As December ushers in freezing overnight temperatures, managing soaring energy costs has become a critical concern for households across the UK. With annual bills now approximately £600 higher than in 2022 and gas prices up by 50%, finding ways to reduce heating expenses is more urgent than ever. The good news? Numerous experts agree that significant savings can be achieved through simple, often cost-free measures.
Top Cost-Free Strategies to Reduce Your Energy Use
Consulting over a hundred specialists revealed a consistent set of five key recommendations. The most emphasised advice was overwhelmingly clear: draught-proof your home. Martyn Bridges, director of external affairs at Worcester Bosch, and Liz Hunter of MoneyExpert both highlighted that sealing gaps around windows and doors can save around £85 a year. Simple solutions like using a rolled-up towel under doors, applying cheap sealer to windows, and blocking unused chimneys with an inflatable pillow were all endorsed as a highly effective "first line of defence."
Another straightforward tip involves your curtains. Nick Duggan from The Radiator Centre advises keeping them open during daylight to harness the sun's natural heat, then closing them at dusk to trap that warmth inside and prevent it escaping through the glass.
Master Your Thermostat and Heating Zones
Experts also urge homeowners to use their thermostat correctly. A common mistake is cranking it up high upon entering a cold house, hoping for a faster warm-up. Gav Murray, heating director at Hive, explains this is a myth that only wastes energy and money. Instead, set it to an efficient temperature between 18-21°C. Remarkably, turning it down by just one degree could cut your annual bill by £120.
Heating only the rooms you use is another powerful tactic. If smart thermostats are out of budget, simply turn off radiators in unused rooms and keep the doors closed. Christine Matthews from gr8fires.co.uk suggests using a space heater or modern electric fire to heat a single occupied room for a few hours, rather than warming the entire house.
Essential Boiler and Radiator Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your heating system is non-negotiable for efficiency. An old, deteriorating boiler works harder and heats less effectively. Key steps include ensuring your boiler is serviced, setting the correct flow temperature, and keeping radiators clear of furniture and curtains.
A crucial part of this is bleeding your radiators. Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance expert at Domestic & General, states this should be done at least once a year. "If your radiator feels cold at the top and hot at the bottom, there is trapped air preventing hot water from circulating," he says. This inefficiency drives up costs. The process requires only a radiator key, a cloth, and a container to catch water.
Finally, a simple but effective philosophy: keep yourself warm before turning up the heat. Kevin Pennington of Lancashire Air Conditioning notes that heating a home for someone in summer wear is "incredibly expensive" compared to someone in a thick dressing gown or hoodie. Layering up, using blankets, and a hot water bottle can all reduce reliance on the thermostat, making a tangible difference to your winter bills.
