Last Updated on: 11th November 2025, 10:12 pm
Every winter, I tell myself this will be the year I keep our energy bills under control. And every winter, I get that sinking feeling when the first big bill lands on the doormat. The good news is that cutting your household energy costs doesn’t have to mean sitting in the dark under a blanket. A few simple tweaks to how you use energy — and when — can make a real difference.
Here are some of the best practical (and family-approved) ways to save on energy without turning your home into an igloo.
1. Drop the Thermostat — Just a Bit
It’s one of those tips you hear everywhere because it genuinely works. Dropping your thermostat by just 1°C can cut your heating costs by around 10% a year. If you normally set it to 21°C, try 20°C instead — you’ll barely notice the difference once everyone’s moving about.
If your heating has individual thermostatic radiator valves (those little numbered dials), turn them down in rooms you don’t use much — spare rooms, hallways, or the laundry area.
2. Be Strategic About Warmth
It’s amazing how much heat we waste without realising it. Try these quick wins:
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Close curtains before dark: Keeps heat in and draughts out.
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Use draught excluders: A simple sausage dog draught stopper can make a noticeable difference.
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Rearrange furniture: If a sofa is blocking a radiator, it’s soaking up all the heat before it reaches the room.
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Layer up smartly: Fleece blankets on the sofa and cosy slippers make everyone happier — especially kids who insist on wearing shorts indoors!
3. Master the “Laundry Economy”
The washing machine and tumble dryer are two of the biggest energy guzzlers in the house, but there are clever ways to keep them in check.
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Wash at 30°C: Most loads come out just as clean, and it uses about 40% less energy.
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Do full loads: Fewer, larger washes beat several small ones.
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Ditch the dryer: Air-dry whenever you can — I hang clothes on a rack in a spare room with the window slightly open. If you must use the tumble dryer, pop in a few clean tennis balls to reduce drying time.
4. Rethink Kitchen Habits
Cooking can quietly rack up costs too. Try:
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Use the microwave or air fryer: They’re far more efficient than the oven for small portions.
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Batch cook: Make double portions of pasta sauce or curry, then freeze half. Reheating uses less energy than starting from scratch.
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Lid your pans: It cooks food faster and keeps the heat where it belongs.
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Boil only what you need: If you’re making one cuppa, don’t fill the whole kettle.
These sound tiny — but they add up to pounds saved every month.
5. Go on a “Phantom Hunt”
Did you know that appliances left on standby still use energy? The TV, games consoles, chargers, and even the microwave clock can quietly cost £50–£80 a year.
Get everyone involved in a “phantom power hunt” — see who can find the most things left on standby and turn them off. (You’d be surprised how competitive kids get when there’s a prize for the winner.)
Smart power strips can help too — they automatically cut power to devices when not in use.
6. Time It Right
If you’re on a smart meter or time-of-use tariff, find out when your off-peak hours are. Running the dishwasher or washing machine overnight or early morning can be much cheaper. Just check the safety guidance — some machines aren’t recommended to run unattended.
7. Lighten Up (Literally)
Switching to LED bulbs can cut your lighting costs by up to 80%. They last longer, use less power, and come in every brightness and colour under the sun now — no more harsh “office lighting” vibes. And yes, remind the family (again) that lights don’t turn themselves off.
Final Thoughts
Small changes, big difference — that’s the motto here. Cutting your energy bill doesn’t have to mean shivering under blankets or living by candlelight. It’s about being mindful of the energy you use and finding simple habits that stick.
Even if you only adopt two or three of these ideas, you’ll notice a difference over time. And the best bit? You’ll still have a warm, happy home — just with a little extra money left in your pocket at the end of the month.
