After such a long, hot and dry summer, the sight of rain at the start of October felt great. Now, nearing November, the temperature has finally started to reach jumper and coat territory. My house reached the minimum temperature to kickstart the boiler into radiator-action at the weekend.
But, 2026 has seen mental price rises all across the board & the price of fuels is high beyond belief. (I saw diesel for 211p recently!) It is most definitely going to be a winter of skimping and making as many cost saving measures as possible. I know Sydney has already got the candles out to take the edge off in her flat to avoid putting the radiators on.
It’s not just avoiding the heating that can help you reduce your energy bills; I’ll run through some handy tips on things you can do around the house to help lower your outgoings. Most of them you’ve probably heard before, but there might be one or two that help you out.
Ways of lowering your energy bills
- Look at changing your energy provider or transferring to a fixed tariff. Staying in one place too long may have you being taken for a loyalty sucker – it pays you to be disloyal these days.
- If you have more than one fridge or freezer, maybe consider trying to get all of your produce in one. These appliances run all the time and may be costing you money unnecessarily.
- Make sure you switch the plugs off on your electrical appliances (when you’re not using them, of course). Known as vampire electricals (I never heard of this before, great name), those little standby lights cost you money. Don’t turn off your fridge or freezer, though.
- If you have any empty rooms, turn off any plugs and radiators within, make sure the windows are closed and the door is firmly shut. Block the bottom of the door with a towel to make sure the cold air doesn’t escape.
- Check with your energy supplier to see if it’s cheaper to run your appliances overnight. If so, put your washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer on a timer so that they run during the cheaper hours. Also, if you have an electric car, consider checking your supplier for a green tariff or off-peak rate reductions.
- Lowering your thermostat even by 1 degree can save you money, put your heating on for shorter periods of time, and close the doors to keep the heat in the rooms you’re using.
- Close your curtains at night to stop heat escaping, make sure you put draft excluders up at your external doors. Open your curtains to let the sun in during the day – take advantage of some free warmth. We have another article with tips on how to keep yourself warm… if you’re interested.
- Reduce your hot water usage, shorter showers and no baths. If you have a gym or leisure centre membership, use their hot water instead & shower before you go home.
- Avoid the tumble dryer, hang your clothes on an airer when possible.
- Switch to energy saving light bulbs.
- Only use your washing machine when it’s full.
- Look into solar panels, there might be some government incentives to lower the upfront costs.
- Turn your lights off in rooms you’re not using… “It’s like the Blackpool illuminations in here!”. Anyway, you can create a more homely, cosy setting by lighting a few candles instead. You’ll also get the added benefit of the heat that multiple small flames give off. Sydney finds maybe five or six in the living room is enough to make a noticeable difference.
- Load the dishwasher as efficiently as possible to avoid unnecessary washes.
- Only boil your kettle with the water you need. A full kettle takes longer to boil than one with the water for two mugs.
- Use your air fryer instead of your oven. Things cook quicker and there’s no need to pre-heat.
I hope some of these help you this winter. If there’s something you do or use to help you reduce your bills that isn’t on this list, please email us. We’d love to hear it!
