Household bills

How can you save money on your household bills? TheSite reveals all.

Is your only option trying to use the phone or heating less? Not necessarily - there are loads of ways you can save money on your everyday bills by shopping around to get a good deal on your services and utilities.

Direct debit

Many companies offer discounts of up to 13% on services if you pay by direct debit. Direct debits are an automatic payment from your bank account and usually spread the cost of goods or services over the year, and you can often pay a standard amount each month, making it easier to budget.

Around 16,000 organisations currently use direct debit to collect payments from their customers - it's cheaper for them, so they make it cheaper for you as well. Have a look at http://www.directdebit.co.uk/ for more information or check with your service provider on the options they offer.

Buy online

You can often get a discount if you make your purchase via the internet. If you have any questions on the product, call the company's service centre and let them know you intend to purchase online - they may offer you the discount anyway if you purchase over the phone but saw the pricing information on their website, or will give you the information you need to then go ahead and buy online.

Compare prices

There are now several websites offering you a quick and easy way to compare the cost of different services in your area. Check out http://www.uswitch.com/ for comparisons on utilities and phone, or try http://www.switchwithwhich.co.uk/ that also includes comparisons for mobile phone providers and travel operators. You can also check out http://www.unravelit.com/ (also includes credit cards and loans) and http://www.buy.co.uk/ (water as well).

Double up

Most suppliers of utilities or insurance offer a discount if you purchase more than one of their products, like both house contents and car insurance, or gas and electricity (often called dual fuel).

Ask your supplier

Your utility suppliers will be able to give you information on ways to save on usage and will let you know if there are any grants you can apply for to make your home more efficient. Also ask your electricity supplier about 'economy seven' which means you pay less for your electricity at night and more during the day. So if you're usually out during the day, and use lights, heating and run your washing machine at night, you could save.

If you've got a mobile, your provider should be able to tell you the most appropriate tariff for your needs. If you're a frequent phone user it might be worth moving to a plan with a higher monthly standing charge, but cheaper call rates or more free minutes, or if you use your phone only rarely, perhaps choose a plan where you can pay as you go so you only pay for what you use.

Use less

It may sound simple, but using less of your gas, electricity and water can really help you save. This doesn't just mean turning off the lights when you leave a room, but also by making sure your home and appliances are efficient.

Check out http://www.ukpower.co.uk/ which lists tips on energy efficiency, petrol savings and has a running costs calculator to give you an idea of how much your appliances cost to run.

If you own your own home, double-glazing and proper insulation will help save energy and cost. If you're renting, make sure your curtains are heavy enough to keep the cold out and the heat in, and keep doors closed to keep the heat from escaping from the rooms you use often.

To save on phone bills, try to make most of your calls during off-peak times when calls are cheaper, and sign up with a low-cost international provider if you make a lot of overseas calls.

To save water, remember to water your garden in the cooler parts of the day when less water will evaporate (it's better for the plants too) and use the 'half flush' feature on your loo if you have one, or install one if you don't. Taking shorter showers also saves on both water and heating costs, or you could always try showering with a friend!

Shop around

Compare prices and ask for information from your suppliers and make sure you only buy from reputable companies. Don't buy if there's no phone number for complaints and always read the small print before you purchase. There are loads of ways to save money on the things you use every day that won't change your lifestyle, but could make a big difference to your wallet.

Avoid 0870 numbers

You can save money on 0870 numbers thanks to saynoto0870.com, which lists alternative numbers that should save you money on your phone bills to helpdesks, information and booking lines. You can also add any number's you've discovered onto the website and help others access cheaper calls.