Save on Energy Bills in the UK: Practical Tips, Grants and Home Upgrades
Lower your gas and electricity costs with proven energy-saving actions, funded upgrades and expert guidance. Check your eligibility for grants in minutes and start saving sooner.
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Understand Your Energy Bill
Most UK energy bills are made up of two parts: a unit rate (what you pay for each kWh of gas/electricity you use) and a standing charge (a daily fixed cost for being connected). Reducing your usage cuts the unit-rate part; choosing the right tariff and a suitable meter can also make a difference. The Ofgem price cap affects standard variable tariffs in Great Britain, but your actual costs depend on your usage, location and meter type.
- Unit rate: Charged per kWh you use. Lower usage = lower cost.
- Standing charge: Daily fixed fee. You pay this even if you use no energy.
- Tariff type: Fixed or variable, standard or time-of-use (e.g., Economy 7/10, EV tariffs).
- Meter type: Smart meters can give accurate, real-time readings and access to certain tariffs.
Quick Wins to Start Saving Today
These simple changes typically cost little or nothing and can add up to meaningful savings over a year.
- Turn your thermostat down by 1°C: Can cut heating energy use by around 10% for many homes. Aim for 18–21°C depending on comfort and health needs.
- Use a timed heating schedule: Heat when you need it; avoid running the boiler all day.
- Bleed radiators and keep them clear: Trapped air and blocked airflow reduce efficiency.
- Stop draughts: Seal gaps around doors, windows and letterboxes. Cheap draught excluders can noticeably improve comfort.
- Fit LED bulbs: LEDs use up to 80% less electricity than old halogens and last much longer.
- Smart power strips: Cut standby waste from TVs, consoles and set-top boxes. Standby costs can add £40–£80 a year depending on devices.
- Kitchen habits: Put lids on pans, match hob size to pan, use the microwave/air fryer for small meals, and only boil the water you need in the kettle.
- Laundry & washing: Wash at 30°C, run full loads, and air-dry when possible. Shorter showers with an efficient shower head save hot water.
- Defrost the freezer and set fridges correctly: Around 5°C for fridges, -18°C for freezers. Keep coils clean for efficiency.
- Use your smart meter in-home display: Track usage by appliance and spot spikes quickly.
Safety first: Always follow manufacturer instructions and use qualified tradespeople for any electrical, gas or structural work.
Bigger, Longer-Term Savings
Investing in your home’s fabric and heating system can deliver the largest and most reliable bill reductions, while improving comfort and property value.
1) Insulation first
- Loft/roof insulation: Often the highest return. Topping up to the recommended depth can significantly reduce heat loss through the roof.
- Cavity wall insulation: Suitable for many post-1920s homes with unfilled cavities. Reduces heat loss through walls.
- Solid wall insulation: For solid brick/stone walls (often pre-1920s). Internal or external options can transform comfort.
- Floor insulation: Insulate suspended timber floors and seal gaps to stop draughts.
- Hot water tank and pipe insulation: Cylinder jackets and pipe lagging keep heat where it’s needed.
2) Heating controls and upgrades
- Smart thermostats & zoning: Heat only the rooms you use, when you use them.
- TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves): Fine-tune temperatures room by room.
- Boiler efficiency: Service annually. If your boiler is old and inefficient, an upgrade with proper controls can lower gas use.
- Weather compensation/load compensation: Helps condensing boilers run more efficiently by adjusting flow temperature.
3) Low-carbon heating
- Air source heat pumps: Highly efficient in well-insulated homes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales can provide a grant towards installation (subject to eligibility and funding).
- Hybrid systems: Combine a heat pump with a boiler for flexibility. Best with strong insulation and controls.
4) Renewable electricity
- Solar PV: Generate your own power, lower daytime usage and export surplus via the Smart Export Guarantee. Battery storage can increase self-consumption.
Which measures suit you depends on property type, current EPC, local climate, occupancy and budget. Our advisors can help you prioritise for maximum impact.
Support & Grants You Could Qualify For
Depending on your circumstances and where you live in the UK, you may be eligible for financial support to reduce energy costs and fund home improvements.
- ECO4 (Great Britain): Funding to improve the least efficient homes, with a focus on insulation and heating upgrades. Eligibility typically considers benefits, income and property efficiency.
- Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): Offers support for single, cost-effective insulation measures to a wider group of households than ECO4 (subject to criteria).
