Six gadgets under £20 that could save you hundreds on your energy bills

Energy bills have gone up again this month, just as we head into the colder months. That means more households will be feeling the pinch as heating and electricity use climbs. But small changes really can make a difference.

You don’t have to splash out on expensive home tech or a brand-new boiler to cut costs. With just a few smart buys under £20, you could save hundreds of pounds a year. Here’s how:

1. Smart plugs - from £9.99

Leaving appliances on standby can quietly drain energy and cost you money without you even noticing. A smart plug stops this waste by letting you switch devices on and off through an app on your phone. Some models even show you how much energy each item uses, so you can see where your money’s really going.

Imagine being able to switch off your TV, games console, or kettle with a tap of your phone before bed. No more wasted electricity overnight. It’s an easy way to build better habits without having to remember every time.

You can pick up smart plugs from as little as £9.99 from the likes of Amazon, Tesco or Argos. And they could potentially save you £50.

Quick tip: Set your smart plug on a timer so your appliances automatically turn off at night.

2. LED light bulbs – from £5.00

Lighting makes up around 11% of a typical electricity bill. Switching from traditional or halogen bulbs to LEDs is one of the cheapest, quickest wins. LEDs use up to 80% less power and last years longer, so you’ll spend less on replacements too.

If you replace just 10 bulbs in your home, you could cut £60 a year off your bill. The light quality is just as good (in fact, many people prefer it), and they’re available in warm or cool tones to suit your space.

Quick tip: Choose “warm white” LEDs for a cosy feel in living rooms and “cool white” for brighter task lighting in kitchens or offices.

3. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) – from £8.00

Why heat the whole house when you’re only using a couple of rooms? Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) let you control each radiator separately, so you only heat the spaces that need it. That means no more wasting money keeping a spare bedroom toasty when nobody’s in there.

By setting lower temperatures in less-used rooms and focusing the warmth where you need it most, you could save up to £100 a year. It’s a small tweak that makes your heating system far more efficient without sacrificing comfort.

Quick tip: Keep bedrooms cooler and living spaces warmer. It’s better for your health and your wallet.

4. Draught stoppers – from £3.50

Cold air sneaking in under doors or through gaps around windows can undo all your heating efforts. A draught stopper is a quick, cheap way to block those leaks and keep the warmth inside where it belongs.

They come in lots of types, from classic fabric “door snakes” to self-adhesive strips you can fit in minutes. Once fitted, you’ll notice rooms stay warmer for longer, so your heating doesn’t have to work as hard.

Sealing gaps could potentially save you £30-£50 a year.

Quick tip: Close doors and use draught excluders in hallways. It stops heat escaping from the rooms you’re using most.

5. Water-saving showerheads – from £6.99

Showers are often cheaper than baths, but they still use a lot of hot water, and heating water is one of the biggest chunks of an energy bill. A water-efficient showerhead reduces the flow without making your shower feel weak.

You’ll use less water, which means less energy is needed to heat it, saving you money on both your energy and water bills if you’re on a meter. Over the course of a year, this simple swap could put £50 back in your pocket

Quick tip: Aim for 4-minute showers, as pairing this with a water-saving showerhead could double your savings.

6. Energy monitors – from £11.99

Ever wondered which appliances in your home are secretly eating the most electricity? A plug-in energy monitor tells you exactly how much each device is using, in pounds and pence. That knowledge helps you make smarter choices, whether it’s switching off, using less, or replacing an old energy-hungry gadget.

Many households are surprised to see just how much older appliances like tumble dryers, old fridges, or even fish tank heaters are costing them. Once you know, you can take action. And the savings can quickly add up, by as much as £ 100 or more a year for some households.

Quick tip: Try it on your tumble dryer as it’s often the biggest culprit. If possible, switch to air drying to cut bills even further.

What else

These gadgets aren’t just affordable; they’re simple, low-effort ways to cut down on waste and save money. Even picking just one or two could make a noticeable difference to your bills this winter. Combine a few together, and you could be saving hundreds every year.

Struggling with rising bills? We can help

You can find more information about reducing your energy bills here: Energy bills go up again - how can I keep costs down?

If your energy bills are becoming unmanageable, you’re not alone. We can help you manage your money, deal with debt, and help you become your financial best.