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Lower combi boiler temperatures to 60° or less
According to The Money Saving Boiler challenge, households could save around £65 a year by lowering their boiler flow temperature to 60° or less. The flow temperature refers to the temperature of the water that leaves your boiler to heat your radiators. Many boilers are set to higher temperatures as standard, but lots of homes can stay sufficiently warmed at around 60°. This means that your boiler will use less gas and heat more efficiently.
Shower for four minutes or less
Keeping your shower time to four minutes or less could save you around £40 a year compared with someone enjoying regular eight-minute-long washes, according to Uswitch research. This tip helps to not only reduce your water usage, but also minimises energy used to heat the water.
Draught proof windows and doors
The Energy Saving Trust suggests that draught-proofing doors and windows around your home could save you up to £85 a year in Britain, or £95 in Northern Ireland.
While hiring professional trades people to complete this task for you can cost in the region of £250, there are many energy-saving draught-proofing techniques you can complete yourself for much cheaper. Smaller, cost-effective measures range from caulking and filling cracks and gaps to investing in thermal-lined curtains. Small changes like keyhole covers and letterbox flaps all add up to reducing your energy consumption in the long run.
Use eco mode to reduce your bills
According to a Uswitch survey, two-thirds of households (67%) use the fastest cycle no matter what the energy cost, while three-fifths (62%) admit to never using the appliance’s eco mode – both are habits that can add £19 a year to your energy bill. Many households wrongly assume that longer eco cycles use more electricity than shorter ones. Try opting for an eco-cycle in your regular washing and always wait to make sure you have a full load to avoid wasting water.
“While each energy-saving action might seem minor on its own, the real power comes from consistency. One change alone won’t transform your bill and carbon footprint overnight; however, small habits can add up and reduce your energy consumption in the long run.
“Whether it’s shaving a few minutes off your showers, lowering your boiler temperature, using eco-mode, or reducing heat loss around windows and doors, these small adjustments compound over time. When combined, they can save households hundreds of pounds a year without sacrificing comfort – proving that everyday habits, repeated regularly, are one of the most effective tools for long-term energy savings.”
Read more in Uswitch’s top energy saving tips for the home guide.