 per cent.

Other major suppliers, such as British Gas, npower and EDF Energy, have already implemented similar price increases and Which? said it is time for householders to hunt down a better deal.

It noted that some suppliers were still significantly cheaper than others, but added that many people would find they could save money without actually switching provider.

"All the suppliers have increased their standard tariffs more than their online tariffs. Switching to a paperless online tariff … and securing a dual fuel deal could greatly reduce your annual energy bill," the consumer watchdog advised.

Price comparison service uSwitch.com recently recommended that householders could keep their total heating costs down by taking out emergency heating cover.

It claimed around one in three boilers breaks down during its first six years of service and that the repair bill can be as high as £470.