The AnswerBank Articles

London Property Gems Are Often South Of The River

When it comes to London property, for the uninitiated, it’s all about homes north of the river. In fact, a significant proportion of buyers looking for their first property in London won't even give the south side of the capital a second thought, often buying into outdated prejudices. However, the savvy buyer is...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Pay For What You Use May Not Be The Saving It Seems

In these days of itemised phone bills and transparent online banking, it may seem strange that, when it comes to utilities bills, a significant proportion of UK consumers are still not being charged for what they actually use. Instead, some of the Big Six suppliers offer their customers the chance to pay a set monthly...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Utilities Urged To Give Poor Families A Helping Hand

Just a year after claiming that they were struggling to cope with dwindling supplies and soaring wholesale prices, the UK's biggest utilities firms seem to be doing alright for themselves again. Despite increasing profits, consumers have been warned to expect rising costs for the next two years at least. Global wholes...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Britons Aim To Continue Cutting Back On Gas And Electricity Costs

Being able to log online to compare prices and switch utilities suppliers with just a few clicks of a computer mouse means that millions of UK consumers have the potential to reduce their energy outgoings. Despite this, growing numbers of Britons are also opting to cut back on their gas and electricity usage in a bid ...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

House Prices Are Rising

House prices are continuing to rise to the highest level since 2006, with the cost of the average house going up by 1.1% to around £159,000. There were early signs that more people were beginning to put their homes on the market as conditions improved, a trend that could lead to a relapse in recent price rises. ...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Pre-Payment Tariff May Give Cost Savings As Well As Energy Savings

Recently, much has been made of the potential long-term benefits of smart energy meters. Not only will they help save consumers money, their supporters argue, but they will also help the UK to dramatically reduce its overall carbon emission levels and reach ambitious European Union-wide environmental targets. However,...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

New Nuclear Power Stations Could Be Funded Through Utilities Bills

Despite the fact that nuclear power continues to split opinion as much as ever before, British households may face no choice but to stump up for a new generation of reactors, with the money being added onto their utilities bills. That is according to new plans being considered by ministers keen to address the dual iss...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

MPs To Offer Consumers Protection Against Soaring Bills

Calls for the practise of the 'big six' energy companies charging customers, who pay by pre-payment meters, more are to be outlawed, with a simple set tariff introduced for all consumers to be introduced. Though EDF has already given into public pressure to make such a move, it is anticipated that this latest initiati...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Consumers Could Benefit From Smart Meters

Though a majority of struggling consumers are more likely to be worried over how they are going to pay their next bill than they are over party politics, plans have been announced that could endear MPs to many homeowners. Speaking at the Conservative Party annual conference in Manchester, the shadow energy and climate...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Households need to translate utilities bills before making savings

Even the least savvy consumer probably now knows that, should they feel they are being overcharged for their gas or electricity bills, it's relatively simple to get online and switch utilities suppliers for a better deal. However, in order to make such a move, householders first need to have an appreciation of what ex...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A guide to buying new apartments

Buying an apartment can be a hassle-free and relatively affordable investment option, though others are wary of their potential downsides. Buying a new apartment For the most part, details of new apartments are readily available, with developers advertising projects well in advance both online and in newspapers....15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Elderly Utilities Customers Gear Up For Tough Winter

A vast majority of internet-savvy younger consumers will log on and search for the best deals in order to switch utilities suppliers, new research has found; while a significant proportion of older households are likely to be paying more than ever for their gas and electricity over the winter months. According to the ...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Energy Efficiency: Top Tips

If you feel like you’re throwing money down the drain on your energy bills, there are a number to prevent a hefty bill landing on your doorstep. From turning down the thermostat on your heating to turning off appliances instead of leaving them on standby this can make a noticeable effect on the size of your bill....15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Smart Meter Plans Could Be In Jeopardy

Under the government's recently-announced proposals, all homes across Britain are to be fitted with special meters aimed at telling consumers exactly what their power is costing them. Not only do ministers believe that such an initiative will help cut the nation's total carbon emission levels, but those consumers savv...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Soil PH

When planting new flowers and shrubs planning ahead is very important. One vital thing that you will have to establish is the PH of the soil that you are going to be working with.   What is PH   PH is one of those things you might remember from science lessons when you were back at school. We aren’...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Guide To Evergreen Plants

An evergreen plant can provide your garden with a feature that looks good all year round. However before you rush out and buy one you should consider a few things.   Is Your Garden Suitable   Firstly would an evergreen plant grow in your garden Evergreens have certain light requirements, like all plants...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Hothouse/Greenhouse Planning And Growing Guide

A greenhouse can provide the perfect environment for growing unusual plants which would not survive outdoors in our temperamental British weather. However the prospect of building or buying one can seem daunting.   Planning a Greenhouse   When considering getting a greenhouse there are some things you sho...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Growing Rhubarb Guide

Rhubarb can be a great winter warmer desert in the form of crumble and, because they are tough, hardy, vegetables (or are they fruit ) they can be almost completely left to their own devises. With a little help from a green finger or two at the right time you can have a truly spectacular crop. One warning to heed is t...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Saving Energy Cooking Guide

The kitchen uses more energy than any other area of the house. While you may be an expert cook you may also be a wasteful cook. Being efficient is part of what cooking is about, along with passion and precision! Saving energy will also save you on bills – a concern considering the rising price of heating your hom...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Hanging Basket Guide

If you have any covered outside areas around your home then you may be considering the best way to breathe some life into them. Hanging baskets can be a great way to do this. As hanging baskets are reasonably easy to maintain and offer huge bursts of colour in summer (if you so wish) they can be a great way of livening...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010