News and household gas guides
Clear, sourced updates on gas prices, bills and the figures that matter when you check your household costs.
Gas Standing Charges to End: What the 2027 Plan Means
The government has asked Ofgem to remove household gas standing charges by the end of 2027 or as soon as possible afterwards. The underlying costs will move into gas unit rates, so the effect will depend on how much gas a home uses.
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Frozen Boiler Condensate Pipe? Safe Steps to Restore Heat
If an easy-to-reach external condensate pipe has frozen, warm it gradually with warm water or a hot-water bottle, then reset the boiler exactly as its manual says.
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Boiler Pressure Too Low or High? Safe Checks to Make
Check the pressure when the heating is cool and compare it with the boiler manual. A repeated drop, persistent high reading or visible leak needs professional attention.
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When Should You Put the Heating On? A Gas Cost Guide
There is no official date for switching on gas central heating. Use indoor comfort and health needs to decide, then let the thermostat and timer prevent unnecessary running.
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How to Complain About a Gas Bill: A Step-by-Step Guide
A strong gas bill complaint identifies the exact error, includes evidence and asks for a specific correction. Complain to the supplier first, then escalate through the right regional route if it remains unresolved.
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Fixed vs Variable Gas Tariff: How to Compare the Cost
A fixed gas tariff buys price certainty, not a guaranteed saving. Compare the full annual cost using your own kWh and check exit fees before committing.
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Gas Bill in Credit? How to Claim Back Your Money
You can ask for genuine credit back from a gas or dual-fuel account, but first update the meter reading and check whether some of the balance is needed for higher winter bills.
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Lower Standing Charge Gas Tariffs: Are They Cheaper?
A lower daily charge does not guarantee a lower gas bill because the unit rate may be higher. Compare both prices against your annual kWh before deciding.
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Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Gas Boilers: UK Guide
Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm in each room with a fuel-burning appliance, follow its instructions for positioning and testing, and never use it as a substitute for safe installation and regular servicing.
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Faulty Gas Meter? Checks, Testing and Your Rights
A high bill does not automatically mean the meter is faulty. Check the reading, serial number, units and billing period first, then ask your supplier to investigate and explain the testing route.
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Smell Gas in Your Home? What to Do Immediately
If you smell gas, avoid flames and electrical switches, ventilate if it is safe, move away and call the gas emergency service. Great Britain and Northern Ireland use different 24-hour numbers.
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Can’t Pay Your Gas Bill? Get Help and Make a Payment Plan
Contact your supplier as soon as a gas bill becomes unaffordable. Ask for a plan based on what you can actually pay, check the bill is accurate and use free debt advice if you need support negotiating.
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Gas Boiler Service Guide: What to Expect and Check
An annual boiler service by a properly qualified Gas Safe registered engineer helps keep the appliance maintained, but it is not the same thing as a landlord gas safety check or a promise of lower bills.
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Priority Services Register: Free Help with Gas and Energy
The Priority Services Register gives eligible households free practical support with energy access, communication and emergencies, including help with gas meters and reconnection.
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Gas Prepayment Meter Help: What to Do When Credit Runs Out
If your gas credit is low or gone, contact the supplier promptly: temporary credit may restore supply, and repayment must reflect what you can afford.
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Central Heating Controls: How to Save Gas Without Getting Cold
Use the timer to choose when you heat, the room thermostat to set the target temperature and radiator valves to avoid overheating rooms you use less.
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Boiler Flow Temperature: How to Lower It Safely
A lower radiator flow temperature can help a condensing boiler work more efficiently, but the safe setting depends on whether you have a combi boiler or a hot-water cylinder.
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Why Is My Gas Bill So High? Eight Checks to Make
A high gas bill can be correct, estimated or simply wrong. Check the reading, dates, meter, tariff and arithmetic in a fixed order before you dispute it.
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Warm Home Discount 2026/27: Who Gets £150 and Can It Pay a Gas Bill?
The £150 Warm Home Discount normally goes on an electricity account, but some eligible dual-fuel customers can ask their supplier to put it on the gas account instead.
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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Gas Boiler?
At the October 2026 average capped gas rate, 12 kWh costs about 96p. But a boiler rarely burns at its maximum rate for a full hour—here is a better way to estimate yours.
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Gas Price Cap from October 2026: New Rates and What You Could Pay
Average capped gas rates rose on 1 October. See the new unit rate and standing charge, annualised examples and the figures to check on your own tariff.
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Gas Back-Billing Rules: When an Old Charge May Not Be Payable
A surprise catch-up bill is not automatically correct. Here is how the 12-month protection works, when it may not apply and how to challenge a charge properly.
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Smart Gas Meter Not Sending Readings? A Calm, Practical Check
A meter can keep measuring gas even when its smart connection drops. Start with the bill—not the gadget on the kitchen counter—and work through these checks.
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Convert Gas Meter Units to kWh: Metric and Imperial Formula
Use the calculator below to convert metric m³ or imperial gas meter units to kWh, then follow the worked examples to check your readings and estimate the cost.
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Moving Home? The Gas Meter Checklist That Prevents Messy Bills
Two dated meter photographs can prevent months of argument. Here is what to do at the old address, at the new one and when the final bill arrives.
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We use primary sources, show the dates behind time-sensitive figures and explain where Great Britain and Northern Ireland differ. Calculations are illustrative and are checked independently before publication.