With working from home still a popular choice for many, alongside our natural inclination to stay indoors during the colder months, energy use is on the rise, meaning higher energy bills.
But reducing your energy consumption can be a great way of saving money. And it's easier than you think. A simple change here and there can still keep you warm all the while having long-lasting benefits on your household bills.
Install energy-efficient light bulbs
Although more expensive than traditional LED bulbs, energy-saving bulbs last longer, meaning they need replacing less often.
Install a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are a great way of optimising your home's temperature. From turning off remotely to adjusting the temperature for kids and pets, a smart thermostat is ideal for keeping on top of your heating.
Nowadays, the best smart thermostats come equipped with intelligent features such as maintenance reminders and messages that let you know when it's time to change your air filter.
Get a smart meter
If you haven't already changed to a smart meter, then now's the time to do it. Although a smart meter won't make you use less electricity, it will help you keep tabs on your usage, meaning no nasty surprises when your bill arrives.
Another reason to install a smart meter is they eliminate the need to submit meter readings. With everyday life already so busy, it can be easy to forget to read your meter every month or so.
Invest in double glazing
Double glazing helps retain most of the heat produced by the sun, meaning you won't need to turn up the thermostat as much. And, if you've got noisy neighbours, double glazing can minimise - and sometimes cancel out entirely - sounds coming from outside.
When shopping around for double-glazing, make sure to check the efficiency rating. Some manufacturers display the energy efficiency of their products using an energy rating scale. This scale goes from A++ to E, with A++ meaning the most energy efficient. With double-glazing, the whole window (both the frame and the glass) is assessed on its efficiency at retaining heat.
If you're thinking about investing in double-glazing but need financial assistance, check out whether a government grant is right for you.
Install insulation
The more insulated your home is, the less energy you'll need to rely on your heating in the winter months.
From insulating your loft to insulating your walls, there are numerous types of installation materials that cater to all types of properties. And it can save you big-time, too. For example, insulating your loft could knock around £135 off the cost of your energy bills.
Use energy-efficient appliances
Many new-builds these days come equipped with plenty of energy-efficient appliances - such as dimmer switches and induction hobs for cooking. But these appliances aren't just for new homes.
If you're interested in getting some energy-efficient appliances, check out our in-depth guide for more.
Upgrade or service your boiler
Using an old or inefficient boiler? If so, you could be overpaying by up to 40% on your energy bills.
Depending on the type of boiler you have, replacing it with a new energy-efficient A-rated model could save you hundreds of pounds on your energy bills.
For households looking for a financial boost in paying for a new boiler, check out our advice on grants for boiler installation.
Save energy washing clothes
Not all clothes need to be washed at high temperatures. Where possible, switch to cold-wash settings on your washing machine. You could use up to 59% less energy when washing at colder temperatures on an eco-setting.
Remember to switch off
The average household in the UK wastes £80 a year from leaving appliances on stand-by instead of turning them off. So switch off your TVs, game consoles, and any other devices you don't use throughout the day.
Focus on heating the room you're in
Turn up the radiator in the room of the house where you spend the most time and keep the door shut. This way, you're only using heat where it's most needed.
Bonus tip: Switch to a better energy deal
Switching to a cheaper energy tariff is one of the simplest ways to save money. It may not help you use less energy, but switching to a better rate means you can lower your energy bills by hundreds of pounds per year.
Use Switchcraft to compare energy deals and see how much you could save.
Compare gas and electricity deals
We monitor the market and automatically switch you to better deals for free.