CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

Save Money on Your Gas and Electricity or Why you should ignore Mr 'Two Jumpers' this winter. Back in July, a guy called Jake Ulrich, the boss of  Centrica - who own British Gas - caused widespread outrage. At the time, his firm warned that gas bills could rise to more than £1,000 a year by 2010. Understandably, we were shocked and horrified. Along with the credit crunch, falling house prices and growing inflation, this could make for a potentially lethal winter. The most vulnerable in our society could be at serious risk. So what was Ulrich's answer to people who were worried about soaring fuel bills? "Wear two jumpers." That's a bit like telling someone who's worried about their roof falling down: "Wear a harder hat." And here was a guy who earns more than £1m a year! What really annoyed me was that - despite his woeful arrogance - he was completely wrong in his advice anyway! To keep warm this winter, you shouldn't wear two jumpers. Instead you should actually wear four or five thinner layers of light or medium clothing. That's because the air between the fibres and materials keeps you warm, not the fibres themselves.... in the same way as double and triple glazed windows are better than one thick piece of glass. So ideally, your first layer should be made from or a lightweight material that doesn't trap perspiration. A good t-shirt or vest will do. Then above that try another comfortable lightweight top. Now add another similar layer to trap some of the air. Next, go for an insulation layer like a wool sweater of fleece. Then when you go outside, add another waterproof layer. How to reduce your gas and electricity bills A couple of months ago we told you about how we saved money on our Gas, Electricity and phone bills. Utility Warehouse Discount Club We joined the Utility Warehaouse Discount Club a few years ago.  We get our phone, gas and electricty from them.  It all comes on one bill each month and it has saved us a packet.   Last year we saved over £500! They are a great company to do business with and are regularly either number one or number two in Which reports on Utility suppliers. You may never have heard of them as they don't advertise.  They would rather save the advertising costs and pass them on to you as a customer.  They operate on a word of mouth promotion only. Which Magazine Even though you might not have heard of them Which Magazine certainly has.  In this month's edition it has been voted Brittain's Best Supplier.   Here is a pdf of the Which Report. Costs It costs £1.76 a month to be a member and then you can benefit from the reductions that bulk purchasing can bring.  There's no extended contract.  If you don't think it's saving you money you simply leave. For more information about how you can save money on your gas and electricity click the banner below.     P.S. They also do great deals on the cost of phones. mobiles and broadband too.

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