How can I quickly lower my UK home energy bills in 2026?

You can lower your UK home energy bills in 2026 by combining a few high-impact steps: turning your thermostat down by 1°C, using smart heating controls to avoid heating empty rooms, improving loft and cavity wall insulation, sealing draughts around doors and windows, and upgrading to LED lighting throughout your home. For even bigger long-term savings, consider a modern condensing boiler, air source heat pump, or high-efficiency electric heating system, especially if your current system is over 10–12 years old.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to save money without feeling cold?

Most UK homes can stay comfortable with the thermostat set between 18°C and 20°C. Reducing your thermostat by just 1°C can cut heating bills by around 5–10% over a year, depending on your property and usage. Use a programmer or smart thermostat so your heating only runs when you need it, and lower the temperature slightly at night or when you are out of the house.

Are smart thermostats and smart heating controls worth it for UK homes?

Yes, smart thermostats and smart heating controls can significantly reduce wasted energy in UK homes. They allow you to heat specific zones or rooms, create precise schedules, and control your heating from your phone so you are not paying to heat an empty property. Many households see noticeable reductions in their annual gas or electricity bills once smart controls are set up correctly.

What are the best low-cost ways to cut gas and electricity usage at home?

Low-cost, quick wins include switching every bulb to LED, turning appliances off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby, using radiator reflector panels on external walls, fitting draught excluders, bleeding radiators so they heat efficiently, washing clothes at 30°C, and only boiling as much water as you need in the kettle. These simple changes can add up to meaningful savings on your annual gas and electricity bills.

Does better insulation really make a big difference to UK energy bills?

Yes. Insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce UK home energy bills because it stops heat escaping, so your boiler or electric heating system does not have to work as hard. Adequate loft insulation, cavity wall insulation where suitable, and draught-proofing around windows, doors and floorboards can significantly reduce heat loss. The result is a warmer home that costs less to heat, especially during the colder months.

Should I upgrade my boiler or heating system to save money in 2026?

If your boiler is old, unreliable or inefficient, upgrading can lower your bills and improve comfort. A modern A-rated condensing boiler or high-efficiency electric heating system uses less energy to provide the same level of heat. In many homes, replacing a 15-year-old boiler can cut heating costs by a noticeable amount. It is also a good opportunity to add smart controls and ensure your system is correctly sized and balanced for your property.

How can I find out which home energy improvements will save me the most?

The best approach is to assess your property, your current heating system and how you use energy. Factors like your home's age, insulation levels, window type and boiler efficiency all affect where you will save the most. A professional energy assessment or quote from a trusted installer can highlight the most cost-effective improvements for your specific home, whether that is better insulation, a system upgrade or smarter controls.

Are there UK grants or schemes to help with home energy efficiency upgrades?

From time to time, UK government and local schemes provide support for insulation, heat pumps and other efficiency upgrades, particularly for lower-income households or hard-to-heat homes. Availability changes over time, so it is important to check the latest information from official government sources or speak to a reputable installer who can advise you on any current funding or incentives for improving your home's energy performance.

Simple Ways to Lower UK Home Energy Bills in 2026

Practical advice, quick wins and smarter upgrades to help you cut gas and electricity costs at home this year.

Energy prices remain unpredictable, but there is a lot you can do to take control of your home energy bills in 2026. From simple habit changes to smart tech and insulation upgrades, every small step can add up to big savings over the year.

Use this guide to discover the most effective ways to reduce your energy use, make your home more comfortable and unlock any available support or funding you may be entitled to in the UK.

Cost-free and low-cost actions you can start today
Smart technologies that cut waste automatically
Home improvements that pay back through lower bills
Where to find grants and government support in the UK

Ready to see how much you could save? Request a free, no-obligation home energy savings check.

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Typical Savings Our Customers See

£150–£300 per year from simple behaviour changes
£200–£500 per year with basic insulation improvements
Up to £600 per year when combining insulation, efficient heating and smart controls

Savings will vary depending on your property type, existing efficiency and energy use. Our team can help you estimate the impact for your home.

Quick Wins: Easy Ways to Cut Home Energy Use in 2026

Start with the simple steps that cost little or nothing but can make a noticeable difference to your energy bills.

1. Use Your Heating More Efficiently

Heating is still the biggest part of most UK home energy bills. Small changes in how you use your boiler and radiators can deliver meaningful savings.

Turn your thermostat down by 1°C – often saves around £80–£120 per year for a typical home.
Heat the rooms you use most and turn radiators down in spare rooms or hallways.
Use timed heating so your home is warm when you need it, not all day.
Bleed radiators once or twice a year so they heat up fully and evenly.

If your boiler is more than 10–12 years old, a modern A-rated boiler with smart controls can cut gas use significantly.

2. Cut Electricity Waste From Everyday Appliances

Many homes use more electricity than they realise through standby power, old appliances and inefficient lighting.

Switch off at the plug – TVs, consoles and chargers can use power even when “off”.
Replace old bulbs with LEDs – they use up to 80% less electricity and last longer.
Run full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
Wash at 30°C where possible; modern detergents work well at lower temperatures.
Air-dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer whenever you can.

