UK Home Energy Saving Tips for 2025 Bills

Lower Your Thermostat Smartly

In many UK homes each 1°C reduction in thermostat temperature can cut heating bills by around 8–10%. Try setting your main thermostat to 18–19°C and using layers and blankets for comfort.

• Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to reduce heat in unused rooms.
• Heat living areas more than bedrooms.
• Aim for steady temperatures instead of constant boosting.

Stop Draughts Around Doors & Windows

Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest ways to warm up your home. Cold air often sneaks in around letterboxes, keyholes, chimneys, and older window frames.

• Use self-adhesive draught-proofing strips around doors and windows.
• Fit a brush or flap to draughty letterboxes.
• Use a chimney balloon or damper in unused fireplaces.

Use Appliances More Efficiently

Everyday habits with washing, cooking and entertainment can add unnecessary cost to your 2025 electricity bill.

• Wash clothes at 30°C where possible.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when full.
• Air-dry clothes instead of using the tumble dryer.
• Switch devices off at the wall – avoid standby where you can.

Loft and Roof Insulation

Heat rises, so poorly insulated lofts are a major source of heat loss in UK houses and bungalows.

• Aim for at least 270mm of loft insulation (usually two layers).
• Seal gaps around loft hatches with draught-proofing strips.
• Insulate pipes and water tanks in the loft to avoid freezing and heat loss.

Many homes can recoup the cost of loft insulation in just a few years through lower heating bills.

Wall and Floor Insulation

The type of walls and floors in your UK home will shape your best insulation strategy.

• Cavity walls: filling the gap can dramatically reduce heat loss.
• Solid walls: internal or external insulation is more involved but very effective.
• Suspended timber floors: insulation between joists can stop cold draughts from below.

Check whether your home already has cavity wall or underfloor insulation before planning further work.

Kitchen

• Use lids on pans and match pan size to the hob burner.
• Boil only the water you need in the kettle.
• Defrost food in the fridge rather than using a microwave.
• Keep fridges and freezers reasonably full but not over-packed.

Living Room

• Turn off TVs, consoles and sound systems fully when not in use.
• Use LED bulbs in lamps and ceiling fittings – they use far less electricity.
• Place furniture so it doesn’t block radiators or vents.
• Use throws and rugs to make the room feel warmer at lower temperatures.

Bedrooms

• Lower bedroom temperature slightly compared with living areas.
• Use thicker duvets and blankets rather than boosting heating overnight.
• Close curtains and blinds fully to cut heat loss through windows.
• Check for draughts around built-in wardrobes against external walls.

Bathroom

• Swap baths for shorter showers where possible.
• Use extractor fans only as long as needed to avoid pulling out too much warm air.
• Fit a timer or sensor light to avoid lights being left on.
• Check heated towel rails are on a timer rather than running all day.

Solar Panels and Home Batteries

• Solar PV systems can generate a large share of your daytime electricity.
• Home batteries help you use more of what you generate, especially in the evening.
• Export tariffs may pay you for surplus power sent back to the grid.

Check your roof orientation, shading and local planning rules before you commit.

Heat Pumps and Low-Carbon Heating

• Air-source and ground-source heat pumps suit well-insulated homes.
• They work best with larger radiators or underfloor heating at lower flow temperatures.
• Tariffs and running costs vary, so modelling your usage is important.

As the UK moves towards net zero, heat pumps will play a growing role in home heating. Planning now helps future-proof your property.