9 Practical Tips to Save Energy and Reduce Your Bills

Last updated: 2025

Energy prices in the UK have been on the rise in recent years, leaving many households feeling the pinch. With global challenges such as the energy crisis and geopolitical tensions continuing to impact the market, UK households are facing higher energy bills than ever before.

In 2025, the cost of energy continues to fluctuate due to global supply issues, inflation, and domestic energy generation challenges. While wholesale energy prices have shown some signs of stabilising, many energy companies still face high operating costs, and households are expected to see an average energy bill rise above £2,500 annually. As a result, saving energy has become more important than ever. In this updated guide, we’ll provide the latest tips on how you can reduce your energy consumption, save money, and ensure your home remains energy-efficient throughout the year.

With many UK homes relying on gas central heating, managing your heating system efficiently is key to saving energy. Smart thermostats allow you to schedule your heating and cooling systems to run only when needed. These devices can learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly, ensuring you’re not wasting energy when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping.

Many smart thermostats can be controlled via your smartphone, meaning you can adjust the temperature on the go for maximum efficiency.

Another £60-80 saving per year to be had here by reducing the thermostat temperature control by a single degree. You probably won’t even feel the difference…but you’ll see it in your bills.

Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can help lower your energy consumption significantly. Look for products with an A++ rating or higher. Energy-efficient appliances, including fridges, washing machines, and dishwashers, use up to 50% less energy than older models, making them a worthwhile investment.

Additionally, make sure to turn off appliances completely when not in use, rather than leaving them on standby. This simple change can save you a surprising amount on your energy bills over time.

LED bulbs use up to 85% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. Replacing all of your home’s light bulbs with LEDs is a quick and easy way to reduce your energy consumption. Plus, LED lighting options are becoming more affordable, making it an investment that will save you money in the long term.

Putting the dishwasher or washing machine on slightly less could trim up to £10 off your annual bill, savings can be increased if you use eco modes or wash at a lower temperature too. And it goes without saying that less use of the tumble-dryer can result in bigger savings.

New modern boilers are significantly more efficient than older ones. An A-rated condensing boiler could reduce your gas bill by up to 30% or more. These new boilers are also Smart Ready.

Good insulation is one of the easiest ways to save energy in the long run. Ensure that your home is properly insulated, particularly in areas such as the attic, walls, and floors. Insulation helps keep the heat in during winter and keeps the cool air inside during summer, reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling.

If your home is not yet insulated, this could be a cost-effective way to reduce your energy usage. Additionally, installing draught excluders on doors and windows can prevent heat loss and make your home more comfortable.

One of our obvious tips to save energy concerns draughts. Cold air blowing through your house making your thermostat constantly fight to maintain temperature means you could be wasting a lot of money. Ensuring that your skirting boards and floors are sealed, blocking up unused chimneys and using draught excluder around all your doors can help with keeping heat loss to a minimum and could offer savings of around £30 annually.

Another way to stay in control of your energy consumption is by using a smart meter. Smart meters provide real-time data on your energy usage, allowing you to track and adjust your habits. Many energy suppliers offer smart meters as part of their service, and using one can help you stay informed and avoid unexpected energy bills.

If you’re not ready for a smart meter, simply keeping track of your energy usage manually can still help you identify areas where you can cut back.

Given the UK’s reliance on gas heating, it’s worth exploring alternatives to traditional gas boilers. Air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps are becoming more popular as environmentally friendly heating solutions. These systems can be more expensive to install but can offer significant savings in the long run by using renewable energy to heat your home.

For those on a tight budget, switching to a high-efficiency condensing boiler could be a more affordable option that provides better performance while reducing gas usage.

These work by extracting heat from the air outside and using it to heat your home. It works kind of like a fridge works…but in reverse. Being classed as a renewable energy source, they are eligible for Government Renewable Heat Incentive schemes.

In the same way that warmth can be extracted from the air outside, it can also be extracted from the ground itself. The earth beneath our feet – deeper down of course – is naturally heated and this heat can be used to provide significant warmth for your home….saving up to 80% on your annual heating bill in the process.

The initial cost of installation is quite high, but as they have a long lifespan (around 25 years) and are low maintenance along with being eligible for Government Funded Incentive schemes such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme, it can be a very viable option.

Solar Thermal is a type of solar panel that uses the sun’s energy to heat up water to use in your home. Being very simple to maintain, enjoying a long lifespan and producing no emissions, they are environmentally friendly. Having a solar thermal system installed can also add to the value of your home.

The UK government has made strides in helping households manage rising energy costs. Keep an eye out for new initiatives and advice that can help you save. The government’s Energy Price Guarantee scheme, which provides temporary support for high energy bills, may still be in place, depending on your circumstances. Stay informed about energy-related policies and programs to ensure you’re taking full advantage of available support.

Visit the government-endorsed Simple Energy Advice website for details of grants that could cover some if not all of the costs for improvements.

Final Thoughts

As energy prices remain volatile, adopting a proactive approach to saving energy can help you navigate this challenging period. By making small, actionable changes and investing in long-term solutions, you can reduce your energy consumption, lower your bills, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For expert advice on energy-saving solutions, consider contacting an experienced heating specialist. At MacGas Heating, we offer professional services and guidance to help you make your home more energy-efficient. Whether you’re looking to install a smart thermostat or upgrade your heating system, we’re here to help you make the most of your energy savings

If you’re ready to take action and investigate cost saving measures then contact Macgas to talk about your options.