How to cut energy costs and stay warm this winter
As the weather gets colder, many households will be thinking about turning the heating back on and what that could mean for their energy bills.
From 1 October 2026, the energy price cap is set to rise by 4%. While rising bills can be a worry, there are still plenty of practical ways to reduce your energy use, keep costs down and stay warm throughout the colder months.
Make your heating work smarter
Heating and hot water make up a large proportion of most household energy bills, so making small changes here can have a big impact.
Try:
• Using timers to heat your home only when you need it
• Keeping your thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature
• Turning radiators down or off in rooms you don't use often
• Closing internal doors to keep warmth where you need it
Remember, turning your thermostat higher won't heat your home any faster. It will simply use more energy.
Stop heat escaping
Before turning the heating up, think about how you can keep the warmth in.
Simple steps include:
• Opening curtains during the day to let natural sunlight in
• Closing curtains once it gets dark
• Using draught excluders around doors
• Sealing gaps around windows
• Moving furniture away from radiators
None of these changes need to cost much, but together they can make a noticeable difference.
Reduce hot water costs
Using less hot water can help reduce your energy consumption throughout the winter.
You could try:
• Taking shorter showers
• Only boiling the amount of water you need in the kettle
• Running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers
• Using eco settings where available
You could also check the hot water temperature setting on your boiler. Many boilers are set higher than necessary, meaning you're using more energy than you need to heat your water.
Reducing your hot water temperature could save the average household around £54 a year on showering costs alone, based on October 2026 energy prices.
If you're unsure how to adjust your boiler settings, check your manufacturer's instructions or speak to a qualified engineer.
Check whether you're entitled to support
Many households miss out on financial support simply because they don't realise it's available.
Depending on your circumstances, you could be entitled to benefits you're not already claiming. Our Better Off Calculator can help you check whether you're receiving all the support you're entitled to in just a few minutes.
Speak to your supplier early
If you're worried about keeping up with your energy bills, don't wait until you've missed a payment.
According to Ofgem's regulations, your energy supplier must work with you to agree a payment plan that you can afford.
Getting in touch early often gives you more options than waiting until the situation becomes urgent.
Build a winter buffer
Winter often brings more than just higher energy bills.
From Christmas spending to seasonal expenses, having a little money set aside can help you feel more prepared and in control.
Saving doesn't have to mean putting away hundreds of pounds each month. Even small amounts saved regularly can help build a financial safety net for when you need it most.
Stay warm, spend less
Higher energy bills can put extra pressure on household budgets, but small changes can add up.
By reducing wasted energy, checking what support is available and planning ahead where possible, you can help make winter a little more manageable.
And remember, if you're worried about rising household costs, you're not alone. Whether it's checking your entitlement to support, building savings for the future or accessing fair and affordable financial services, help is available.