Rising energy prices continue to put pressure on households across the UK, but there are practical steps you can take to reduce your bills without sacrificing comfort.

By focusing on the changes that deliver the biggest savings, you can make a noticeable difference to your annual energy costs.

energy saving tips

Keep Heat in Your Home

Keeping heat inside your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills.

  • Draught-proofing windows, doors, letterboxes and keyholes is cheap and can significantly cut heat loss.
  • Make sure you have good insulation in your loft, walls or floors.
  • Insulate your hot water cylinder to reduce heat loss by up to 75%.
  • Use curtains and rugs to prevent heat escaping through windows and floors.
  • Install radiator reflector panels to push heat back into the room instead of the walls.

Optimise your Heating System

Heating accounts for over half of most UK energy bills, so efficiency here is crucial.

  • Set your thermostat between 18°C and 21°C for comfort and efficiency. Turning it down by just 1°C could save 10% on your bill.
  • Use timers or thermostats to heat your home only when needed.
  • Lower your boiler flow temperature (60°C is a good level for combi boilers) and service it regularly to keep it running efficiently.
  • Bleed radiators and ensure they aren’t blocked by furniture.

Heat People, Not Rooms

Reducing unnecessary heating is an easy way to cut costs without major changes.

  • Turn down radiators in unused rooms and keep doors closed, but be aware of any condensation or ventilation issues.
  • Avoid blocking radiators with sofas or curtains.
  • Wear extra layers indoors to stay warm without increasing heating. Consider heated blankets for targeted warmth at lower cost than central heating.

Cut Electricity Waste

Many households waste energy without realising it.

  • Switching appliances off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby could save up to £45 a year.
  • Turning off lights when they’re not in use could save you £10 a year.
  • Replacing bulbs with LEDs could save you up to £40 per year.

Make Changes in the Kitchen

Cooking habits can make a surprising difference to electricity use.

  • Use lids on pans to cut energy use by up to 30%.
  • Avoid overfilling the kettle, saving around £10 a year.
  • Batch cook meals to reduce oven use. Using appliances like slow cookers, air fryers or microwaves instead of the oven may use less energy, but research what might work best for you.
  • Only running dishwashers when full could save around £10 a year.

Use Appliances More Efficiently

How you use everyday appliances can significantly impact your bills.

  • Wash clothes at 30°C to reduce energy use by up to 40%. Try to wait until you have a full load before running your machine.
  • Air-dry clothes where possible instead of using a tumble dryer.
  • If you do need to use a tumble dryer, make sure to clean the filter after every use to keep it working efficiently. You could also invest in tumble dryer balls, which may reduce the length of time you need your tumble dryer on.

Reduce Hot Water Use

Heating water is a major contributor to energy bills.

  • Swap baths for showers and make sure showers are around four minutes to save both energy and water.
  • Insulate pipes and tanks to keep water hotter for longer.
  • Consider having a water meter if you have more rooms in your home than people.

Monitor and Manage Energy Use

Understanding your usage helps you make smarter decisions.

  • Use a smart meter or in-home display to track spending in real time.
  • Identify high-usage appliances and adjust habits accordingly.
  • Review your energy tariff regularly to ensure you’re on the best deal. Switching tariffs or suppliers can sometimes deliver immediate savings with no lifestyle changes required, but be aware of any exit fees.