Households are being handed a simple checklist of ways to slash their energy bills – with the regulator Ofgem setting out practical steps that could save families hundreds of pounds a year.
In a social media post, Ofgem urged consumers to take action at home, saying there are “10 energy saving tips” that you can do around your house to reduce your energy usage and in turn reduce your energy bills.
Here’s how they can make a real difference to household costs – and one of them involves your shower
Get a smart meter installed
Smart meters allow people to monitor energy use and take advantage of new schemes offering cheap or free power at off-peak times, such as weekends.
Install or top up insulation
Millions of households are burning through money by heating hot air that escapes through the roof. Adding insulation to hot water tanks and pipes helps retain heat for longer, reducing the energy needed to keep water warm.
Install draft proofing around doors and windows
Blocking gaps around doors and windows stops heat escaping, meaning your heating doesn’t have to work as hard. This can deliver some of the biggest savings.
Avoid the tumble dryer
Tumble dryers are among the most energy-hungry appliances in the home. Air-drying clothes where possible can save around £50 a year.
Switch appliances off standby
Leaving TVs, consoles and gadgets on standby quietly racks up costs. Switching them off properly can save around £45 a year for a typical household.
Turn your thermostat down
Cutting your heating by just one degree can deliver significant savings without sacrificing comfort. Experts typically say homes should sit between 18C and 21C – anything higher is often unnecessary and costly.
Turn off the lights
Simply encouraging families members to turn off lights when they leave a room will help with bills.
Don’t fill your kettle for a cuppa
Overfilling the kettle wastes electricity every time you make a drink. Boiling just the water you need is a simple but effective fix.
Swap baths for showers
A bath uses far more hot water than a quick shower. Even swapping just one bath a week can chip away at annual energy costs.
Long, hot showers are a major energy drain because of the hot water required. Trimming showers to around four minutes can save tens of pounds a year.
Fill your dishwasher before turning it on
Dishwashers and washing machines are cheaper to run when full. Using eco settings and avoiding half-loads cuts both energy and water use.
Why it matters
Energy bills remain heavily dependent on how much gas and electricity households use – not just the price cap set by regulators.
Analysis suggests simple behaviour changes like these can add up to savings of more than £300 a year in a typical home.
Ofgem’s message is clear: while wholesale prices and the price cap grab headlines, the quickest way to cut bills is still inside your own home.