Households could save around £126 a year on their energy bills by making a few simple changes around the home as the clocks go back this weekend. Money Wellness has shared six ways to help people stay warm for less as colder weather and darker evenings increase demand for heating.
The advice comes after the energy price cap increased by four per cent on October 1, taking the typical annual bill to £1,723 for households paying by Direct Debit in Scotland, England and Wales.
Energy consultancy Cornwall Insight also warned on September 30 that the cap could rise by another 16 per cent in January, potentially taking the typical annual bill to £1,999. However, this remains a forecast, with Ofgem due to confirm the next price cap in November.
Six ways to keep your home warmer for less
Money Wellness, a free money advice service, said households could reduce energy use by blocking draughts, making better use of natural sunlight and changing everyday habits. However, it warned that people should not put their health at risk by leaving their homes too cold.
Matthew Sheeran, external relations manager at Money Wellness, said: “Once the clocks go back, it gets dark much earlier and that's often when people start thinking about putting the heating on.
“With bills already higher this month and another rise forecast for January, it's understandable that people are worried about the cost.
“There are things you can do to keep warm without spending much, but it's important not to put your health at risk. If you're older, have a health condition or young children, try to keep the rooms you use at a safe temperature.”
The clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday, October 25.
Make the most of natural sunlight
Open curtains and blinds during daylight hours to allow sunlight to warm rooms naturally. South-facing rooms generally receive the most sunlight, while closing curtains when it gets dark can help prevent heat escaping through windows. Thicker curtains, thermal linings or even a spare blanket behind existing curtains may help reduce heat loss.
Block draughts around doors and windows
Cold air can enter through gaps around doors, windows, letterboxes and floorboards. Money Wellness recommends using draught excluders, self-adhesive strips or even a rolled-up towel at the bottom of a door to reduce unwanted draughts. Gaps around skirting boards can also be sealed, while a suitable chimney draught excluder may help prevent heat escaping through an unused fireplace.
However, chimney draught excluders must be removed before lighting a fire, and households should avoid blocking essential ventilation.
Keep yourself warm with extra layers
Wearing several thin layers of clothing, warm socks and slippers can help people stay comfortable without immediately increasing the heating. Hot meals and drinks, along with regular movement, can also help people feel warmer. Hot water bottles and electric blankets may provide additional warmth at relatively low cost, but should always be used according to safety instructions. Hot water bottles should never be filled with boiling water, while damaged electric blankets should not be used.
Spend more time in one room
Spending the evening in the room used most often and keeping internal doors closed can help retain warmth. Rugs can make bare floors feel more comfortable, while moving chairs and sofas away from cold windows or outside walls may help. Portable electric heaters can be useful for short periods, although running them for long periods may be expensive because electricity generally costs more per unit than gas. They should never be left unattended or placed close to curtains, furniture or other flammable materials.
Check your energy usage
Households with smart meters can use their in-home displays or supplier apps to monitor energy consumption and identify opportunities to save. Switching appliances off standby, washing clothes at 30C and reducing the number of laundry loads can help lower electricity use. Boiling only the water needed in the kettle is another simple way to avoid unnecessary energy use.
Prepare your heating before switching it on
Money Wellness advises checking radiators and boilers before colder weather arrives. Radiators that are cold at the top may need bleeding to remove trapped air, while furniture should be moved away from radiators to allow heat to circulate. Setting heating timers around daily routines can help avoid unnecessary use. Some households with combi boilers may also be able to reduce gas consumption by adjusting the radiator flow temperature, although they should follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure their home remains warm enough.
How households could save £126 a year
Money Wellness estimates that three changes could deliver combined annual savings of around £126. These include: draught-proofing windows, doors and floors (£55), switching appliances off standby (£45), and washing clothes at 30C and doing one fewer laundry load each week (£26). Actual savings will depend on the property, existing energy use and the changes households make.
The Energy Saving Trust also provides free guidance on reducing energy use around the home.
Warning about keeping homes too cold
Money Wellness stressed that cutting energy costs should not come at the expense of people's health. The UK Health Security Agency recommends heating rooms used regularly to at least 18C, particularly for older people and those with existing health conditions. Cold homes can also contribute to damp and mould, while freezing temperatures may put water pipes at risk.
Mr Sheeran added: “If you're struggling to afford your energy bills – like one in three of the people we help - speak to your supplier or get free money advice rather than sitting in a cold home.”
Households struggling with their energy bills should contact their supplier to discuss affordable payment arrangements and any hardship support available. Eligible households may also qualify for the £150 Warm Home Discount, while older people could receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland or Winter Fuel Payment elsewhere in the UK. People receiving certain benefits may also qualify for additional winter heating support, depending on where they live.
Money Wellness recommends checking benefit entitlement and asking energy suppliers about their free Priority Services Register, which provides additional assistance for eligible customers.
