Save money by saving energy this winter

With winter just around the corner, rising energy bills are a big worry to countless households. But while gas and electricity prices are out of our control, we can do something about how we use energy.

By making just a few small changes, we can reduce how much energy we use, and in turn, make our bills a little bit lower. 

And with the energy price cap going up by 4% this week, those extra pennies could really count.

So what changes can you make?

1. Lower your boiler’s flow temperature

If you have a combi boiler, reduce the flow temperature (the water temperature sent to your radiators) so it can run more efficiently.

2. Check your boiler pressure 

If your boiler pressure is too low, it won’t operate as efficiently.

Your boiler pressure should be between 1.0 and 2.0 bar, but look at the manual for your specific model to be sure.

3. Get your boiler serviced

Get a professional to look at your boiler once a year, so you can be confident it’s working properly and potentially avoid costly repairs in the future.

If you know it’s in good condition, you’ll know it won’t let you down exactly when you need it most.

4. Bleed radiators

Air trapped in a radiator stops hot water circulating properly, so bleeding it means your radiator can operate more efficiently, waste less energy and put less strain on your boiler.

5. Don’t block radiators 

Having furniture or curtains in front of your radiators makes it hard for heat to flow more freely through your home.

6. Install radiator shelves

Radiator shelves can stop heat rising and push it back into the room.

7. Install reflective panels behind radiators

Reflective material behind your radiators stops heat escaping through your outside walls.

8. Heat people, not rooms

Turn off radiators in rooms you’re not using and make sure the heating is only on when you’re at home.

9. Turn down your thermostat

Many households have their thermostats set at 20°C and above, but you could save money by turning it down by just one degree.

10. Cut heat loss

Take steps to stop heat escaping from your house, such as:

• closing your curtains in the evening
• closing internal doors
• draughtproofing your home
• lining your curtains
• hanging curtains on internal doors
• insulating your home

11. Use appliances efficiently

Instead of powering up dishwashers and washing machines when they’re half-full, reduce the number of loads you do by only running them when they’re full.

At the same time, try to use your tumble drier sparingly and clean the filters regularly so its runs more efficiently.

12. Check the temperature of your fridge

Fridges should be set to 5°C, so you’re wasting money if you have them colder than this.

At the same time, clean the coils at the back of your fridge to help it run more efficiently, and if it’s a free-standing fridge, give it about 5cm of space on each side and at the back.

That gives heat from the compressor somewhere to go and means your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard.

13. Defrost your freezer

A build-up of frost can make your freezer less efficient, so defrost it whenever it needs doing.

Meanwhile, make sure the temperature is set to -18°C and turn off the fast-freeze function.

14. Use eco modes on appliances

If this option is available, turn it on so your device consumes less energy.

15. Replace old appliances with energy efficient ones

If an appliance like a washing machine or fridge needs replacing, check the energy rating before buying a new one, as these will cost less to run.

16. Make the most of your microwave and air fryer

Microwaves and air fryers use far less energy than ovens, so if you don’t have them, they could be a good investment that saves you money in the long run.

17. Don’t overfill the kettle

Only boil as much water as you need when you’re brewing up.

And if you live in a hard-water area, descale your kettle regularly so you can be sure it’s working as efficiently as possible.

18. Turn lights off when you don’t need them

If the lights don’t need to be on, maybe because there’s enough natural light or because a room is empty, turn them off.

19. Use energy-efficient light bulbs

You can save money on lighting by choosing energy-efficient LED bulbs.

20. Cut your water use 

Using water more efficiently has a knock-on effect on your energy bills, as using less means you’re heating up less.

So make a few small changes like:

• taking shorter showers
• swapping your bath for a shower
• use a water-saving shower head
• use a washing-up bowl when you’re cleaning pots and pans, rather than leaving the tap running

21. Batch cook

When you’re cooking a meal, make more than you need and divide the extra food into single portions.

Once they've cooled, you can then put them in the freezer, so you’ve got extra meals ready and waiting whenever you need it.

Meals like chilli and bolognese sauce freeze really well, and cooking up a bigger portion takes no extra effort.

22. Don’t charge your mobile overnight 

Unplug your mobile as soon as it’s fully charged, rather than leave it connected to the mains for no reason. 

23. Don’t leave devices on standby

Switch devices off like the TV at the wall when you’re not using them.

24. Use solar power to charge your devices

A solar-powered charging bank costs about £25, but could knock money off your bills in the longer term.

25. Keep an eye on your energy use

Install a smart meter so you can monitor your energy usage.

It might help you work out if and how you need to change the way you use energy.

What else can I do if I’m worried about energy bills

If you’re struggling to keep up with your gas and electricity bills, there are steps you can take.

Speak to your supplier

Contact your supplier as soon as possible, as they might be able to offer payment plans, grants and advice on managing your account.

See what benefits you can claim

Use our benefits calculator or give us a call to find out if you’re eligible for any financial support.

Ask for help with your debts

If you’re feeling weighed down by debt, contact us for confidential, practical and impartial debt advice.

Create a household budget

Work out exactly how much money you’ve got coming in each month and where it’s going, so you can prioritise essential bills and see where savings can be made.

Check our guide to creating a budget to find out more.