Last updated: February 2026
With UK energy prices still elevated, every household is looking for ways to reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort. Here are 10 proven strategies that can slash your bills starting today.
1. Turn Down Your Thermostat by 1°C
This simple change can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%. Most people won’t notice the difference, but your wallet certainly will. The recommended temperature is 18-21°C for living areas.
For even smarter control, a smart thermostat can learn your schedule and adjust automatically.
2. Bleed Your Radiators
If the top of your radiator is cold while the bottom is warm, there’s trapped air inside. Bleeding your radiators takes 5 minutes and ensures they heat efficiently. You’ll need a radiator key (available for about £1 from any hardware shop).
3. Use Your Curtains Strategically
Open curtains during sunny days to let natural warmth in. Close them as soon as it gets dark to keep the heat inside. Thermal curtains can make an even bigger difference.
4. Stop Heating Empty Rooms
Close doors to unused rooms and turn off radiators in those spaces. Why pay to heat a spare bedroom no one uses?
Smart radiator valves can automate this for you, heating rooms only when you use them.
5. Switch to LED Bulbs
LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last years longer. At current prices, switching a single bulb can save £5-10 per year. Multiply that by every bulb in your home.
Want to go further? Smart lighting lets you control and schedule lights automatically.
6. Insulate Your Hot Water Tank
If you have a hot water cylinder, a £15 insulation jacket can save around £35 per year. It pays for itself in months.
7. Draught-Proof Your Home
Cold air sneaking in around doors and windows forces your heating to work harder. Simple draught excluders and foam strips cost under £20 and can save £25+ annually.
8. Use a Smart Plug for Standby Devices
The average UK home spends £40-80 per year on standby power. Smart plugs let you completely switch off devices when not in use, and schedule them to turn on only when needed.
9. Wash Clothes at 30°C
Modern detergents work brilliantly at lower temperatures. Washing at 30°C instead of 40°C uses around 40% less electricity per cycle.
10. Check Your Energy Tariff
Are you still on your supplier’s standard variable tariff? You could save hundreds by switching. Use comparison sites like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket to find better deals.
If you have an EV, time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Go can slash charging costs. See our EV charger guide for more.
Quick Wins vs Long-Term Investments
The tips above are mostly free or cheap. For bigger savings, consider:
- Smart thermostat: £100-200 savings per year
- Loft insulation: £200+ savings per year
- Cavity wall insulation: £300+ savings per year
- Solar panels: Long-term energy independence
Start with the free changes today, and work your way up to bigger investments as budget allows.
Every pound saved on energy is a pound in your pocket.