What are the easiest ways for pensioners to cut home energy bills?

Start by reducing heat loss and improving efficiency. Simple steps include lowering your thermostat by 1°C, closing doors to unused rooms, fitting draught excluders, using thick curtains at night, and bleeding radiators so they heat efficiently. Switching to LED lighting, turning appliances off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby, and using smart heating controls can also deliver quick savings without compromising comfort.

Are there government grants or schemes to help pensioners with energy efficiency?

Yes. Depending on your circumstances and benefits, you may qualify for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment and local energy efficiency grants. Some programmes help fund insulation, new efficient boilers or heat pumps for pensioners and low-income households. Check your eligibility through the UK government website, your local council, or speak to an Energy Plus advisor for guidance on current grants and how to apply.

Which home improvements give pensioners the biggest long-term energy savings?

Insulation and heating upgrades usually provide the greatest long-term savings. Loft and cavity wall insulation, underfloor or internal wall insulation, modern double or triple glazing, and replacing an old boiler with an A-rated boiler or heat pump can significantly cut your annual energy use. Adding smart or programmable heating controls helps ensure you only heat the rooms you use, when you need them, improving comfort and reducing wasted energy.

How can pensioners stay warm at home without using too much energy?

Focus on heating people, not empty rooms. Use zoned heating or thermostatic radiator valves to warm the rooms you use most, keep doors and curtains closed to retain heat, and layer clothing and blankets to feel warmer at lower thermostat settings. An electric throw or heated blanket can cost less to run than heating the whole home for long periods. Regular boiler servicing and bleeding radiators also help your system work efficiently so you get more warmth for the energy you use.

Should pensioners switch energy suppliers to save money?

It is worth reviewing your tariff regularly. When the market allows, switching to a better deal or a fixed-rate tariff can reduce your monthly bills and protect you from price rises. Many pensioners find it helpful to get independent advice or use a trusted comparison service to check current offers. Make sure you understand any exit fees and that the new tariff suits your usage patterns. Energy Plus can help you review your options alongside practical home energy improvements.

Can smart meters and smart thermostats really help older people save on energy?

Yes, when used correctly smart technology can make managing energy easier and cheaper. A smart meter shows real-time usage in pounds and pence, helping you see which appliances cost the most to run and identify waste. Smart thermostats and smart radiator valves let you control heating schedules and room temperatures more accurately, sometimes via simple apps or easy-to-use controls. This helps pensioners maintain a comfortable home while avoiding overheating rooms or leaving heating on unnecessarily.

What support is available for vulnerable or disabled pensioners struggling with energy costs?

Vulnerable and disabled pensioners may be entitled to extra help from energy suppliers and government schemes. This can include priority services registration, free gas safety checks, tailored communication, and additional financial support through benefits, rebates and hardship funds. Charities and local advice services can also assist with budgeting, grant applications and energy-debt support. If you are struggling, contact your supplier early and seek independent advice so you do not miss out on support you are entitled to.

UK Home Energy Cost Saving Tips for Pensioners

Cut your home energy bills, stay warm and comfortable, and make the most of the help available to pensioners across the UK.

Why home energy costs hit pensioners hardest

Many pensioners spend more time at home and feel the cold more, so rising gas and electricity prices can quickly become worrying. The good news is that small changes, combined with the right grants and support, can significantly reduce your bills without sacrificing comfort or safety.

This guide focuses on practical, low-stress steps you can take in your own home, along with the financial help you may be entitled to as a pensioner in the UK.

Fast ways to cut energy costs without feeling colder

Start with changes that make the biggest difference to your bill but the smallest impact on your day-to-day comfort.

Use your thermostat wisely: Reducing the room temperature by just 1°C can trim heating costs by up to 10%, while still keeping you warm if you dress appropriately.
Heat the rooms you use most: Focus on your living room and bedroom. Turn radiators down (but not off completely) in unused rooms to avoid damp.
Set heating schedules: Use your timer to warm your home before you get up and before the evening, rather than having the heating on high all day.
Block draughts: Draught excluders, letterbox brushes and keyhole covers are cheap, simple to fit and can noticeably reduce heat loss.
Close curtains at dusk: Thick, lined curtains keep warmth in at night. During the day, open them to let natural sunlight warm the room.

Stay warm safely: recommended temperatures for pensioners

It is vital not to let your home get too cold, especially if you are older or have health conditions.

Living room: Aim for around 21°C when you are at home and active.
Bedroom & other rooms: Around 18°C is usually comfortable and safe.

Never turn the heating off entirely in winter. Very cold homes increase the risk of respiratory problems, heart issues and falls. The goal is to use heat more efficiently, not to go without.

Simple home energy fixes that make a big difference

You do not need a full home renovation to see savings. Many low-cost products and quick adjustments can reduce wasted energy straight away.

