Tips to lower your energy bills (UK): save now, switch smarter
Cut your gas and electricity costs with practical home energy tips—and see if you could save more by comparing whole-of-market tariffs with EnergyPlus.
- Quick wins for heating, hot water and appliances
- UK tariff guidance: unit rates, standing charges and meter types
- Compare in minutes—find deals matched to your home and usage
Home energy only. Whole-of-market comparison service. Savings depend on your tariff, usage and region.
Compare energy tariffs to reduce bills
Small changes at home help—but your tariff can make the biggest difference. If your unit rate or standing charge is higher than necessary, you may be paying more every day, even before you use any energy.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service, so you can check a wide range of UK suppliers and tariffs in one place. Fill in the form and we’ll match options to your home and usage.
What you’ll need (takes 2–3 minutes)
- Postcode (region affects prices)
- Energy type: electricity only, or gas + electricity
- Approx usage (or your latest bill if you have it)
- Meter type (smart / standard / Economy 7 if applicable)
Prefer to start with practical changes first? Use the bill-lowering tips below and come back to compare when you’re ready.
Get your whole-of-market comparison
Complete the form to see tariffs that could lower your home energy bills.
Why bills rise—and where you can take control
Tariff costs
Your bill is driven by unit rates (p/kWh) plus a standing charge. Even small differences can add up over a year.
Heat loss & heating habits
In most UK homes, space heating is the biggest energy use. Insulation and controls usually beat cutting comfort.
Everyday electricity
Appliances, lighting and always-on devices create hidden costs. Measuring and changing routines can reduce waste quickly.
Top tips to lower energy bills in UK homes
Use these tips as a checklist. Start with the no-cost changes, then prioritise upgrades that pay back over time. If you’re unsure where to begin, complete the tariff comparison first—then you’ll know whether savings are more likely from switching, reducing usage, or both.
- Check your tariff details. Find your unit rate and standing charge on your bill or supplier app. If either looks high, compare options.
- Do a 24-hour “always-on” check. Note your smart meter or meter reading at night, then again in the morning. Big overnight use often means devices left on.
- Reduce boiler flow temperature (carefully). Many combi boilers are set higher than needed. Lowering the flow temperature can cut gas use while keeping your home comfortable.
- Use heating controls properly. A programmed schedule and thermostat (rather than turning the heating fully on/off) can prevent spikes and wasted heat.
- Fix draughts and keep heat in. Draught excluders, thick curtains and closing internal doors are low-cost ways to reduce heat loss.
- Shift electricity use if you’re on a multi-rate tariff. If you have Economy 7 or similar, run high-use appliances during off-peak hours—only if your tariff makes it worthwhile.
- Wash at 30°C and line-dry when possible. Tumble dryers are among the most expensive appliances to run.
- Replace halogen bulbs with LEDs. LEDs use far less electricity and last longer—an easy upgrade across the whole home.
If you’re struggling to pay
Contact your supplier as early as possible. You may be eligible for payment plans or support. You can also check your eligibility for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount (where available) and other local support through your council or advice services.
Heating & hot water: the biggest bill lever
For many UK households, gas (or electricity in all-electric homes) used for heating and hot water is the largest part of the bill. These changes can reduce energy use without making your home feel cold.
Low/no-cost actions
- Thermostat discipline: aim for a steady temperature and avoid overheating rooms you don’t use.
- Radiator efficiency: bleed radiators if cold at the top and keep furniture away from them.
- Hot water habits: shorter showers and fitting a low-flow shower head can reduce both water and energy use.
- Close the loop: close curtains at dusk and shut doors to keep heat in occupied areas.
Home upgrades worth considering
- Loft and cavity wall insulation: often among the best-value improvements for heat retention.
- Heating controls: programmable thermostat, TRVs and zoning can reduce wasted heating.
- Boiler service: can help maintain efficiency and reliability.
- Draught-proofing: doors, letterboxes and loft hatches are common leak points.
Safety note: If you change boiler settings, follow manufacturer guidance. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, call the National Gas Emergency number immediately.
Appliances & everyday electricity: reduce waste fast
Electricity is typically the most expensive energy per unit. If you’re trying to lower bills quickly, focus on devices that run hot (dryers, ovens, electric showers) and anything that’s always on.
Kitchen
- Only boil what you need in the kettle.
