With energy prices set to rise again this October, many households may be thinking about how to keep their homes warm without seeing their energy bills climb further.
From 1 October 2026, Ofgem’s energy price cap will rise by 4%. For a typical household paying by Direct Debit for gas and electricity, the illustrative annual figure will increase from £1,663 to £1,723. The price cap limits the amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy and in standing charges – it isn’t a limit on your total bill.
The good news is that reducing your energy use doesn’t have to mean living in a cold home. There are simple changes you can make without spending money to help you use energy more efficiently this winter.
How can I reduce my energy bill without spending money?
Small changes to everyday habits can help reduce unnecessary energy use. Here are some simple places to start.
Use your heating controls effectively
Heating and hot water account for more than half of a typical home’s energy use, so understanding your heating controls can make a difference.
Use your timer or programmer to heat your home when you need it, rather than leaving the heating on unnecessarily.
Energy Saving Trust recommends setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature for your needs – usually between 18°C and 21°C for most people.
Importantly, turning your thermostat higher won’t make your home warm up any faster.
Keep the warmth inside
Make the most of the heat you’re already paying for.
Open your curtains or blinds during daylight hours to let sunlight warm your rooms naturally, then close them when it gets dark to help retain warmth.
Avoid blocking radiators with furniture or curtains, and close internal doors to help keep warmth in the rooms you’re using.
Reduce hot water use
Using less hot water means using less energy to heat it.
Try taking shorter showers, turning the tap off when you don’t need it and only boiling as much water as you need in the kettle.
Cut everyday electricity use
There are plenty of opportunities to reduce energy use away from your heating, too.
Wash clothes at 30°C when appropriate, wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine or dishwasher and use eco settings where available.
You can also switch lights off when you leave a room and turn appliances off standby when they aren’t being used.
How can I stay warm while using less energy?
Reducing your energy bill shouldn’t mean being uncomfortably cold.
The NHS recommends heating your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you and, where possible, keeping rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C. This is particularly important for people with certain health conditions.
Focus on cutting energy that is being wasted rather than simply avoiding using your heating when you need it.
If you have thermostatic radiator valves, you may also be able to adjust individual rooms depending on how you use them. Check the instructions for your heating system before making changes.
Keep an eye on how much energy you’re using
Understanding your energy consumption can help you identify where you might be able to make changes.
If you have a smart meter, use it to see how your energy consumption changes throughout the day. You can also take regular meter readings and compare your usage over time.
Try making one or two changes and monitoring the difference rather than attempting to change everything at once.
What if my home is still expensive to heat?
Sometimes, changing your habits can only go so far.
Draughts, poor insulation, an inefficient heating system or other problems with your property can make a home more difficult – and potentially more expensive – to keep warm.
If you’re concerned about your home, getting independent advice can help you understand where improvements may be needed and which options could be suitable for your property.
Depending on where you live and your circumstances, support may also be available to help with home repairs, improvements or energy efficiency measures.
At Lendology, we work with council partners to help eligible homeowners understand their options. Our team takes the time to listen to your circumstances and explain the support that may be available, without pressure.
