With energy prices remaining high and household budgets feeling the squeeze, finding simple ways to cut down on your energy use can make a noticeable difference. The good news? You don’t need to sit in the dark or layer up like you’re heading to the Arctic. A few small changes around the house can lead to real savings. Here are ten easy, practical ways to lower your energy bills without sacrificing comfort.
1. Switch to Energy-Efficient Bulbs
Swapping out old incandescent or halogen bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs is one of the simplest changes you can make. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy and can last more than ten times longer, meaning fewer replacements and lower bills in the long run. It’s a bright idea—literally!
2. Turn Down the Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can cut your heating bill by up to 10% a year. Aim for a comfortable setting between 18–21°C. You likely won’t notice a huge difference in temperature, but you will notice the difference when your next bill arrives.
3. Draught-Proof Your Home
Stop warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping in by sealing draughts around windows, doors, letterboxes and keyholes. You can pick up draught-excluder kits for a few pounds at most DIY shops. It’s a low-cost fix that can save you money all year round.
4. Unplug Unused Devices
Even when turned off, many appliances and devices continue to draw power in standby mode—this is known as “phantom energy.” Unplug things like phone chargers, TVs and computers when they’re not in use, or use a smart power strip that switches them off automatically.
5. Use Appliances More Efficiently
Washing your clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C can reduce energy use significantly without compromising cleanliness. Only run your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads, and consider air drying clothes rather than using a tumble dryer when possible.
6. Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you control your heating remotely and schedule it more efficiently, so you’re only heating the house when it’s needed. Brands like Hive, Nest and Tado work well in UK homes and can help you understand and manage your energy usage more intelligently.
7. Layer Up Before Turning Up the Heat
Sometimes the old-fashioned tips work best. Before reaching for the thermostat, throw on a jumper or wrap yourself in a warm blanket. Cosying up can be surprisingly effective—and it costs nothing!
8. Take Shorter Showers
Heating water accounts for a big chunk of your energy bill. By keeping your showers to 4–5 minutes, you can make a real impact. Installing a water-efficient showerhead can help save even more, without ruining your morning routine.
9. Make Use of Off-Peak Energy
If you’re on an Economy 7 or similar tariff, electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours (usually overnight). Use this to your advantage by running washing machines, dishwashers or charging electronics overnight—just make sure to do so safely.
10. Compare and Switch Energy Providers
Many households stick with the same energy provider for years without realising they could be getting a better deal elsewhere. Use a comparison site like Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket or Compare the Market to see if you can switch to a cheaper tariff or provider.
Saving money on your energy bills doesn’t have to be complicated. By making just a few of these small changes, you could see noticeable savings—without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Start with one or two tips today and see the difference for yourself.
Got your own energy-saving tip? Share it in the comments below!