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (England & Wales): A grant towards installing low-carbon heating such as air source heat pumps (eligibility rules apply).
- Home Energy Scotland: Grants and interest-free loans for eligible Scottish households. Different rules apply in Scotland for some schemes.
- Warm Home Discount (Great Britain): A one-off rebate on electricity bills for eligible households.
- Winter Fuel Payment: For people over State Pension age to help with heating costs in winter.
- Cold Weather Payment / Winter Heating Payment: In England and Wales, Cold Weather Payments support eligible households during very cold snaps. Scotland runs the Winter Heating Payment (different rules and timings).
- Priority Services Register: Free extra support from your energy network/supplier for vulnerable customers (e.g., priority during power cuts, accessible communications).
- Local authority schemes: Some councils offer additional funding (e.g., the Home Upgrade Grant for off-gas homes, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund via landlords).
Availability, eligibility and grant values can change. We’ll check the latest criteria and guide you through the application.
How Energy Plus Helps You Save
- Quick eligibility check: Share a few details about your home and circumstances. We’ll identify suitable grants and measures.
- Home assessment: If eligible, a qualified surveyor assesses your property to confirm the best improvements.
- Clear proposal: You get a no-obligation proposal outlining the works, funding contribution and expected benefits.
- Accredited installation: Works carried out by certified professionals to industry standards, with warranties where applicable.
- Aftercare & support: We’re here if you have questions and to help you get the most from your upgrades.
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Typical Savings by Measure
The figures below are indicative and will vary based on property size, current efficiency, energy prices and usage patterns. A tailored assessment provides a more accurate picture.
| Measure | What it does | Typical annual saving | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation (top-up) | Reduces heat loss through roof | £100–£355 | Higher savings in larger/poorly insulated homes |
| Cavity wall insulation | Reduces heat loss through walls | £150–£500 | Subject to property suitability and moisture checks |
| Solid wall insulation | Internal/external insulation for solid walls | £250–£650 | Major works; significant comfort improvement |
| Heating controls (smart stat, TRVs) | Heat only spaces you use | £70–£180 | Works best alongside good insulation |
| LED lighting | Lowers electricity use for lighting | £35–£100 | Replace halogens first for fastest payback |
| Draught-proofing | Stops cold air leaks | £30–£125 | Improves comfort immediately |
| Air source heat pump | Efficient low-carbon heating | Varies widely | Best in well-insulated homes; check tariff and design |
| Solar PV (no battery) | Generates daytime electricity | £150–£500 | Depends on system size, orientation and usage |
Estimates are broad and provided for guidance only. Savings depend on current prices and individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fix my tariff or stay on a variable one?
It depends on available deals, your risk tolerance and expected usage. Fixed tariffs provide price certainty for a set period; variable tariffs move with the market and price cap (if on a standard variable tariff in Great Britain). Compare offers, exit fees and your typical consumption before deciding.
Will a smart meter lower my bills automatically?
A smart meter doesn’t reduce usage by itself, but it provides accurate readings and real-time insights through an in-home display, which helps you find and act on waste. It can also unlock time-of-use tariffs that may be cheaper if you can shift usage.
Can tenants apply for insulation or heating grants?
Yes, many schemes support tenants with landlord permission. We can liaise with your landlord and explain any obligations or contributions.
What if I live in Scotland or Wales?
Support varies by nation. Scotland has Home Energy Scotland grants/loans and the Winter Heating Payment. Wales participates in ECO4/GBIS and some local schemes. We’ll check what applies to you.
How disruptive are installations?
Most insulation and control upgrades are completed in a day or two. Solid wall insulation and full heating system changes take longer. We plan works to minimise disruption and explain any preparation needed.
Do I need an EPC?
Some schemes use your EPC rating to assess eligibility and target measures. If you don’t have a recent EPC, we’ll advise whether one is needed and help arrange it if appropriate.
Is there VAT relief on energy-saving measures?
Many qualifying energy-saving materials currently benefit from reduced or zero VAT for residential installations in Great Britain (subject to government policy). We’ll confirm the latest position for your project.
Start Saving on Your Energy Bills
From quick wins to funded home upgrades, Energy Plus makes it simple to reduce your energy use and costs.
- No-obligation advice tailored to your home
- Help with grants and paperwork
- Accredited installers and clear warranties
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Information is general guidance for households in Great Britain. Always consider your health needs and consult qualified professionals for technical work.