If the latest Ofgem announcement has left you feeling anxious about your energy bills, you are not alone. The energy regulator confirmed on Wednesday morning that the energy price cap will rise by 13% from July 1. This jump equates to a rise of £18 a month for the average household using both electricity and gas, with households seeing a 24% increase on gas bills and 5% on electricity bills. As a result, a typical household will face an annual energy cost of £1,862, up £221 on current levels, with early forecasts predicting a further rise in October.
Ofgem chief executive Tim Jarvis said: "Today's price change reflects continued volatility in global energy markets. This means higher wholesale gas prices, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, is impacting the price we pay for energy. We understand many will be concerned about rising prices. While energy use typically falls over the summer months, there are still practical steps households can take to manage costs, including exploring fixed tariffs or changing their payment method. Smart meter customers can also take advantage of half price or cheap electricity at the weekends."
With prices continuing to rise, making small changes at home can make a real difference. Here are five simple swaps that could help you save extra money on your energy bills.
1. Swap Out Old Light Bulbs
LEDs use far less energy than traditional bulbs and typically last much longer, reducing the frequency of replacements. Becky Lane, CEO of home energy company Furbnow, says: "The easiest wins are always things that people have forgotten to swap over the past 10-15 years, and it is often to do with lighting. Old light bulbs are really inefficient, particularly halogen ones. Newer light bulbs over the past 15 years predominantly tend to be LED and consume energy a lot more efficiently for the same amount of light output. So, if you haven't swapped them yet, this can be a really easy switch."
2. Replace Locks, Hinges and Seals in Windows and Doors
Upgrading or adjusting window and door hardware is an effective, budget-friendly way to stop drafts, retain indoor heat, and lower energy bills. Lane explains: "The condition of windows and doors can have a massive impact on the energy efficiency of a home, but also impacts how drafty it is. Look at the condition of the seals and the frames. If it is very drafty, you can replace the hinges and locks, which tends to be really cheap. Replacing the seals is also fairly affordable and easy to do when it is drafty to help reduce wasted heat. Also, check if the glazing has blown, causing windows to go misty inside, as it might be worth replacing any blown panes."
3. Boost Energy Efficiency with Loft Insulation Upgrades
Upgrading or topping up insulation can make a noticeable difference in retaining heat and reducing energy bills. Lane advises: "Loft insulation is such a quick win. You want to aim for about 200mm of loft insulation in your loft space." If you already have loft insulation, check its condition. "If you had your loft insulation done 20 or 30 years ago, it might have compacted and slumped over time, making it less effective. But you don't need to remove it. You can just add more loft insulation on top to reach 200mm. It is also important to lay the loft insulation so it connects with the loft base, rather than on top of any boarding, as that will make it much more effective."
4. Swap Out Old Manual Valves with Thermostatic Radiator Valves
By allowing you to control the temperature of individual rooms, thermostatic radiator valves prevent overheating unused spaces. Lane says: "Adding thermostatic radiator valves can be a no-brainer because it means you are only heating each room to the temperature it needs to be. You can invest in these over time and don't need to replace and pay for them all immediately."
5. Switch Your Payment Method to Direct Debit
Most UK energy suppliers offer cheaper unit rates to direct debit customers. Lynette Williams, senior energy expert at Citizens Advice, notes: "Direct debit spreads your costs evenly across the year, and it is usually the cheapest way to pay."
