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Energy saving tips

There are many ways to improve your home's energy efficiency and cut your energy bills. On this page we have compiled some helpful tips and advice for you. 

Everyday energy efficiency

Heating and hot water

  • If you have a timer on your central heating system, set the heating and hot water to come on when you need it. For example, set it to start 30 minutes before you get up in the morning and switch off 30 minutes before you are due to go to bed.
  • If you have a hot water tank, set the cylinder thermostat to either 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat from escaping through the windows. Check for draughts around windows and doors that let cold air in and warm air out, and block them.
  • A dripping hot water tap can waste enough energy in a week to half fill a bath. So fix leaking taps as soon as possible, and make sure they are fully turned off every time.

Electric and appliances

  • Always turn the lights off when you leave a room.
  • Don’t leave appliances on standby, and don’t leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily. 
  • When you’re doing the washing, try to fill up the machine, tumble dryer, or dishwasher. One full load uses less energy than two half loads.
  • Only boil as much water as you need in your kettle.

Smart meters

Consider fitting a smart meter and in-home display when you are offered one by your energy supplier. The in-home display will show you how much energy you are using and help identify ways you can save power.

Home energy check

Do a home energy check to find out about savings of up to £250 a year on household energy bills by visiting simple energy advice. You’ll receive a full report detailing your home’s energy use and the savings you could make.


 

Support for paying energy bills

Find out more about the support you can access to help you pay your energy bills.

View support


 

Future-proof your home

Better insulation, bigger savings

Improving the insulation in your home is an effective way to reduce your energy usage. It stops hot air from escaping through walls and ceilings, keeping your house warmer for longer. 

Cavity wall insulation

About a third of all heat escapes through uninsulated walls.  Insulating cavity walls can help you save significant amounts of energy and reduce energy bills.

Loft insulation

Up to 25% of all heat in your home is lost through the roof if your ceilings aren't insulated. So insulating or even topping up existing insulation to a thickness of 270mm will have a massive impact on energy bills.

Smart Homes

By having a smart meter, it can bring immediate benefits to customers to help take control of their energy usage. It provides households with real time information on energy use in pounds and pence. Energy supplier are responsible for installing smart meters so contact your supplier to see if there is availability in your area.

Also by taking further steps to install technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, or heat pumps into your home, it’s possible to generate your own electricity or heat from renewable sources of energy, such as the sun or wind. This could help you save money on your electricity bills, as well as contribute to reducing the carbon emissions of the UK’s electricity network.

Find out more about smart meters and how to get yours on our smart meter information page.

ECO Scheme

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions.

This scheme obligates energy suppliers to promote measures that improve the ability of low-income, fuel poor and vulnerable households to heat their homes. This includes actions that result in reduced energy use, such as installing insulation or upgrading a heating system.

The scheme supports energy efficiency measures in the home of those considered to be in fuel poverty. Contact your supplier to see if you may be eligible for support through the Eco scheme, or for more information visit the Ofgem website.


 

Support available to you

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy has provided information and advice on making your home more energy-efficient and reducing your bills.

Find out more

Energy Savings Trust

The Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation that addresses the climate emergency. They’re a respected and trusted voice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions, empowering millions of householders to make better energy choices every year.

Find out more

Citizens' Advice

Citizens' Advice Bureau is a national charity supported by a local network that offers free, confidential, and impartial advice online on personal finance. You can speak to them over the phone or in person. They can help you identify and access any additional support you may be entitled to and help you manage your money most effectively.

Find out more

Centre for Sustainable Energy

The Centre for Sustainable Energy is an independent national charity that shares their knowledge and experience to help people change the way they think and act on energy.

Find out more
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