Cost-saving ways to use less gas and electricity at home

Improve your boiler and heating controls

Modern condensing boilers are far more efficient than older models, but whatever you have, using it correctly matters.

• Use a programmer or smart thermostat: Set your heating to come on only when needed. Pre-heat your home before you wake up or return from work, then reduce temperatures when you are asleep or away.
• Balance your radiators: If some rooms are colder than others, bleeding and balancing your radiators can help heat your home more evenly, preventing you from turning the thermostat up unnecessarily.
• Check your boiler flow temperature: Lowering the flow temperature on a modern condensing boiler (often to around 60°C) can improve its efficiency while still keeping your home warm. Always follow manufacturer guidance.
• Service your boiler regularly: Annual servicing keeps your boiler running efficiently and can prevent breakdowns during cold UK winters.

Cut heat loss from radiators and pipes

Wasted heat means wasted money. Focusing on where heat escapes can deliver quick savings.

• Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs): TRVs help control the temperature in each room independently, so you can keep bedrooms slightly cooler and living spaces warmer.
• Fit radiator reflector panels: On external walls, reflective foil panels behind radiators reflect more heat back into the room and reduce heat loss through the wall.
• Insulate exposed hot water pipes: Simple foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and helps keep hot water hotter for longer.
• Add a cylinder jacket: If you have a hot water cylinder, fitting or upgrading an insulation jacket can significantly reduce heat loss and gas use.

Choose efficient lighting and tackle lighting habits

Switching to energy-efficient bulbs is one of the easiest upgrades for any home.

• Switch to LEDs: LED bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than old incandescent or halogen bulbs and last much longer.
• Prioritise frequently used rooms: Replace bulbs first in rooms where lights are on the longest – kitchens, living rooms, hallways and bathrooms.
• Use natural daylight: During the day, open curtains and blinds fully to make the most of free natural light.
• Get into the habit of switching off: Encourage everyone in the home to turn lights off when leaving a room.

Reduce electricity use from major appliances

Some appliances draw much more power than others. Focusing on these can cut a big chunk from your electricity bill.

• Fridge and freezer: Keep them full but not over-packed, defrost regularly, and set temperatures correctly (around 5°C for the fridge, -18°C for the freezer). Keep doors closed as much as possible.
• Washing machine: Wash at 30°C or 40°C instead of higher temperatures, choose eco cycles and avoid half loads.
• Tumble dryer: Tumble dryers can be among the most expensive appliances to run. Use them sparingly, spin clothes well before drying and clean the lint filter regularly.
• Dishwasher: Run only when full and use eco modes. Scrape plates instead of rinsing under a running hot tap.
• Electric showers: Keep showers short and avoid the highest power settings to save both electricity and water.

Essential insulation upgrades for UK homes

The right insulation depends on the age and type of property, but common opportunities include:

• Loft insulation: Heat rises, so adding or topping up loft insulation can significantly reduce heat loss through the roof. Many UK homes still have less than the recommended depth.
• Cavity wall insulation: If your property has uninsulated cavity walls, filling them can improve comfort and help cut your heating bills.
• Solid wall insulation: Older homes with solid walls may benefit from internal or external wall insulation, though this is usually a larger project.
• Floor insulation: Insulating suspended timber floors and sealing gaps can reduce draughts and make downstairs rooms feel warmer.

Always seek professional advice before installing insulation, especially for older or solid-walled properties.

Simple draught-proofing measures

Even without major works, you can tackle cold draughts and wasted heat cheaply:

• Fit draught excluder strips around doors and windows where you feel a noticeable breeze.
• Use brush or flap seals on letterboxes and keyholes.
• Place draught excluders at the bottom of internal doors, especially to unused rooms or cold hallways.
• Close curtains at dusk to add an extra layer of insulation. Thermal or lined curtains work best.
• Use chimney balloons or draught excluders in unused chimneys (making sure you allow some ventilation).

These changes help make your home feel warmer at lower thermostat settings, saving gas and electricity for heating.

Smart thermostats & zoned heating

A smart thermostat can learn your routine, help you avoid heating an empty home and provide insights into your energy use.

• Control your heating remotely via an app so you only heat your home when needed.
• Set detailed schedules for weekdays and weekends to match your lifestyle.
• Consider smart radiator valves for room-by-room control, so bedrooms, living rooms and home offices can be heated differently.

Smart meters and in-home displays

Most UK households can request a smart meter from their energy supplier. These meters send accurate readings automatically and usually come with an in-home display.

• See how much gas and electricity you use in near real-time.
• Spot which appliances cause usage spikes and adjust behaviour.
• Track the impact of energy-saving changes over time.

Contact your gas and electricity supplier to check if you are eligible for a free smart meter installation.

Make energy awareness part of daily life

• Nominate an “energy champion” in the household to keep an eye on habits and bills.
• Set simple rules: lights off when leaving a room, devices off at the wall and doors closed to keep heat in.
• Review your energy bills together and celebrate reductions.
• Use your smart meter or in-home display as a learning tool.

Understand your tariff and usage patterns

Knowing how you are charged for energy can help you use less at the most expensive times.

• Check whether you have a single-rate or time-of-use tariff.
• Where possible, run high-energy appliances like washing machines outside peak evening hours.
• Compare tariffs periodically to ensure you are on a suitable deal for your usage.
• Submit regular meter readings if you do not yet have a smart meter.

Government and local schemes

Energy efficiency support changes over time, but commonly includes:

• Grants or discounts for insulation and heating upgrades for eligible households.
• Help for low-income or vulnerable customers through supplier obligations.
• Local authority schemes to improve the efficiency of older housing.

Check official UK Government and local council websites for up-to-date information, or speak to your energy supplier.

How Energyplus can help

Energyplus works with households across the UK to identify practical ways to reduce gas and electricity use, improve comfort and unlock potential funding.

• Guidance on the most cost-effective improvements for your type of home.
• Support understanding quotes for insulation, heating and renewable technologies.
• Help to prioritise measures based on your budget and goals.