UK households urged to do 8 things to reduce their energy bills
UK households can help reduce their energy bills with eight key steps, an expert says. Summer was a scorcher this year, with multiple heatwaves and temperature records smashed. Many Britons won't have thought about turning the heating on for months, but with autumn in full swing and the colder nights of winter ahead, energy usage will climb considerably. What's more, the fall out from US and Israeli attacks on Iran earlier this year continues to hit household budgets in the UK, contributing to a spike in energy costs. In August, the energy regulator Ofgem announced a 4% increase of the energy price cap for the period covering October 1 to December 31, 2026.
TL;DR
- Unplug "vampire devices" (appliances that use power when left plugged in, even on standby).
- Avoid pre-rinsing dishes before using a dishwasher, as modern dishwashers are designed to handle stubborn stains and use water more efficiently than hand washing.
- Replace old, inefficient appliances with newer models, checking for an energy performance certificate (EPC) – aim for a rating above C.
- Lower laundry wash temperatures to 30 degrees Celsius, which can reduce energy use by around 40% and is effective with modern detergents.
- Get boilers serviced annually to prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and ensure they consume less fuel.
- Consider lowering the flow temperature of your boiler, following official guidance for your specific boiler type.
- Use standby savers or energy-saving plugs for hard-to-reach sockets.
- Ensure appliances are turned off at the plug or pulled out completely to guarantee no energy is being used.