How to Save Money on Your Energy Bills in the UK
Energy bills have been one of the biggest pressures on UK family budgets over the last few years. Even as prices have started to stabilise, most families are still paying more than they need to, either because they’re on a default tariff, haven’t reviewed their deal in a while, or don’t know how to compare their options properly.
This post covers both sides of the equation: how to reduce the energy you actually use at home, and how to make sure you’re not overpaying for what you do use. The second part is where the biggest single saving usually is.
⭐ Our Top Pick: Compare energy tariffs free in under 2 minutes with Uswitch. Switching to a cheaper tariff is the fastest way to reduce your energy bills.
Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you sign up, at no cost to you. I only recommend tools I have personally used or researched thoroughly.
Five ways to reduce your energy usage at home
1. Tackle standby power
Appliances on standby still use electricity. TVs, games consoles, phone chargers left plugged in, and kitchen appliances with a clock or display all draw power around the clock. Switching things off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby can save a typical household around £55 a year according to the Energy Saving Trust.
2. Wash clothes at 30 degrees
Modern washing machines and detergents are designed to work at lower temperatures. Dropping from 40 to 30 degrees uses around 40% less electricity per cycle. If you do five loads a week, that adds up to a meaningful saving over a year, and your clothes come out just as clean.
3. Use your dishwasher more efficiently
Only run the dishwasher when it’s full. Use the eco cycle where possible, which uses less water and electricity than the standard cycle. Don’t pre-rinse dishes under the tap, as modern dishwashers don’t need it and you’re wasting both water and hot water heating costs.
4. Draught-proof your home
Gaps around doors, windows, letterboxes and loft hatches let warm air escape. Draught-proofing is cheap, usually just a few pounds for a strip of foam tape, and can save up to £45 per year. It also makes the house feel warmer without turning the heating up.
5. Turn the thermostat down by 1 degree
A 1 degree reduction in your thermostat setting can save around £145 a year. Most people don’t notice the difference in comfort. A smart thermostat or a programmable one means you’re only heating the house when you need to, rather than all day when nobody’s home.
How energy switching works
Every household in the UK has a current energy tariff from a supplier. Most people are on their supplier’s standard variable tariff, which is usually not the cheapest option. Switching involves comparing other tariffs available in your area, choosing a cheaper one, and letting the comparison site or new supplier handle the switch administratively. You don’t lose power during the switch and it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks.
The biggest barrier to switching is that most people find energy tariffs confusing. That’s exactly what Uswitch is designed to address. You put in your current usage and postcode, and it shows you every tariff available in your area ranked by annual cost. There’s no guesswork and no pressure to switch immediately.
How to use Uswitch to find a cheaper tariff
Go to Uswitch and click Compare Energy. You’ll need to know your current supplier and tariff name, which is on your most recent bill. You’ll also need either your average monthly bill amount or your annual usage in kWh, which is also on your bill. Fill in the details, and Uswitch will show you cheaper options ranked by annual cost.
If you find a better deal, you can switch directly through Uswitch. The new supplier contacts your old one and handles the switchover. In many cases the saving is several hundred pounds per year, which far outweighs the five minutes it takes to compare.
Energy switching cashback
If you switch via TopCashback or Quidco rather than going directly to the comparison site, you can often earn additional cashback on top of the tariff saving. Energy switching cashback deals can be worth £30 to £100 or more. Always check cashback sites first before completing any energy switch.
What about solar panels and heat pumps?
These are longer-term investments that make sense for some households but require significant upfront costs. If you’re renting or don’t own your property, they’re not an option. For this post we’ve focused on changes you can make regardless of your housing situation. If you do own your home and are interested in renewable energy, the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants worth up to £7,500 towards heat pump installation.
Want a complete tool for managing your household budget?
The UK Family Budget Starter Kit includes a bill tracker so you can see all your household costs in one place and spot where you can cut back. Just £7.
