· Hal Rain · House · 3 min read
How to Save Money on Heating Bills in the UK
With the cost of living on the rise, reducing heating bills is a priority for many UK households. Whether you use gas, electricity, or alternative heating methods, there are numerous ways to cut costs without compromising warmth. Here’s how to save money on your heating bills in the UK.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can save you up to 10% on your heating bill.
Best Thermostat Practices:
- Keep your thermostat at 18-20°C when at home.
- Reduce it to 15-16°C when sleeping.
- Turn it down or off when away for long periods.
2. Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat like Hive, Nest, or Tado learns your heating habits and adjusts accordingly, helping you avoid unnecessary heating.
Smart Thermostat Benefits:
- Remote control via smartphone.
- Automated temperature adjustments.
- Potential savings of £100+ per year.
3. Insulate Your Home
Good insulation keeps heat in, reducing the need for excessive heating.
Key Insulation Improvements:
- Loft insulation – Save up to £250 per year.
- Wall insulation – Cavity wall insulation can cut bills by £150 annually.
- Draught-proofing – Seal gaps around doors, windows, and chimneys to prevent heat loss.
4. Bleed Your Radiators
Air trapped in radiators prevents them from heating efficiently. Bleeding them regularly ensures even heat distribution.
How to Bleed a Radiator:
- Turn off the heating.
- Use a radiator key to slowly release trapped air.
- Tighten once water starts to emerge.
- Check your boiler pressure and adjust if needed.
5. Use Radiator Reflectors
Radiator reflectors or foil sheets behind radiators reflect heat back into the room instead of being absorbed by walls.
Savings Potential:
- Improve heat efficiency.
- Reduce wasted energy.
- Cost-effective at £10-£20 per sheet.
6. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Energy Rates
If you’re on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff, use heating during off-peak hours when rates are lower.
Tips for Off-Peak Savings:
- Set storage heaters to charge overnight.
- Use timers for electric radiators.
- Shift washing machine and dishwasher use to night-time hours.
7. Switch Energy Suppliers
Shopping around for a cheaper tariff can lead to significant savings.
Where to Compare Prices:
- Uswitch – Compares energy suppliers.
- MoneySuperMarket – Offers exclusive deals.
- Octopus Energy & Bulb – Often provide competitive green energy tariffs.
8. Wear Warm Layers & Use Blankets
Instead of cranking up the heating, wearing extra layers and using thermal blankets can keep you warm for free.
Cost-Saving Habits:
- Use hot water bottles instead of electric heaters.
- Layer up with thermal clothing and slippers.
- Use fleece-lined blankets when sitting for long periods.
9. Set Heating Timers
A properly scheduled heating system avoids unnecessary energy use.
Ideal Heating Schedule:
- Morning: Turn on 30 minutes before waking up.
- Daytime: Keep off if nobody is home.
- Evening: Set for when people return home.
- Night: Lower by a few degrees or turn off.
10. Apply for Government Grants
The UK government offers grants for energy-efficient home improvements.
Available Grants:
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme – Get help replacing old boilers.
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) – Free insulation and heating upgrades for low-income households.
- Winter Fuel Payment – Help for pensioners with heating costs.
11. Use a Heat-Pump or Biomass Boiler
If your home is suitable, air-source heat pumps or biomass boilers can be energy-efficient alternatives to gas or electric heating.
Benefits:
- Lower long-term heating costs.
- Government incentives available.
- More eco-friendly than traditional heating methods.
12. Close Curtains & Use Draught Excluders
Heavy curtains and draught excluders help retain heat.
Best Practices:
- Close curtains at night to trap warmth.
- Use thermal curtains for extra insulation.
- Block drafts with fabric excluders at doors.
13. Service Your Boiler Regularly
A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, using less energy.
Recommended Actions:
- Annual servicing to check efficiency.
- Bleed radiators to ensure even heating.
- Upgrade older boilers to a high-efficiency model.
14. Cook & Heat Simultaneously
Use your oven or stove strategically to warm your home while preparing meals.
Efficient Cooking Tips:
- Leave the oven door open after cooking.
- Boil water in a kettle before transferring to a pan.
- Use lids on pots to retain heat.
Conclusion
By making small adjustments and investing in energy-saving measures, you can significantly reduce your heating bills while staying warm during the colder months. From lowering your thermostat to improving insulation, these steps help cut costs without compromising comfort.
