With the UK’s ever-predictable cold weather always around the corner, it’s no surprise our energy bills feel the strain as we crank up the heat to stay warm.
January 2025 was a particularly cold month, with temperatures dropping as low as -5°C, and household energy costs across England, Scotland, and Wales rising by 1.2% due to the latest price cap adjustment, bringing the average annual bill to £1,738 – an increase of £21.
But rising costs don’t necessarily mean you have to feel the pinch. Why not explore these 14 unconventional and creative ways to cut down on energy usage and keep your home feeling snug for longer?
In this article...
- How can I make draught stoppers for doors and windows?
- Do thick curtains keep heat in?
- Can turning my water temperature down save money?
- Does preheating an oven waste energy?
- Does plastic wrap help to insulate windows?
- Are dusty radiators less efficient?
- What temperature should a fridge and freezer be?
How can I make draught stoppers for doors and windows?
Don’t let cold draughts sneak in under your doors! Roll up an old towel or blanket and place it at the base to block the chill. Feeling creative? Make your own “draught snakes” by filling old socks with rice and tying off the ends.
These quick fixes help keep your living room or bedroom toasty by preventing cold air from creeping in through those pesky gaps.
Do thick curtains keep heat in?
Thicker curtains do a great job of keeping the cold out, but you don’t have to splurge on expensive new ones. Instead, pin spare blankets or towels to the back of your existing curtains for an extra layer of warmth.
Remember to close your curtains at night to lock in heat but open them during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your space.
Can turning my water temperature down save money?
Most UK water heaters are set to 60-65°C – hotter than you really need.
This is far too hot to bathe in and hotter than is usually needed for a washing machine or dishwasher load, so you’re essentially spending money over-heating.
Lowering it to a more practical 49°C can still meet all your household needs while reducing energy consumption by 4-8%. That’s a potential saving of around £20 a month during winter!
Does preheating an oven waste energy?
Skip preheating the oven unless it’s absolutely required. Most dishes can start cooking as the oven warms up, saving energy and reducing overall time that your oven needs to be on for.
When you’re done, leave the oven door open to let the leftover warmth heat your kitchen. And for small jobs, opt for the microwave – it’s quicker and more energy-efficient.
Does plastic wrap help to insulate windows?
Cling film on windows might sound strange, but it’s a budget-friendly way to add insulation by trapping air between the glass and the plastic. It’s also a much cheaper alternative to ‘official’ insulating films.
To get the best results:
- Clean and measure your windows first, then carefully apply the cling film on a dry, warm day.
- Use a soft cloth or your hands to smooth out the cling film and ensure it sticks down well - be gentle to avoid tearing the film.
- Check the edges and surface of the cling film to ensure there are no gaps or loose areas, and voilà, you’ve added an extra layer of defence against the cold!
Are dusty radiators less efficient?
Dusty radiators can’t heat your home as effectively. Use a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner to clear dust from the surface and any hard-to-reach spots.
For radiators with fins, a radiator brush will help remove hidden debris.
While cleaning, check for any signs of leaks or rust. If you notice any issues, it might be worth having a professional inspect this.
After cleaning, bleed your radiators to release trapped air and ensure they’re heating efficiently.
What temperature should a fridge and freezer be?
Set your fridge to 4°C and your freezer to -18°C for the best balance of performance and energy use. Anything colder wastes energy unnecessarily, using as much as 15% more electricity.
Don’t forget to check the door seals and manually defrost your freezer if ice starts to build up – excess ice forces your appliance to work harder and consume more energy.
Do mirrors reflect heat?
Mirrors aren’t just for checking out your appearance. In fact, strategically placed mirrors can help circulate warmth in a room.
Position a mirror opposite a radiator or a sunlit window to reflect heat and make your space feel cosier.
Does keeping lids on pots make them boil faster?
Always cover your pots and pans with lids to retain heat and cook faster. For added efficiency, match the pot size to the burner size to avoid wasting heat.
Does having shorter showers save money?
Cutting your shower time by just 2 minutes a day can save gallons of hot water each week. This can translate to potentially saving several pounds on your energy bill per month, depending on your water heater’s efficiency rating.
And switching to a cooler shower can significantly cut down on your water heating costs. For example, every 5.6°C reduction in water temperature can lead to a 3-5% saving in energy used to heat water.
These are only small changes, but they can add up quickly in savings.
Is it best to keep doors shut when the heating is on?
Focus your heating where it’s needed most by closing doors to unused rooms. Turn down radiators in these spaces to a low setting, just warm enough to prevent freezing.
This simple “zoned heating” trick keeps the warmth concentrated in the areas you use most.
How to save energy in the laundry room?
Running full loads in your washing machine or dryer is the most energy-efficient way to do laundry.
However, avoid overloading your appliances, as this can make them work harder and use more energy. Check your machine’s maximum load size for guidance.
How to ensure my dishwasher is working efficiently?
Only run your dishwasher with full loads and use the eco or energy-saving setting if available.
For extra savings, skip the drying cycle and let your dishes air dry.
How do I seal a chimney flue?
If you have a chimney you don’t use, seal it up for the winter to prevent heat loss.
You can buy temporary flue covers for around £20 or make your own using cardboard, duct tape, and foil.
In summary...
Saving energy doesn’t have to mean drastic lifestyle changes or expensive upgrades. By trying out these lesser-known hacks, you can reduce your energy usage and keep your home cosy without breaking the bank. With energy costs on the rise, every little adjustment can help.
From simple DIY fixes like draught stoppers and plastic window insulation to smarter appliance use, these ideas prove that small efforts can lead to big savings.
Why not start with one or two tips today?
Looking for other ways to save on heating costs?
We all love a quick fix to cut energy bills, but for long-term savings, upgrading your home’s heating and insulation is the way to go. Smart electric radiators do the hard work for you – reducing energy use while keeping your home cosy and comfortable. Plus, with so many styles and sizes to choose from, there’s a perfect match for every budget!
Key learnings
✓ DIY insulation tricks like draught stoppers, thick curtains and plastic window wrap help retain heat and cut energy costs.
✓ Keeping doors closed in unused rooms and reducing radiator output in those spaces concentrates warmth where it’s needed most.
✓ Lowering your water heater temperature to 49°C can reduce energy consumption by up to 8% without sacrificing comfort.
✓ Running full laundry and dishwasher loads, covering pots while cooking, and using lids on pans all help improve energy efficiency.
✓ Cleaning radiators, bleeding them regularly, and keeping fridge and freezer temperatures optimal prevent unnecessary energy waste.
✓ Shorter, cooler showers and skipping preheating for most oven dishes can lead to noticeable savings on energy bills.
