How Habits Affect Dual Fuel Energy Usage and Costs

A dual fuel tariff is when one energy supplier gives you both gas and electricity on one energy account. Many people pick a dual fuel deal because it makes things easier. You have just one point of contact and sometimes you get a dual fuel discount.

The way you use energy in your home can make a big difference to your dual fuel bill. Things like what you do each day, how you heat your house, and the way you pay all add up. Some people save a lot each year just by having better habits. But if they use the wrong plan for how much energy they use, their energy costs can go up.

How much does energy usage affect a dual fuel bill?

According to Ofgem’s energy price cap for July to September 2025, the price cap is set to control how much people pay for energy. This is done to make sure that the costs are fair for customers. The energy price cap helps keep bills lower and stops prices from going up too fast for most people in the UK.

• A usual electricity unit rate is 26.35p for each kWh.
• A usual gas unit rate is 6.29p for each kWh.
• The daily standing charges are about 53.68p every day for electricity and 34.03p every day for gas.

This is a worked example about an average household using dual fuel energy.

Here, you will see how much people in a typical home might use and pay for both gas and electricity. We’ll look at the numbers. This will give you a good idea of what to expect with dual fuel energy at your house.

• Electricity: 4,500 kWh at 26.35p each makes £1,185.75.
• Gas: 12,000 kWh at 6.29p each comes to £754.80.
• Standing charges: This is £320 for the year.
• Total dual fuel bill is about £2,260 each year.

If a household uses 10% less energy by having better habits, it can save about £200 each year. How can you do this? Try to use heating more wisely and turn off appliances when you are not using them. Even small changes like this add up over time and can help save you money.

Why do standing charges matter even if you use less energy?

Standing charges be there no matter if you use a lot or just a little.

• Low-use household example: If you spend £500 on energy and pay £320 for standing charges, the total bill comes to £820. Here, 39% of what you pay are fixed costs.
• High-use household example: If you spend £2,000 on energy with £320 for standing charges, the total bill is £2,320. So, only 14% of the cost is fixed.

This tells you why small households or people who use less gas might want to think about what is the cheapest option. You could pick single fuel, or you could look at separate suppliers. It is good to check which way saves the most money for you.

What role do habits play in dual fuel savings?

Household behaviour has a big effect on what you pay for energy under any energy tariff.

• Heating habits – Turning your thermostat down by 1°C can help you save up to 10% on gas bills.
• Meter readings – Doing meter readings often, or using a smart meter, helps make sure your bill is right.
• Payment method – Paying by monthly direct debit will almost always cost less than paying with cash or cheque.
• Appliance use – Washing at 30°C, taking shorter showers, and not leaving things on standby can cut your electricity use by 5–10% each year.
• Switching habits – Checking dual fuel comparison often will help you not get stuck on a standard variable tariff that costs more.

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Is a fixed tariff or variable tariff better for your usage?

• Fixed tariff: These plans lock your unit rates for 12–24 months. It is good for homes that use much energy and want peace of mind if energy prices go up. The early exit fee can be about £30–£50 for each type of energy, so watch out for that.
• Variable tariffs: The bills are protected by the Ofgem price cap. Your costs go up or down with wholesale energy prices. This is best for you if you want flexibility and do not want an exit fee.
• Green energy tariffs: A few dual fuel suppliers offer green energy. You get renewable electricity with gas plans. These may cost a bit more, but sometimes you can get exclusive discounts with these eco deals.

How can smart meters improve dual fuel savings?

• Give real-time data to show how much energy you use.
• Take away the risk of guessing bills, so two-part fuel bills be right.
• Help find which machines use the most energy so people can change what they do.
• Let you get deals for when you use electricity, like charging your electric vehicle or picking different power plans.

Most energy companies will put in a smart meter for free. A smart meter can be one of the easiest ways for you and us to get cheaper energy bills. It shows you how much energy you use, so we can change our habits to cut costs.