- Use pan lids and match pan size to ring size.
- Batch cook and reheat efficiently (microwaves can be cheaper for small portions).
Laundry
- Wash at 30°C and use eco cycles where possible.
- Spin faster to reduce drying time.
- Air-dry or use a dehumidifier strategically if it’s cheaper than a tumble dryer for your setup.
Always-on & standby
- Use a smart plug to measure what devices really cost.
- Switch off consoles, set-top boxes and chargers when not needed.
- Check immersion heater timers—unnecessary hot water can be costly.
UK energy tariffs explained: what to check on your bill
Understanding a few key terms makes it easier to spot a better deal and avoid surprises.
Tip: focus on total annual cost
A low unit rate can be offset by a high standing charge (or vice versa). When comparing, look at the estimated annual cost based on your usage and region.
Common mistakes that keep UK energy bills high
Mistake: only checking unit rates
Standing charges vary by region and tariff. If your usage is low, a higher standing charge can cancel out a cheaper unit rate.
Mistake: staying on an old deal after it ends
Fixed tariffs can roll onto different rates. Add a reminder a few weeks before the end date to compare again.
Mistake: heating empty rooms
Use your schedule, thermostat and TRVs to prioritise the rooms you actually use—especially in the morning and evening.
Mistake: ignoring meter type
Economy 7 and prepayment tariffs can price differently. Choose a tariff that matches your lifestyle and when you use energy.
Regional considerations across the UK
Energy prices can vary by region due to distribution costs. Your postcode helps determine which rates apply. Weather, housing stock and heating types also differ, so these pointers may help:
Colder areas & older homes
Prioritise insulation, draught-proofing and heating controls. Comfort-first changes often reduce costs without needing extreme temperature cuts.
All-electric properties
Focus on efficient heating settings, hot water timing and usage shifting if you have a multi-rate tariff. Compare electricity-only tariffs carefully.
Flats and low users
Standing charges can matter more than unit rate. Comparing tariffs based on your actual usage can make a noticeable difference.
FAQs: lowering energy bills in the UK
What’s the fastest way to reduce my energy bill?
Start with two things in parallel: (1) compare tariffs to make sure you’re not overpaying per unit and per day; (2) reduce waste from heating and always-on devices.
If your tariff is already competitive, the quickest savings usually come from heating schedules, hot water timing and cutting tumble dryer use.
Is it worth switching energy supplier in the UK right now?
It can be. The only reliable way to know is to compare based on your postcode, meter type and usage. Use the EnergyPlus comparison form to see whole-of-market options that fit your household.
Do smart meters help you save money?
A smart meter doesn’t automatically reduce costs, but it can make your usage more visible—helping you spot high-consumption periods and always-on devices. That awareness often leads to behaviour changes that lower bills.
Should I choose a fixed or variable tariff?
It depends on your preference for price certainty versus flexibility. Fixed tariffs can offer predictable costs for a set term, while variable tariffs can change. When comparing, consider total estimated annual cost, any exit fees and the tariff end date.
How can I tell if my standing charge is high?
Standing charges vary by region and tariff. The best approach is comparing whole-of-market tariffs for your postcode and seeing how the total annual cost changes for your usage level.
Will changing my heating settings damage my boiler?
Basic adjustments (like schedules and modest flow temperature changes) are typically within normal use, but always follow manufacturer guidance. If you’re unsure, speak to a qualified engineer—safety first.
Trusted by UK households comparing smarter
“The tips were practical, but the biggest help was seeing the standing charge differences laid out clearly.”
— Priya, Manchester
“I didn’t realise my tariff had ended months ago. Comparing options helped me make a confident switch.”
— Tom, Bristol
“Quick form, clear results. I also used the heating checklist and saw lower usage week-by-week.”
— Aisha, Glasgow
How EnergyPlus helps
- Whole-of-market comparison approach
- Tariffs matched to your postcode, meter and usage
- UK-focused guidance for reducing home energy costs
Ready to lower your energy bills?
Use the tips on this page, then compare whole-of-market tariffs to see if switching could reduce what you pay for gas and electricity at home.
No business energy. Results vary by household usage, tariff availability and region.
Quick checklist before you submit
- Have your postcode ready
- Know your meter type (smart/standard/Economy 7)
- Optional: grab your latest bill for best accuracy
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