Step 4: Make sure your home is energy efficient
You might be able to save money by making your home more energy efficient – for example by:
- using your central heating effectively
- using energy efficient light bulbs
- turning off appliances left on standby
There are more urgent steps you should take first if you’re struggling to pay your bills each month.
Check your central heating
You’ll spend more than you need to if your heating system doesn’t work or isn’t set up properly.
Use timers and thermostats if you have them - this way you’ll only heat your house when necessary. Find out how to set up your heating system on Energy Saving Trust.
If your heating doesn’t work
Try to get it fixed as soon as possible so you don’t need to rely on expensive alternatives.
If you rent, ask your landlord first. It’s usually their responsibility to make sure your plumbing and heating works – check what to do if you aren’t sure.
You might be able to get a new boiler under the Green Deal scheme if you own your home, or if your landlord isn’t responsible for your boiler. This spreads the cost of efficiency improvements like boilers or double-glazing.
Keeping your home warm
Things like double-glazing and good insulation will keep your home warm for as long as possible, but you’ll usually need to spend some money up front.
If you’re renting, you should have an Energy Performance Certificate - this suggests ways you can keep your home warm for longer.
You might be able to get help with these kind of costs if you’re on a low income - find out more on GOV.UK.
Getting advice
You can get advice on saving money on your bills from the Energy Saving Advice Service over the phone or by email.
Telephone: 0300 123 1234
Email: energy-advice@est.org.uk
Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
Saturday, 10am to 2pm
Calls to this number can cost up to 12p a minute from a landline, or between 3p and 45p a minute from a mobile (your phone supplier can tell you how much you’ll pay).