How to Save on Your Gas and Electric Bills in 2025
Energy bills seem to be on the rise again. So it's a good time to consider how to save money on your gas and electric bills.
Households are preparing for yet another increase in their energy bills following Ofgem’s decision to raise the price cap by 6.4 per cent.
The price cap limits the highest rate per unit and the standing charge for energy consumption. This change will come into effect on 1st April.
For the typical household, this cap is set to climb by £111 a year – which breaks down to around £9.25 per month over its three-month period. The cap essentially determines the utmost that energy suppliers in England, Scotland, and Wales can charge for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy used.
Please note, Northern Ireland has its own separate energy regulations.
Time To Take Action And Find The Best Way To Save On Energy Bills
And here we have that covered for you.
According to Ofgem, households that use both gas and electricity and pay by direct debit can expect this increase, given their energy usage is typical.
However, it’s important to remember that the price cap doesn’t cap total bills. Actual expenses will depend on how much energy you consume.
Hence our latest blog post. By following practical tips and making informed decisions, you can efficiently reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. This article provides various strategies to help you save money on gas and electric, aiming to reduce your overall energy bills.
Send us details of your heating bill hikes and we'll help you figure out an optimised heating solution for your home that cuts your bills.
How Much Do You Understand Your Energy Usage?
Making small changes in your daily routine can substantially save gas and electricity bills. Begin by analysing current energy consumption patterns and identifying areas for improvement.
Thermostat Control
Utilise a smart thermostat to manage your home’s temperature more efficiently. These devices allow you to control your heating remotely, ensuring your home is only heated when necessary.
Even small adjustments, like reducing the temperature by one degree, can lead to significant savings. On average, you could save around £70 each year by controlling your thermostat wisely.
Close Curtains and Blinds
In colder months, closing your curtains or blinds as soon as dusk falls can help retain heat. Conversely, opening them during the day allows natural light to warm your home. These simple actions can reduce the need for heating.
Prevent Draughts
Draught-proofing your home is a cost-effective way to save on energy bills. Apply draught excluder tape around doors and windows to keep the warmth in, improving your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Best Way to Save on Energy Bills: Change Your Payment Method
S Fearn Heating & Plumbing can help you here by providing options for best ways to cut your energy bills. Call Steve on 0113 513 5130.
Switching the way you pay your utility bills can result in savings. Many energy suppliers offer lower rates if you opt for direct debit payments.
According to research, direct debit can be up to 7% cheaper than other payment forms. Make the switch and benefit from both convenience and reduced costs.
Avoid Wasting Energy
Adopt mindful habits. It's very much a need today as it can prevent unnecessary energy usage. Here are some effective ways to ensure you’re not wasting energy — and money.
Switch Lights Off
Ensure you turn off lights when leaving a room. This simple habit can help lower your electricity bill.
Use Energy-Saving Bulbs
Switch to energy-efficient bulbs, like LEDs. They may cost more initially but last longer and consume less energy, making them a smart long-term investment for reducing electricity bills.
Turn Off Electrical Devices
Avoid leaving appliances on standby or charging longer than needed. Even standby mode consumes energy, which can add up over time. Unplug devices when they’re not in use to save gas and electricity bills.
Wash Full Loads
Maximise the efficiency of your washing machine and dishwasher by only running full loads. Washing full loads reduces the number of cycles you need, subsequently lowering energy consumption.
Avoid Tumble Dryers
Tumble dryers consume a significant amount of electricity. Opt for air-drying your clothes whenever possible. This practice helps cut down your electricity usage and overall bill.
Fix Leaky Taps
Leaky hot taps waste both water and energy. A simple fix can prevent unnecessary expense on heating water, contributing to overall savings on your energy bills.
Have You Considered How To Improve Home Insulation?
Enhancing home insulation is a long-term solution to save money on gas and electric. Good insulation prevents heat loss, ensuring your heating system works efficiently.
Loft Insulation
A considerable amount of heat is lost through uninsulated lofts. Investing in loft insulation can help retain heat, reducing the need for extensive heating and thus lowering your gas bills.
