Bills Included – Fair Usage Policy

💡 Inclusive Bills & Energy Saving

Your room includes bills, but they are capped at normal usage. Excessive use of electricity or gas will be billed to all tenants at the property.

Please be responsible and energy-conscious — it benefits everyone.

⚡ General Guidelines

  • Turn off lights, appliances, and devices when not in use.

  • Do not leave heating on while windows are open.

  • Wear appropriate clothing and bedding to stay warm before turning up the heating.

  • Fans and portable electric heaters are not permitted due to fire risk.

🔥 Heating Tips

  • Layer up before turning on the heating — multiple thin layers are warmer than one thick layer.

  • Keep furniture away from radiators to allow heat to circulate.

  • Close curtains at night and tuck them behind radiators to retain heat.

  • Reduce heating in unused rooms, but don’t turn radiators off completely to prevent damp.

  • Lower the thermostat by 1°C to save roughly 10% on bills. Minimum safe temperature: 18°C.

  • Use timers to switch heating off overnight or when no one is home.

  • Stay warm with hot water bottles rather than electric blankets.

❄️ Fridges & Freezers

  • Keep fridge temperature between 3–5°C.

  • Clean dust from coils to improve efficiency.

  • Allow airflow by pulling appliances slightly away from walls.

  • Defrost freezers regularly to prevent ice build-up.

  • Cool hot leftovers before storing to avoid extra energy use.

  • Keep freezers reasonably full to maintain temperature efficiently.

🍳 Cooking Tips

  • Boil only the water you need.

  • Use lids on saucepans to retain heat.

  • Match saucepan size to the hob to reduce wasted energy.

  • Keep oven doors closed while cooking.

  • Cook multiple meals at once and freeze leftovers.

  • Use the microwave for smaller portions rather than the oven.

🧺 Laundry & Washing

  • Clean tumble dryer filters each use.

  • Only run washing machines and dishwashers when full.

  • Wash clothes at 30°C and use the eco setting if available.

  • Avoid drying clothes on radiators; use a clothes airer near a ventilated window to prevent damp.

💧 Hot Water

  • Turn electric immersion heaters down by 1°C (but not below 60°C).

  • Set timers for hot water instead of leaving it on continuously.

  • Keep showers under 4 minutes to save electricity.

🔌 Extra Energy-Saving Tips

  • Charge phones only for a few hours, not overnight.

  • Switch appliances completely off, don’t leave on standby.

  • Use natural daylight to reduce lighting costs.

  • Consider slow cookers for energy-efficient cooking.

  • Install reflective panels behind radiators to reflect heat back.

  • Use rugs and draught excluders to retain heat.

  • Upgrade to energy-efficient or LED light bulbs.

  • Use warmer bedding during winter to reduce heating use.

✅ Remember: Being energy-conscious protects the environment, keeps bills fair for everyone, and ensures the property remains safe and comfortable.