Cut Energy Costs Now
How to Cut Costs before Winter
With colder months approaching, many households are already concerned about rising heating bills. While large-scale upgrades like insulation and renewable energy systems can make a huge difference, there are also plenty of everyday changes you can make that will keep your home warmer and your costs lower this winter. Small steps add up, and the best part is that many of them can be done straight away.
What's in the article:
- Everyday lifestyle changes like turning off unused appliances, lowering thermostat settings, draught-proofing, and switching to LED lighting can significantly cut winter energy bills.
- Simple habits, such as shorter showers, layering up, and cooking efficiently, make a big difference without major upfront costs.
- Everyday lifestyle changes like turning off unused appliances, lowering thermostat settings, draught-proofing, and switching to LED lighting can significantly cut winter energy bills.
Master your Thermostat
Turning your thermostat down by even one degree can cut your heating bills by around 10% over the course of the winter. Most households won’t notice the slight temperature change, but your energy use will drop significantly. Pair this with heating only the rooms you use most often, and you’ll avoid paying to heat unused spaces.
If you have programmable or smart heating controls, set schedules that match your daily routine—heating your home just before you wake up or return from work, instead of all day.
Stop Heat Escaping
Use Appliances Wisely
A large amount of energy is wasted simply because warm air escapes through tiny gaps and draughts. Closing curtains at dusk, using draught excluders on doors, and sealing gaps around windows can make a noticeable difference. Even something as simple as laying a rug on bare floors can help keep heat inside.
Thick, lined curtains are a great investment, as they trap warm air in at night. During the day, open them fully to let in as much natural sunlight and warmth as possible.
Household appliances account for a big chunk of energy bills, but small adjustments can reduce their impact. Washing clothes at 30°C, only running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads, and avoiding tumble dryers wherever possible will help cut costs.
Switching appliances off at the plug, rather than leaving them on standby, can save £50–£80 a year in energy that often goes unnoticed.
Smarter Lighting
As the days get shorter, lighting accounts for more energy use. Switching to LED bulbs not only reduces costs but also lasts much longer than traditional bulbs. Remember to switch off lights when leaving a room—an easy habit that quickly becomes second nature.
You can also make the most of natural light by arranging furniture near windows during the day to avoid relying on artificial lighting.
Small Habits with Big Impacts
Energy savings often come down to the little things you do consistently. Layering up with warmer clothing at home can reduce the temptation to turn the heating up. Cooking multiple meals in the oven at once or batch cooking reduces how often the oven is used. Kettles are one of the most energy-hungry appliances—boil only what you need rather than filling it to the top.
These everyday habits may feel small, but together they can add up to significant savings over a winter season.
Don't Overlook Long-Term Support
While everyday actions make an immediate difference, longer-term improvements can multiply your savings. Government-backed schemes like ECO4 offer free insulation, heating upgrades, and even renewable technologies to eligible households. These upgrades reduce the need for constant energy-saving tweaks by making your home naturally more efficient.
By combining day-to-day energy-smart habits with structural improvements through schemes like ECO4, households can build a solid foundation for cutting costs now and in the years ahead.
Final Thoughts
This winter, the best way to save money on your bills is to act on the little things. From closing curtains and sealing draughts to running appliances efficiently and controlling your thermostat, these simple changes help households stay warm while spending less.
Add in the possibility of government-backed improvements like ECO4, and there’s never been a better time to make energy efficiency a priority.
