Fed Up With High Energy Bills? Here’s How to Cut Costs and Save Smartly

If you’ve opened your latest gas or electricity bill and found yourself wincing, you’re certainly not alone. 

With rising energy costs continuing to pinch household budgets across the UK, many of us are looking for ways to bring those soaring figures down. 

Thankfully, there are simple hacks you can use right now to reduce your energy usage, and it might also be time to rethink who supplies your energy in the first place.

Here’s how to cut your bills without compromising comfort.

1. Be Smart With Heating and Hot Water

Heating typically makes up more than half of the average UK household’s energy use — so it’s a prime target for savings.

Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C – you probably won’t notice the difference in comfort, but you could shave around 10% off your heating bill.

Use a timer so the hating only comes on when you need it, no need to heat an empty house.

Bleed your radiators to ensure they’re working efficiently.

Install thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control room temperatures individually.

2. Cut the Hot Water Waste

Only boil the water you need in the kettle, this one’s simple but often overlooked.

Fit an eco-shower head to cut down hot water use without losing pressure.

Set your water heating to just what’s needed, 60°C is generally hot enough for household use.

3. Plug the Gaps — Literally

Heat escaping through gaps and draughts means money vanishing into thin air.

Draught-proof doors and windows with inexpensive self-adhesive strips.

Use door snakes or draught excluders on internal doors.

Don’t forget the chimney if it’s unused, a balloon draught excluder can save serious warmth.

4. Appliance and Lighting Hacks

Switch off at the wall – appliances on standby still draw power.

Use energy-efficient LED bulbs, they last longer and cost far less to run.

Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full, and choose eco modes when appropriate.

Air-dry clothes where possible instead of using a tumble dryer.

5. Insulation = Long-Term Savings

If you own your home, investing in insulation pays back over time:

Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective upgrades.

Cavity wall insulation can also save hundreds per year.

Even simple additions like thermal curtains and rugs on bare floors help retain warmth.

6. Switching Energy Providers

Loyalty doesn’t always pay when it comes to energy. You might be overpaying without realising it.

Use price comparison websites like Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket or Compare the Market to see if you can get a better tariff.

Look for fixed rate deals, they protect you against future price rises.

Check for exit fees if you’re currently in a contract, but remember, even with a small fee, switching could still save you more overall.

Consider green energy providers, some now offer competitive tariffs and better customer service.

7. Monitor Your Usage

Knowledge is power, quite literally.

Request a smart meter from your provider to track real-time usage and costs.

Use free apps or your supplier’s dashboard to understand when you’re using the most energy and what you could change.

Final Thoughts

The energy crisis has forced many of us to think more critically about our consumption — but the silver lining is that small changes, clever tweaks, and a willingness to switch providers can lead to real savings. 

Whether you rent or own, live alone or have a bustling family home, these tips can help you stay warm and comfortable without burning through your budget.

Have any favourite energy-saving hacks of your own? Share them in the comments or on our socials — let’s beat those bills together!