Struggling with high energy bills? You’re not alone. Many UK households are losing hundreds of pounds every year simply because of small inefficiencies around the home.
Small changes can make a big difference—and you don’t need to overhaul your home to start saving:
Turn your thermostat down by 1°C – save up to 10% on heating bills.
Reduce your shower time to 4 minutes or less – save up to £70 a year.
Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs – save around £4 per bulb annually.
These swaps don’t just save money—they make your home smarter and more energy-efficient without any complicated upgrades.
Technology can do much of the heavy lifting for you.
Smart thermostats and heating controls let you heat only when needed, avoiding wasted energy.
Smart meters track your energy use in real time, so you can see where savings are possible.
Thermostatic radiator valves give room-by-room control, preventing unused spaces from being heated unnecessarily.
Your appliances may be quietly increasing your energy bills. Researchers from the University of Reading found that homes with more appliances, especially older or inefficient ones, have significantly higher electricity demand.
The UK Household Electricity Survey found that upgrading fridges, freezers, and washing machines can save hundreds of kWh per year. MECS research also shows modern cooking appliances make a big difference: induction hobs and pressure cookers use up to 50% less energy than traditional hotplates. Automated appliances save around 25%, and new-generation hobs use 10% less than older models.
Even replacing just one inefficient appliance or switching to energy-smart cooking methods can noticeably reduce your bills, without changing your lifestyle.
Everyday habits matter. The Household Electricity Survey (HES) shows that changing routines and upgrading appliances can save profligate households over 1,500 kWh a year—equivalent to hundreds of pounds.
Run dishwashers at lower temperatures (55°C instead of 70°C) to save up to 96 kWh/year.
Only run washing machines and dishwashers when full.
Switch off appliances at the plug—standby can use 10–44 kWh/year per home.
Turn off lights and devices when leaving a room.
Close doors in unused rooms to retain heat where it’s needed most.
Over time, these small actions can make a real difference to your energy bills.
Lighting may only make up about 3% of household energy use, but inefficient use adds up. Unnecessary daytime lighting can add 105 kWh/year, with higher usage in winter.
Leaving a single LED on overnight costs around £6/year, and older bulbs cost even more. Across the UK, about 4.7 million homes routinely leave lights on overnight, which can add up to over £300 in extra electricity costs for some households.
Simple habits save energy and money:
Take advantage of natural daylight.
Switch off lights when leaving a room.
Use low-energy bulbs.
If 80% of your bulbs are low-energy and you avoid unnecessary use, you could save around 230 kWh/year.
Keeping heat inside your home is just as important as managing your energy use.
The English Housing Survey 2022–2023 reports that moving your home to an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of band C can save £280 per year, and homes in lower bands (E–G) could save up to £778 annually. Insulation, central heating improvements, and double glazing have helped raise the average SAP rating of English homes from 45 points in 1996 to 67 points in 2023. The most effective upgrades include cavity wall insulation, condensing combination boilers, and full double glazing.
If major improvements aren’t an option, smaller steps still make a difference:
Seal draughts around windows and doors.
Add insulation behind radiators or to hot water tanks (£40–£50/year savings).
Use thermal-lined curtains and keep them closed in the evenings to reduce heat loss by up to 27%.
These small actions are affordable, easy, and make your home more comfortable year-round.
High energy bills aren’t just about usage—they’re about the tariff you’re on. Knowing your tariff is one of the simplest ways to take control and protect yourself from sudden price hikes.
Fixing your energy tariff gives you predictable bills and peace of mind.
Compare your options to find a deal that fits your household.
Want to learn more about choosing the right plan? Check out our guide to energy tariffs for tips on finding a fair, predictable deal. Schemes like Switch Together Energy can help you lock in a tariff that keeps your home cosy without the stress of rising costs.
Take Control of Your Energy Bills Today
From simple swaps and smart appliance use to insulation improvements and tariff choices, small steps can make a big difference. Start today, and enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home—without the worry of skyrocketing bills.