Energy saving quick wins

Simple, low-cost steps to save energy and reduce your bills immediately. Most of these measures can be implemented today with little to no financial investment.

Heating and hot water

Heating accounts for the largest part of most household energy bills. Small changes to how you manage your heating can lead to significant savings.

Lower your boiler flow temperature

If you have a combi boiler, you can often lower the flow temperature (the temperature the water leaves the boiler to go to your radiators) to around 60°C. This allows the boiler to operate more efficiently in “condensing mode” without making your home feel colder.

Use Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

If you have TRVs on your radiators, use them to turn down the heat in rooms you aren’t using. Setting them to a lower level (like 2 or 3) in bedrooms or spare rooms can save energy while keeping your living areas warm.

Bleed your radiators

If your radiators have cold spots (usually at the top), it means there is trapped air. Bleeding them ensures they work at full efficiency and reduces the strain on your boiler.

Turn down your thermostat

Reducing your main thermostat by just 1 degree (e.g., from 20°C to 19°C) can save up to 10% on your annual heating bill.

Lighting and appliances

Switch to LED bulbs

Replacing old halogen or incandescent bulbs with LEDs is one of the fastest ways to save. LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last much longer.

Turn off standby

Most electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their settings. Devices left on standby still consume a small amount of “vampire” power.

Wash at 30 degrees

Modern detergents work effectively at lower temperatures. Using your washing machine at 30°C instead of 40°C or higher uses significantly less electricity per cycle.

In the kitchen

Only boil what you need

When using the kettle, only fill it with the amount of water you actually need. Boiling a full kettle for one cup of tea wastes a lot of energy over a year.

Use the microwave

Microwaves are much more efficient than ovens for reheating food and cooking small portions because they heat the food directly rather than the air around it.

Keep the lids on

When cooking on the hob, keeping lids on pans retains heat and allows you to use a lower setting, cooking your food faster and saving energy.

Draught-proofing

Seal the gaps

Use self-adhesive draught-excluding strips around windows and doors. For internal doors to unheated rooms, a simple “door snake” or draft excluder at the bottom can keep the warmth in your living spaces.

Letterbox and keyhole covers

Inexpensive brushes for letterboxes and sliding covers for keyholes can prevent cold air from whistling into your hallway.

While sealing draughts is important for warmth, ensure you do not block intentional ventilation like trickle vents, air bricks, or extractor fans, as these are essential for preventing damp and mould.