How to Save Money on Your Gas Bill in the UK

1. Switch to a Cheaper Tariff

One of the most effective ways to save money on your gas bill is by switching to a better energy tariff.

How to Find a Cheaper Deal:

• Use comparison websites like Uswitch, Compare the Market, and MoneySuperMarket to check available tariffs.
• Look for fixed-rate deals to avoid price hikes.
• Consider switching to a dual-fuel tariff if you also use electricity – many suppliers offer discounts for bundling both services.
• Check if you qualify for social tariffs or discounts if you’re on a low income.

2. Improve Your Home’s Insulation

A well-insulated home retains heat more effectively, reducing the amount of gas needed to keep it warm.

Key Areas to Insulate:

• Loft and Roof: Heat rises, so loft insulation can significantly cut heat loss.
• Walls: Cavity wall insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 35%.
• Windows and Doors: Double glazing and draught-proofing can keep warm air inside.
• Floors: Carpet, rugs, and underfloor insulation help trap heat.

Check if you’re eligible for government grants such as the ECO4 Scheme for free or subsidised insulation.

3. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Boiler

Older boilers are less efficient, meaning they use more gas to generate the same amount of heat.

Steps to Upgrade:

• Consider replacing an old boiler with a condensing boiler, which can be up to 90% efficient.
• Check if you’re eligible for government grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
• Regularly service your boiler to keep it running efficiently.

4. Adjust Your Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can reduce your heating bill by around 10%.

Thermostat Tips:

• Set your thermostat to 18-21°C for comfort and efficiency.
• Use a programmable thermostat to control heating times.
• Install smart thermostats like Hive or Nest to manage heating remotely and optimise usage.

5. Use Heating Controls Wisely

Zoning your heating can help reduce gas usage by only heating the rooms you use.

Ways to Save:

• Install thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control temperature in individual rooms.
• Use timer controls to ensure heating is only on when needed.
• Set your boiler’s flow temperature to an efficient level (typically 55-60°C for combi boilers).

6. Reduce Hot Water Usage

Gas is often used to heat water, so cutting down on hot water use can lower your bills.

How to Reduce Usage:

• Take showers instead of baths – showers use less water and energy.
• Fit a water-saving showerhead to reduce flow while maintaining pressure.
• Wash clothes at 30°C instead of higher temperatures.
• Fix leaks – a dripping hot water tap can waste litres of heated water daily.

7. Bleed Your Radiators

If your radiators have cold spots, they may not be heating efficiently due to trapped air.

Steps to Bleed a Radiator:

1. Turn off the heating.
2. Use a radiator key to open the valve.
3. Let air escape until water starts dripping.
4. Close the valve and check if heating improves.

8. Cook More Efficiently

Using gas efficiently while cooking can also reduce your bill.

Kitchen Tips:

• Use lids on pans to retain heat and cook faster.
• Turn off the gas a few minutes before food is done to use residual heat.
• Use a microwave or air fryer instead of the oven for small meals.
• Batch cook meals to make the most of oven usage.

9. Take Advantage of Government Grants

There are several financial assistance schemes to help reduce your gas bills.

Available Support:

• Warm Home Discount: A £150 rebate for eligible low-income households.
• Winter Fuel Payment: Payments for pensioners to help with heating costs.
• Cold Weather Payments: £25 for every week of extremely cold weather.
• ECO4 Scheme: Free insulation, boiler upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements for eligible homes.

10. Monitor Your Gas Usage

Keeping track of your gas consumption can help identify areas to cut back.

Ways to Monitor Usage:

• Install a smart meter to see real-time gas usage and costs.
• Read your meter regularly to avoid estimated bills.
• Set energy-saving challenges for your household to stay conscious of usage.

11. Layer Up and Use Soft Furnishings

Before turning up the heating, try layering up and making your home warmer naturally.

Simple Tricks:

• Wear warm clothing indoors.
• Use thermal curtains to keep heat in.
• Place draught excluders under doors to prevent heat loss.
• Add extra blankets and hot water bottles instead of increasing heating.

12. Use Alternative Heating Sources

Supplementing gas heating with alternative methods can save money.

Consider:

• Electric blankets for targeted warmth without heating the whole house.
• Portable electric heaters (use cautiously as some can be costly to run).
• Wood burners or log stoves if you have access to affordable wood fuel.

Conclusion

With a few strategic changes, you can significantly reduce your gas bill without sacrificing comfort. From switching providers and improving insulation to using heating controls effectively and reducing hot water waste, there are plenty of ways to cut costs.

By staying proactive and taking advantage of government schemes, you can keep your home warm while keeping your energy bills manageable.