5 Proven Tips to Cut Energy Bills Before Winter

1. Improve your insulation to prevent heat loss

One of the best ways to cut energy bills before winter is to improve insulation. In an average home, as much as 35% of heat loss happens through the walls and roofs.

Top tip:

• Put in loft insulation to lower home heat loss.
• Use radiator reflector panels to reflect heat back into the room.
• Install draught excluders around windows and doors.

Small fixes like sealing gaps around your chimney or skirting boards can really help. The Energy Saving Trust says good insulation can save you as much as £300 each year.

2. Adjust your boiler and heating controls

Many homes waste energy by making them too hot or by using systems that don’t work well. You can lower your heating costs a lot by changing your boiler flow temperature and using smart thermostats.

Here’s what to do:

• Set your combi boiler flow temperature to about 55°C.
• Use smart thermostats to help automate and control your heating in different areas.
• Lower the radiators in unused rooms or empty rooms.

Smart systems help you track energy usage and improve your heating patterns. This can save you money and lower your carbon footprint.

Compare Energy Prices & Lock in a Better Deal Today

See fixed and variable tariffs from trusted UK suppliers and choose the one that suits your home and budget.

Compare Better Deal

3. Use hot water efficiently

Heating hot water plays a big role in high gas bills. You can lower your heating bill by making small changes in how you use water.

Tips to save on hot water:

• Cut down your shower time to 4–5 minutes.
• Attach a British Standard jacket to your hot water cylinder.
• Insulate your hot water tank and its pipes.

If you have a water meter, these changes can help you keep an eye on the amount of water you use. This is especially useful for homes or places with many people.

4. Cut down on electricity usage

Cutting your electricity bill before winter is important. The average UK household electricity consumption goes up in the colder months. This is because of longer hours of lighting and more use of appliances.

Simple ways to save:

• Use energy-efficient light bulbs.
• Air-dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer.
• Turn off appliances that are left in standby mode.
• Boil only the water you need in the kettle.
• Keep your fridge and freezer full and defrosted.

These small changes can lead to real savings as time goes by.

5. Get support through schemes and compare deals

The UK provides many ways to help lower your annual energy bills. This support is especially for low-income households and vulnerable groups.

Available support:

• The Warm Home Discount Scheme is for households that qualify.
• The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) helps with home upgrades.
• There are regional grants available in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Also, remember to compare energy prices before winter arrives. It doesn’t matter if you are on a tariff with a prepayment meter, a credit meter, or paying with direct debit. Switching to a better deal can help reduce your energy costs.

Use a price comparison website. You can look at different tariffs and find the best option for how you use them. If you are unsure about your current rate, check your online account or reach out to your supplier.

Correct as of 18 May 2025

FAQs about cutting energy bills before winter