Together these habits can easily save £100–£200 per year for a typical family in the UK.

3. Install a Smart Thermostat and Heating Controls

Smart thermostats and connected heating controls let you manage your home temperature from your phone and avoid heating an empty house.

Set heating schedules that match your routine.
Use geolocation so the heating turns down when everyone goes out.
Control individual rooms with smart TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves).
Track your energy use to see what changes make the biggest difference.

Typical UK homes can save up to 10–20% on heating costs by using smart controls effectively.

4. Use Smart Plugs and Timers

Smart plugs and simple timers can automate energy savings around your home.

Schedule lamps and electric heaters to turn off automatically.
Monitor the energy use of individual appliances.
Switch off standby devices with one tap.
Use timer plugs for electric towel rails and immersion heaters.

These low-cost devices can quickly pay for themselves through reduced wasted electricity.

Home Improvements That Lower Energy Bills Year After Year

Improving how well your home holds on to heat is one of the most reliable ways to cut bills for the long term.

5. Upgrade Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation

In many UK homes, a lot of heat is lost through the roof and walls. If your insulation is thin or missing, you are likely paying to heat the outside air.

Loft insulation up to the latest recommended depth can reduce heating costs significantly and improve comfort.
Cavity wall insulation (for suitable properties) cuts heat loss through external walls.
Floor insulation in suspended timber floors can reduce draughts and cold feet.

These improvements can often pay back within a few years and continue to save money for decades.

6. Draught-Proof Windows, Doors and Chimneys

Draughts make your home feel colder and force your heating system to work harder.

Fit draught-proofing strips around doors and windows.
Use brush or flap seals on letterboxes and keyholes.
Block unused chimneys with a suitable draught excluder (leaving some ventilation).
Use thick curtains and close them at dusk to keep heat in.

Draught-proofing is one of the most affordable improvements and can make a noticeable difference to comfort and bills.

7. Consider Double Glazing or Secondary Glazing

If your home still has single-glazed windows, upgrading can reduce heat loss and improve noise levels.

Modern double or triple glazing offers better insulation than older units.
Secondary glazing can be a cost-effective option for period properties.
Make sure vents are used correctly to avoid condensation and maintain air quality.

While the upfront cost is higher, window upgrades can form part of a wider plan to make your home warmer and more efficient.

8. Upgrade to Efficient Heating and Hot Water Systems

Your boiler, heat pump or electric heating setup has a major impact on your bills.

Replace very old boilers with efficient condensing models or low-carbon alternatives where suitable.
Ensure your hot water cylinder is well insulated with a jacket or factory-fitted foam.
Balance your system so all rooms heat evenly and efficiently.
Combine upgrades with smart controls to maximise savings.

We can help you understand which options are most suitable for your property, budget and long-term plans.

Looking Ahead: Renewable Energy Options for UK Homes

If you plan to stay in your home for several years, renewable technologies can protect you against future price rises.

9. Solar Panels and Battery Storage

Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight, helping to cut your daytime grid use, especially if you are at home during the day.

Reduce your electricity bills by using your own solar power.
Export surplus energy back to the grid for a payment under suitable tariffs.
Add a home battery to store energy for evening use.

Solar is not right for every property, but where suitable it can offer strong long-term savings and a lower carbon footprint.

10. Heat Pumps and Low-Carbon Heating

Air-source and ground-source heat pumps are becoming more common in the UK, especially in well-insulated homes.

Use electricity to move heat rather than burning gas directly.
Can be combined with solar panels to further reduce running costs.
Work best with good insulation and low-temperature radiators or underfloor heating.

Our specialists can help you weigh up whether a heat pump is right for your home and what upgrades may be needed first.

Grants, Support and Help With UK Home Energy Bills

If you are worried about rising costs, you may be able to access support from the government, your local council or your energy supplier.

Check What You Are Already Entitled To

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for one or more of the following:

Warm Home Discount (if eligible).
Winter Fuel Payment for older residents.
Cold Weather Payments during very low temperatures (if eligible).
Home upgrade grants or local schemes for insulation and heating improvements.

Schemes and rules can change, especially as we move through 2026, so it helps to review them regularly.

We Can Help You Navigate the Options

Our team keeps up to date with the latest UK home energy grants and support schemes. We can help you:

Understand which schemes may be open in your area.
Prioritise improvements with the biggest impact on your bills.
Plan upgrades around your budget and timescales.

Use the form below to tell us a little about your home and we will contact you with tailored, no-obligation advice.

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Take Control of Your Home Energy Bills in 2026

Lowering your UK home energy bills is not about one big change. It is about combining smart everyday habits, targeted home improvements and the right technologies for your property.

Whether you live in a flat, a terraced house or a rural home off the gas grid, there are always options to reduce waste, improve comfort and protect yourself against future price rises.

Start with the free and low-cost actions around heating and electricity use.
Plan insulation and draught-proofing upgrades for long-term savings.
Explore smart controls and renewables when the time is right.
Check regularly for UK grants and support schemes you might qualify for.

If you would like personalised guidance tailored to your home, budget and plans for 2026 and beyond, use the form above and our team will be in touch.

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Updated on 13 Dec 2025