3 APPS to help reduce your energy costs
It’s cold, the heating’s pumped up and it’s costing you a packet. But can you be sure you’re paying the best price for staying warm? Switching could leave you better off by around £300 a year, but if inertia has been getting in the way, we’ve got a solution. These free apps will help you stay on top of bills, compare deals, alert you to better ones and allow you to switch.
THE APP: WONDERBILL Would suit: Anyone struggling to keep track of their outgoings and looking to save money. What it does & how to use:
◆ Allows you to view all your utility payments on a single ‘dashboard’ – anything from telecoms to energy.
◆ Tracks payments and finds better deals.
◆ To link your bills, you will need your online account details of all the services you use, so have them at hand. It may take the app a couple of days to connect your accounts but, once it’s done, it is useful seeing just how much you’re paying – it will most certainly prompt you to switch. THE APP: ONEDOX Would suit: Anyone who wants control of bills and a nudge when contracts are expiring. What it does & how to use:
◆ Links utility bills, giving you a snapshot view of costs, but will also tell you when a contract or fixed deal is about to expire (forgetting is a common reason for slipping on to more expensive tariffs). ◆ Analyses your tariff and alerts you to cheapest options for switching.
◆ You can add mobile phone contract details, other insurances, as well as information about your car. It will tell you when you have to renew your road tax.
◆ Creates a ‘to-do’ list, so you can tick things off (so satisfying!).
◆ You will need online account log-in details for services you want to link. THE APP: VOLTZ Would suit: Someone who wants to manage their energy costs and is always on the lookout for the cheapest deal. What it does & how to use:
◆ If you only want to keep an eye on energy bills, Voltz is easy to use.
◆ Simply enter energy usage (try to be exact) and the app will check for better deals. You can set notification alerts so you never miss the opportunity to save money.
◆ If you like the deal it shows, you can either switch using the app or call the supplier directly.
◆ Every time you open the app, Voltz will alert you about the latest deal, if there is one.