Cost Saving Tips

• Know your usage: Check your energy bills regularly and understand what you’re paying for.
• Take regular meter readings: Submitting accurate readings prevent overestimated bills. If you have a smart meter, it should submit accurate readings for you but it doesn’t hurt to check.
• Review your tariff: You may save money with a cheaper tariff, even with your current supplier. Switching supplier can help but isn’t always cheaper – check the details carefully.

Cut Your Energy Costs

Heating & Hot Water

• Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C to save up to 10% on heating costs.
• Reduce your boiler flow temperature—this can save around 9% in gas.
• Use timers and thermostats to heat only when needed.
• Lower radiator settings in unused rooms (but don’t turn them off completely – you don’t want damp).
• Add layers of clothing before switching the heating on.

Reduce Waste

• Turn appliances off at the plug—standby mode can cost £50–£90 per year.
• Use LED light bulbs—they are the most efficient option.
• Avoid using emergency credit on prepayment meters when possible.

Insulation & Heat Retention

• Stop draughts with seals, curtains, or draft excluders.
• Add insulation – loft and walls can lose over 30% of heat if poorly insulated.
• Install radiator reflector panels to keep heat in the room.
• Insulate your hot water tank – a low-cost upgrade that saves energy.

Save Energy in the Kitchen

• Boil only the water you need.
• Use full loads for washing machines and dishwashers.
• Use smaller appliances (microwave, slow cooker) instead of the oven when possible.
• Keep lids on pans and turn heat down once boiling.
• Let hot food cool before putting it in the fridge.

Laundry & Cleaning

• Wash clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C—this can cut energy use by up to 40%.
• Air dry clothes instead of using radiators or tumble dryers when possible.
• Clean your tumble dryer filter after every use.

Water-Saving Tips

• Install water-efficient showerheads—use up to 40% less hot water.
• Choose showers over baths to reduce water and energy use.
• Fix leaks and use water-saving devices where possible – free water saving kits are available from GetWaterFit.
• Consider a water meter if your household uses less water than average.

Financial Support & Discounts

You may be eligible for financial help:

• Warm Home Discount: £150 off electricity bills for eligible households.
• Winter Fuel Payments: £200–£300 for older households.
• Cold Weather Payments: Extra payments during freezing periods.
• Energy grants: Help available for insulation, boilers, and home improvements.

Always check benefit calculators to ensure you’re receiving all available support, for example:

Better Off Calculator (Policy in Practice)

Turn2us Benefits Calculator

EntitledTo

Council Tax Reductions

• You may get:
  • 25% discount if living alone
  • Reductions if you’re on a low income or a carer
  • Extra help if your home is adapted for disability

Manage Debt and Spending

• Prioritise essential debts (rent, council tax, utilities).
• Seek help early—free advice services are available.
• Review regular expenses like:
  • Insurance
  • Mobile and broadband (look for social tariffs)
• Consider budgeting tools to track spending.