If you’ve been with the same utility provider for a while, you may have noticed the price of your bills slowly creep up over the years. Many consumers are in in the same boat, first lured in with the promise of unbeatable deals but then switched over on a standard tariff that ends up costing you more. Consumers do have a lot of power in this satiation and the most important thing is to not sit idly by, letting providers make decisions on your behalf. Ready to start saving? Read below to find out all the things you can do to get the best value when it comes to your household bills.

We should first make a distinction between best value and cheapest and the two don’t often go hand in hand. Before considering the switch, think about your household’s need and try to match it with a suitable contract. For example, your family might be online a lot, which requires a lot of bandwidth, but the cheapest contract will provide you with slower internet speeds – that would be a bad value switch for your household! If you’re not sure what internet speed you would benefit from most, then give this simple video from Hoppy a go to ensure you’re only paying for what you need.

Call Directly

So many of us are used to sorting our bills on the internet that we’re overlooking the great deals that can be had when you negotiate with someone over the phone. Don’t be afraid to call up your supplier and let them know that you’re thinking of leaving – then wait for an offer from them. Suppliers want to retain as many customers as possible and will offer you a series of deals or perks to entice you to stay. Do some research beforehand to see what kind of offers are available with competitor providers and mention those when you’re speaking to someone as you may be offered a price-match deal.

Check Your Council Tax

Did you know that up to 40,000 homes in Britain are in the wrong council tax band? Considering that council tax is one of the highest bills that everyone pays monthly, it’s definitely worth checking whether you’re in the right bracket. Not only can you save hundreds of pounds, but you could also be eligible for a rebate. Try writing an email to your council or giving them a call to double check. Be aware that a review of your property’s council tax band could also lead to the bill increasing in the future if it’s found that the property has been in the cheaper band than it was supposed to.

Switch Tariffs Often

When it comes to gas and electricity, shopping around and switching tariffs often should be a part of every consumer’s thinking. Remember, companies want to reel you in with a great offer so new customer offers are almost always going to be cheaper than staying with a supplier for a long time; loyalty really doesn’t pay in this instance. Use price comparison sites to see what’s on offer and where the best deals can be found. Be sure to make a note of any exit fees before you switch to ensure you’re not paying those if you decide to switch again.

Getting the best value household bills takes a little time and research but it’s well worth it when there’s so much that you can potentially save. Check the utility market often, since new deals pop up all the time, and start making those savings now!