Ways to save money and reduce energy in winter

While energy prices have fallen since their peak a few years ago, they’re still significantly higher than usual.

So, as the cost of living crisis continues into winter, it’s important to know where to go if you need help - and how to keep costs as manageable as possible, whether that’s through tweaks to your account or energy-saving habits.

By making a few simple changes in your daily habits and adopting energy-efficient practices, you can significantly reduce your household energy consumption and, in turn, your energy bills. From unplugging unused electronics to using energy-saving bulbs and appliances, there are many small changes that can be made that add up to savings over time.

Firstly, check how you’re paying your energy bills

Checking that you’re on the best energy tariff is surprisingly simple. Ask your supplier to review your tariff - this will make sure you're getting the most cost-effective deal - a quick evaluation can lead to potential savings on your energy bill.

It’s also worth checking if there are any savings to be made by changing how you pay for your energy.

1. Pay by Direct Debit

Energy customers who pay this way are charged less by suppliers, as it’s more cost-effective for them to run. If you pay for your energy when you’re sent a bill, the average household could save £100 over the year by setting up a Direct Debit.

2. Check your tariff

Are you getting the best deal for your household? Asking your current energy supplier to check if you’re still on the right tariff could help you save. If you find you could save by switching suppliers, this can happen in the background over just a few days. The Energy Switch Guarantee ensures the switching process is as quick and smooth as possible for customers.

3. Upgrade to a smart meter

Installed for free, a smart meter can help make sure you’re paying for the exact amount of energy used by your household. It will also display your usage in near-real time, helping you spot more ways to reduce waste. If you don’t already have one, get in touch with your energy supplier to find out more. If you don’t have a smart meter, make sure you’re sharing meter readings with your supplier regularly to keep bills up to date.

Once your energy account is in good shape, it’s time to try some of the simple home adjustments Energy Saving Trust says could cut energy bills by up to £356 for the average household in Great Britain.

Chances are you’re already doing at least a few of these but it’s always worth checking from time to time. In a busy home, habits can slip and little fingers fiddle with your carefully set dials.

How to lower your home's energy use and save money

Reducing your home's energy consumption doesn't have to be a complicated task or an expensive one. By implementing these simple things, you can lower your energy use and save money on your energy bills.

4. Turn down the boiler flow temperature

If you have a combi boiler, it’s worth checking if its flow temperature is at the most efficient setting. Setting it to 60 degrees could save the average household £112 per year on heating, while still keeping your home warm.

5. Draught-proof your home

Finding and sealing gaps around doors, windows, and floorboards can help stop cold air coming in and stop the heat getting out. Relatively low-cost items such as draught excluders and rugs can make a real difference. If you’re feeling handy, you can apply sealant to close any gaps in window frames or flooring.

A woman with a head towel on looking into a misty mirror after a shower

Cutting your showers to just four minutes a day can help

6. Adopt energy-efficient habits

Make sure dishwashers and washing machines are full before running and use the coldest temperature settings you can. Modern laundry detergent is formulated to wash most clothing at 30°C. You can save by swapping at least one bath a week to a shower, and if your household already showers, try limiting each one to four minutes.

7. Switch appliances off standby

From kitchen appliances to TVs and computers, you’d be amazed how much electricity those little red lights can use across your home. And that’s before we get to all those mobile phone chargers plugged in 24-7. Getting into the habit of turning them all off will save you money over the year.

Remember to ask for help if needed

If you’ve tried all these and you’re still worried about affording your energy bill, don’t think twice about asking for help. There are so many people in the same situation, and energy suppliers and independent advice organisations are ready to offer support – if they’re aware you need it.

8. Ask your energy supplier for help

If you are struggling to afford your energy, your supplier is there to help – they can find the right ways to help when they know more about your situation. You can also get support from Citizens Advice in England and Wales or Advice Direct Scotland, alongside a range of national and local support agencies and fuel poverty charities.

9. Explore help with home improvement

Depending on your location, income and property type, you may be eligible for support with insulation, either from the Government or your supplier. When installed in your home, insulation can keep bills down over the longer term. Ask your supplier for more information, and use the Government's online eligibility checker to see if you could benefit from the Great British Insulation scheme or the Home Upgrade Grant.

10. Share your circumstances

If you’re pregnant or have children aged under five, or elderly or disabled people in your household, you can ask your supplier to add you to the Priority Service Register. This lets your supplier know your household needs extra support; call them for more details.

A child's hand reaching for a light switch

Teaching children energy-efficient habits means everyone in your home is contributing

More than 95% of customers are signed up to energy suppliers who have signed up to the Energy UK Vulnerability Commitment. Through this scheme, suppliers provide an extra £50 million in extra support to customers, via a variety of schemes. If you speak to your energy supplier about your situation, you might be entitled to additional support this winter.

Not sure who that is? Here's how to find your energy supplier.

The arrival of winter can feel overwhelming for many households and it’s easy for energy efficiency to take a back seat. However, we believe everyone deserves to live in a warm, comfortable home, and we hope that by sharing these tips and highlighting additional sources of support, we can help make that possible.

And if you have any further queries or need some help or advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to your energy supplier.

Learn more about how the Energy Switch Guarantee works

About the editor

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.