1. Stop heat escaping

Draught-proof doors and windows: Apply self-adhesive foam or rubber strips to gaps. Look around letterboxes, door frames and older windows.
Seal gaps around skirting boards: Use flexible sealant where you feel cold air coming in.
Use a chimney balloon: If you have an open, unused fireplace, a chimney draught excluder can stop warm air escaping.

2. Make your radiators work smarter

Bleed radiators: If they are cooler at the top than the bottom, bleeding them releases trapped air and improves efficiency.
Keep them clear: Move furniture away from radiators and avoid drying clothes directly on them so heat can circulate.
Add reflective panels: Foil or reflector panels behind radiators on external walls can push more heat back into the room.

3. Cut hot water waste

Lower cylinder temperature slightly: If you have a hot water cylinder, set it to around 60°C. This is hot enough to kill bacteria but avoids overheating.
Use a cylinder jacket: An insulating jacket on your hot water tank can quickly pay for itself.
Fit aerated taps and efficient shower heads: These feel just as powerful but use less hot water.

Low-effort ways to reduce electricity use

Small, everyday changes can add up to noticeable savings over the year.

Use LED bulbs: Replacing old bulbs with LEDs uses up to 80% less electricity and they last longer.
Switch appliances off at the socket: Standby mode still uses power. Switch off TVs, set-top boxes and chargers when not in use.
Choose the right cooking method: Slow cookers, microwaves and air fryers are often cheaper to run than an oven for small meals.
Wash at lower temperatures: 30°C or 40°C cycles often clean just as well, while using less energy.
Avoid tumble drying where possible: Use a clothes horse in a well-ventilated room and keep radiators clear.

If you have old appliances, such as a very old fridge-freezer, consider replacing them with modern A-rated models when you can afford it. They usually use much less electricity.

Government schemes and financial help for pensioners

Many pensioners miss out on support simply because they do not know it exists. It is worth checking what you or a family member may be entitled to every year.

1. Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before a certain date (which changes each year), you may receive a tax-free Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs. It is usually paid automatically if you receive the State Pension or certain other benefits.

2. Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off rebate on your electricity bill for eligible low-income or pensioner households. Eligibility rules vary by supplier, so always check with your energy provider.

3. Cold Weather Payments

If you receive certain benefits and the temperature in your area falls to zero or below for seven days in a row, you may get Cold Weather Payments automatically.

4. Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and other schemes

Depending on your income, benefits and the type of home you live in, you may be able to access free or subsidised insulation, heating upgrades and other energy-saving improvements through schemes such as ECO or local council programmes.

These schemes change over time, so it is important to check the most up-to-date eligibility criteria with a trusted adviser.

Check if you can upgrade your home with support

Better insulation, modern boilers and efficient heating controls can all reduce your bills and make your home more comfortable. In many cases, pensioners on low incomes do not have to pay the full cost themselves.

Use the form below to request a free, no-obligation call from an energy adviser who can explain what may be available in your area and what it could mean for your bills.

Full name

Phone number

Postcode

Do you own or rent your home?

Main type of heating

Best time to contact you

I agree to be contacted about energy saving options and understand there is no obligation to proceed.

Energy saving tips for carers and family members

If you support an older relative or friend, you can play a big role in helping them manage their bills safely.

Review bills together: Check their tariff, payment method and any debt. They may be paying more than they need to.
Help with meter readings: Regular readings (or a smart meter) make sure bills are accurate, not estimated.
Check they are on the Priority Services Register: This gives extra support from the energy supplier, such as advance notice of planned power cuts.
Look for damp or mould: These can be signs that the property is poorly heated or insulated and may qualify for upgrades.

Always put health and safety first: if in doubt, keeping the home warm enough is more important than pushing for the lowest possible bill.

Frequently asked questions from pensioners

Is it cheaper to keep the heating on low all day?

In most homes, it is cheaper to heat your home only when you need it, using your timer and thermostat, rather than leaving the heating on constantly. Well-insulated homes may be an exception, but for many pensioners, timed heating is more cost-effective.

Are smart meters worth it for pensioners?

Smart meters can help you see what you are using in pounds and pence, in near real time. This makes it easier to spot waste and avoid high estimated bills. If you prefer, a family member or carer can help you interpret the display.

Can I switch energy supplier if I am in debt?

Rules change over time, but in many cases you can switch if your debt is below a certain level and you have had it for less than 28 days. Even if you cannot switch, your current supplier may still offer help, including payment plans and hardship funds.

Take the next step to lower, safer energy bills

Whether you are a pensioner yourself, a carer or a family member, you do not need to tackle energy costs alone. Support, grants and expert advice are available.

Share a few details and discover which home energy improvements and savings could be open to you.

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Updated on 12 Dec 2025