What strategies give the best dual fuel savings?

1. Track energy use – Use a smart meter to see where you use the most. A smart meter will help you find what uses the most energy.
2. Switch suppliers regularly – Use your recent bill in an energy comparison tool to get a better deal. The best way to know you are not paying too much is to compare energy prices by postcode.
3. Cut peak electricity usage – Use your appliances at off-peak times when flexible tariffs are there. This can lower your bill.
4. Consider green dual fuel tariffs – These may offer you rewards or special exclusive discounts for good and green energy use.
5. Avoid auto-rollover – Do not let your current suppliers move you into a standard variable tariff.
6. Choose the right payment – A direct debit with a single supplier is often the cheapest option for most people.

Table: How habits change dual fuel costs

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How do different households save on dual fuel tariffs?

• Average household: A household can save between £200 and £300 every year if they switch to a new deal when their contract ends. If you wait for the contract to finish and then change, you get the most out of it.
• Low-use household: A household with low use needs to watch the standing charges. At times, a single fuel plan works better for these homes, so keep that in mind.
• High-use household: A household that uses more gets the biggest benefit from fixed tariffs. A fixed deal helps you avoid getting hit with big price jumps in the market.
• EV households: A household that uses electric vehicles should search for suppliers that give special EV tariffs. These tariffs sometimes let you charge at night for a lower price.

The best way to get the right dual fuel deal for your needs is to check and compare energy prices often. This will help you find the best dual fuel deal that works for you. If you look at energy prices every now and then, you can be sure to stay on top of all the best dual fuel deal options out there.

FAQs About Habits and Dual Fuel Energy Costs

How do household habits affect dual fuel costs?

Heating, using appliances, and how you pay are all things that can change your yearly dual fuel bill.

Are dual fuel deals always the best option?

No. Some homes may get more savings if they choose separate suppliers. A single fuel plan also works for some. The choice will depend on what you and your household need.

How do I know if a fixed tariff suits me?

If you use much energy and want bills to stay the same, a fixed tariff can help. But you should check if there are fees when you leave.

Can smart meters reduce my energy bills?

Yes. They give the right meter readings and show which habits use a lot of energy.

What’s the cheapest option for the average household?

From October 2025, the Ofgem price cap puts the usual bill for both gas and electricity at about £1,755. The cheapest option will be a tariff that costs less than this price cap.

Should I pay by direct debit?

Yes. A monthly direct debit often gives you the lowest rate. It is easy to set up and makes paying bills more simple. This way, you do not have to worry about missing a payment. Many people use monthly direct debit because it is easy and helps them save.

How do I switch to a new supplier?

Give a recent bill, then do an energy comparison, and pick a new tariff. The Energy Switch Guarantee makes sure there is no disruption.

Can green energy tariffs save money?

Some green dual fuel tariffs can be more expensive. But, many come with exclusive discounts or better deals for people who care about the environment. These offers give households extra ways to save. You might find that a green tariff is a good choice for both your wallet and the planet.

What role do standing charges play in dual fuel bills?

They are fixed costs. On average, these cost about £320 each year. They are a bigger part of the bills for homes that use less energy.

How often should I compare energy suppliers?

You should look for the best energy deal at least once every year. It is good to do this when your current deal is over. This helps you save money and get what works for you.

Which UK energy suppliers offer the best dual fuel deals right now?

It changes every three months because energy companies update what they charge. To find the best deals right now, use a dual fuel comparison. You will need your postcode and your recent bill for this.

Is customer service better with dual fuel energy plans?

Not all people do this. Some feel good knowing they have one customer service team. It can give them peace of mind. Others like to pick separate suppliers. They do this if one fuel costs less somewhere else.

How has the recent energy crisis affected dual fuel prices?

The crisis made wholesale energy prices go up. This led to higher gas and electricity bills. Dual fuel plans change when energy prices do. The energy price cap is there to stop suppliers from raising costs too much on standard variable tariffs.