With energy prices continuing to stretch household budgets, finding ways to reduce your gas bill has become more important than ever. The good news is that there are plenty of simple and affordable ways to keep those costs under control, all without sacrificing comfort. We have already learned ways to save on your electricity bill, so here are ten practical changes you can make today to start saving money.
1. Turn Down the Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can cut your heating bill by up to 10 per cent. That small tweak often goes unnoticed when it comes to comfort but can make a big difference over time. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to lower the temperature while you’re asleep or out of the house.
2. Bleed Your Radiators
Radiators that are cooler at the top than the bottom likely have trapped air, making them work harder to heat your home. Bleeding your radiators is a quick and simple job that helps them run more efficiently, spreading warmth more evenly throughout each room.
3. Use Draught Excluders
Draughts are a common culprit for lost heat. Using draught excluders on doors and windows helps trap warm air inside and keeps the cold out. You can pick up ready-made options or get creative with DIY solutions like rolled-up towels.
4. Insulate Your Home
Good insulation keeps the heat where it belongs. Consider topping up your loft insulation, adding reflective panels behind radiators, or insulating pipes and hot water tanks. These small upgrades can have a noticeable effect on both warmth and your gas bill.
5. Service Your Boiler
An old or poorly maintained boiler can be one of the biggest drains on your gas usage. Having it serviced once a year ensures it’s running efficiently and safely. If your boiler is over 10 years old, it might be worth looking into a more energy-efficient model.
6. Use Your Heating Wisely
Only heat the rooms you regularly use. Close doors to keep warmth from escaping and consider using thermostatic radiator valves to control temperatures in different areas of the house. There’s no need to heat the spare bedroom if it’s not being used.
7. Layer Up Instead of Turning Up
Before reaching for the thermostat, try putting on a jumper or snuggling under a blanket. Wearing warmer clothes indoors can make a surprising difference and costs nothing at all. Thick socks, dressing gowns and cosy throws all help keep you comfortable.
8. Install a Smart Meter
Smart meters show exactly how much energy you’re using, helping you understand where to cut back. Watching how your usage changes throughout the day can encourage more energy-conscious habits and help you spot spikes in gas consumption.
9. Cook More Efficiently
The kitchen is another area where small changes can add up. Use lids on saucepans to retain heat, batch cook meals to make the most of oven time, and consider using a slow cooker which tends to use less energy. Avoid heating a full oven for a single dish if alternatives will do the job.
10. Check for Gas Leaks or Inefficiencies
If your gas bill seems unusually high despite cutting back, it could be worth having your system checked for leaks or faults. While gas leaks are rare, an inefficient appliance or poorly fitted system could be using more energy than it should.
Lowering your gas bill doesn’t have to mean making big sacrifices. With a few small adjustments and a little attention to how you use energy, you can stay warm while keeping costs under control. These changes are not only kind to your wallet but also better for the environment.
Which of these tips will you try first? Let us know in the comments. For more money-saving tips and home advice, subscribe to our newsletter or browse our other helpful guides. Every little bit helps when it comes to trimming those bills.