UK Home Energy Cost Saving Tips After Price Cap Changes

Optimise your thermostat settings

• Lower the thermostat by 1°C – Many homes are heated to 21–22°C. Moving to around 18–20°C, where safe and comfortable, can save around 10% on heating use.
• Use a programmer so heating only runs when you need it – for example, 30 minutes before you get up and switch off when you go to bed.
• Set different schedules for weekdays and weekends if your programmer allows it.
• In very cold snaps, avoid turning the thermostat right up. Set it to your normal temperature and let your system bring the house up to heat gradually.

Heat the rooms you actually use

• Fit and use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) so bedrooms and rarely used rooms can be set cooler.
• Close doors to keep warm air in living areas and stop heat disappearing into hallways and landings.
• Bleed radiators that feel hot at the bottom and cold at the top – trapped air makes your boiler work harder.
• Make sure radiators are not blocked by large furniture or heavy curtains.

Check boiler flow temperature

If you have a modern condensing boiler, lowering the flow temperature (the water temperature leaving the boiler) can improve efficiency:

• For radiators: aim for around 60°C instead of 70–75°C, if your home still heats comfortably.
• For underfloor heating: you may be able to go even lower.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s guide and do not change settings you are unsure about.

Reduce hot water waste

• Install an efficient shower head and aim for 4–5 minute showers.
• If you have a hot water cylinder, check it has at least 80mm of insulation. A jacket is inexpensive and can pay back quickly.
• Fix dripping taps – a hot tap dripping once per second can waste hundreds of litres a year.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads, and use eco cycles where available.

Low-cost draught fixes

• Use draught excluders at the bottom of doors and self-adhesive strips around frames.
• Fit keyhole covers and letterbox brushes on external doors.
• Close curtains at dusk, especially over large windows and patio doors. Choose lined or thermal curtains for added insulation.
• Avoid blocking trickle vents completely – these help prevent damp and condensation. Aim for a balance between warmth and ventilation.

Invest in long-term insulation

Where budget allows, better insulation can protect you from future price cap rises as well as the current one:

• Loft insulation up to the recommended depth (typically 270mm) can significantly reduce heat loss.
• Cavity wall insulation may be an option if your home was built between roughly the 1920s and 1990s.
• Consider solid wall or internal wall insulation for older properties, especially those built without cavities.
• Look out for UK and local grants or support schemes for insulation and heating upgrades.

Focus on high-usage appliances

• Washing machine: Use 30°C cycles where possible and avoid half loads.
• Tumble dryer: One of the most expensive appliances to run. Where safe and practical, air-dry on racks or lines.
• Fridge/freezer: Keep at recommended temperatures (around 4°C for fridges, -18°C for freezers) and ensure door seals are tight.
• Electric ovens: Batch cook and use microwaves, slow cookers or air fryers for smaller meals when suitable.

Lighting and standby savings

• Replace traditional or halogen bulbs with LEDs. They use far less electricity and last longer.
• Turn lights off whenever you leave a room, even for short periods.
• Use smart plugs or switched extension leads to turn TVs, games consoles and set-top boxes fully off when not in use.
• Laptops and phone chargers still draw power if left plugged in. Unplug when not charging.

Get the most from a smart meter

• If you don’t have one yet, you can usually request a smart meter from your supplier at no extra cost.
• Use the in-home display to see real-time costs when you turn appliances on and off.
• Track daily and weekly patterns so you can spot unusual spikes and adjust behaviour.
• Regular, accurate readings mean you are far less likely to be hit by large catch-up bills.

Try simple budgeting habits

• Note down your meter readings once a week or use your supplier app to monitor usage.
• Set a monthly energy budget and compare your actual spend, adjusting habits if you go over.
• If your tariff offers cheaper off-peak rates, move as much usage as possible to those times (for example, overnight washing).
• Review your direct debit regularly so payments stay aligned with real use, especially after major price cap changes.

Review your home energy tariff

• Check whether you are on a standard variable tariff following the price cap, or a fixed-rate deal.
• Compare unit rates and standing charges with other tariffs available to you.
• Be cautious of exit fees if you are leaving a fixed deal early.
• Ensure your details and estimated annual consumption are up to date when comparing.

Know what support is available

If you are struggling with bills, reach out early:

• Speak to your supplier about affordable repayment plans if you are in arrears.
• Ask about any hardship funds or grants they operate for vulnerable customers.
• Check whether you qualify for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount or other UK and local help.
• Inform your supplier if anyone in your home is vulnerable, elderly or has a health condition so they can add you to any relevant priority services register.

Living room

• Set the thermostat for comfort, not overheating.
• Keep radiators clear of sofas and furniture.
• Close curtains at night and in cold weather.
• Switch TVs and media devices off at the plug.

Kitchen

• Use pan lids and only boil the water you need in the kettle.
• Match the ring size to your pan on the hob.
• Defrost food in the fridge overnight instead of using a microwave where possible.
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

Bedrooms & hallway

• Set bedrooms slightly cooler than living spaces.
• Use warm bedding and blankets instead of turning heating up full overnight.
• Check for draughts around windows and loft hatches.
• Use low-energy bulbs in bedside and hallway lights.