How to reduce your energy bill this winter without cutting back

Energy bills are expected to rise by 1.2% in January, adding a further £21 a year to the average household bill.

Cornwall Insights, the energy researcher, says the increase is due to the seasonal rise in wholesale energy costs, which peak in winter, combined with the continued—and escalating—war in Ukraine. In fact, experts now believe that energy bills will never return to pre-pandemic levels.

Labour’s plans on net zero should eventually help to reduce bills by as much as £300, but this long-term strategy won’t bring relief to households for several years, if at all.

So high energy costs appear to be the new norm for now. But just because costs are high, it doesn’t mean you can’t make savings and reduce your bills. Here are some of our top tips to reduce wastage and help keep your energy bills under control.

Turn your boiler down

If you have a combi boiler, lowering the temperature of the water it sends to your radiators and your hot water tank will make it cheaper to run. Lowering it to around 60 degrees will ensure your home is still properly heated but could save you around £65 a year on your energy bills.

Turn down your heating

Use less energy to heat your home by turning down your thermostat and radiators in empty rooms. Turning down your thermostat by one degree can save around 10% on your energy usage. Just be careful about turning off radiators in north-facing rooms as this can lead to dampness. To stop this from happening turn the heating on intermittently or air the room by leaving the door open.

Set your washing machine to 30°C

Modern washing machines and laundry detergents clean clothes at lower temperatures. Washing your clothes at 30°C or below can save up to 60% on energy use per wash. Also make sure you fill your machine completely to save water, energy and money. And use a high spin speed to reduce the time it takes to dry your clothes. This will save energy.

Close your curtains at night

Windows are a major source of heat loss. Closing the curtains at night stops warm air from escaping your home through the windows. Research suggests this can reduce heat loss by 15-17% in a typical terraced house.

Small home improvements

Little upgrades and tweaks can make your home more energy-efficient.

Use energy-efficient bulbs

According to the Energy Saving Trust, changing old bulbs to energy-efficient LED lights can save you up to £4 per bulb per year.

Stop heat from escaping your home

Use caulk, silicone mastic or other flexible fillers to block gaps around windows and doors. You can also use draft excluders around doors, which can be made cheaply from plastic bags or old bedding and towels. Just make sure you don't block ventilation channels, like wall or window vents.

Use window film on single glazing

Installing double-glazing in a three-bedroom house costs between £4,000 and £7,000. When this is not an affordable option, use window film instead. Starting from just £9.99 a roll, window film helps keep heat in and save money on your heating bill.

Wrap up your hot water tank

Insulating your hot water tank prevents heat loss and can save up to £50 per year on energy bills. You can buy a 'hot water cylinder jacket' in hardware stores or online. Look for products that are at least 80mm thick to ensure maximum savings.

Install smart thermostats and heating controls

With smart thermostats and heating controls, you can set your heating and hot water to come on only when necessary, saving you money on your energy bills.

Get a smart meter

A smart meter shows you how much energy you use. This may give insights into how to use energy more efficiently. They may also let you access cheaper tariffs, such as those encouraging you to use energy at off-peak times. Your energy supplier can install a smart meter for free.

Buy energy-efficient appliances

Every electrical appliance has an energy rating. An 'A' rating means the appliance is most energy efficient, and a 'G' rating means the appliance is least energy efficient. When you need to replace old appliances make sure you choose one with a good energy rating, as they cost less to run.