Draught Excluder Tape
If loft insulation seems too costly, using draught excluder tape around windows and doors can be an affordable alternative. This small investment helps maintain warmth and cuts down on heating costs.
Benefits of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
Ensuring your home has a high Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is crucial. Homes rated below band ‘E’ are considered substandard. Landlords are typically required to make improvements to meet minimum standards unless the property is exempt.
Check EPC Ratings
Verify your home’s EPC rating on the Simple Energy Advice website. If your property falls below the required standard, consult with your landlord to discuss necessary upgrades.
Save Money on Gas and Electric as a Renter
Renters may face limitations in controlling energy efficiency. However, several actions can still be taken to reduce energy usage and bills.
Implement Small Changes
Even if major alterations aren’t possible, switching to energy-efficient bulbs, fixing leaky taps, and using draught excluders can help improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Discuss with Your Landlord
If significant improvements are needed, engage with your landlord. They might be willing to invest in better insulation or other energy-saving measures to enhance the property’s EPC rating.
Energy Theft Poses A Danger To Everyone
If you suspect someone is tampering with their gas or electricity meter, report it anonymously to the Stay Energy Safe Service. While they can't assist with utility service queries, they play a crucial role in curbing energy theft.
Final Thoughts: Simple changes and habits can lead to substantial savings on energy bills
It may be just a simple adjustment of your thermostat, or switching to direct debit, or improving home insulation. These strategies collectively help save money on gas and electric.
You can enjoy a more energy-efficient household, contributing to both financial savings and environmental benefits.
Remember to stay vigilant for signs of energy theft and report them to keep your community safe. Implement these energy-saving practices to ensure a more cost-effective and comfortable living environment in 2025.
Chat to us at S Fearn Heating & Plumbing about how we can help you save money by cutting your energy bills. Consider a no-obligation quote on a new boiler, boiler maintenance or perhaps swap it out for a heat pump.
Call Steve on 0113 513 5130.
FAQ: Cutting Your Heating Bills in Leeds
Q: What are the most effective ways to reduce heating costs at home?
A: To reduce your heating bills, you can:
- Install a Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats optimise heating schedules and ensure you're not wasting energy.
- Improve Insulation: Proper insulation reduces heat loss in walls, lofts, and windows, meaning you don’t need as much energy to heat your home.
- Service Your Boiler Regularly: A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, saving you money in the long term.
- Lower Your Thermostat: Reducing your thermostat by just 1°C can cut your yearly bill by up to 10%.
Q: How does a boiler service reduce my heating costs?
A: Regular boiler servicing improves efficiency by ensuring all components are working properly and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns or higher energy consumption. A more efficient boiler uses less gas to keep your home warm, which translates into lower bills.
Q: What upgrades or changes can help with heating bills for older homes in Leeds?
A: Older properties tend to lose more heat, but you can make them more energy-efficient by:
- Adding Double or Triple Glazing: Prevents heat escape through windows.
- Installing Draught Excluders: Stops heat from escaping through doors and windows.
- Upgrade Your Boiler: Replace old boilers with energy-efficient models. Many modern boilers are designed to use far less gas.
- Improving Loft Insulation: Leeds homes with proper loft insulation can retain significantly more heat during winter.
Q: How can I save on gas bills without sacrificing comfort?
A: Focus on small but impactful changes:
- Use Zoned Heating: Heat only the rooms you’re using, rather than the whole house.
- Keep Curtains Closed at Night: This traps heat inside your home.
- Bleed Radiators Regularly: Ensures they distribute heat efficiently.
Q: Are smart thermostats worth investing in?
A: Yes, smart thermostats are an excellent investment for controlling heating costs. They allow you to adjust schedules and temperatures remotely, optimise energy use, and track usage data to identify savings opportunities.
Q: Can solar panels help reduce gas and electric bills in Leeds?
A: While solar panels reduce electricity costs, they don’t directly affect gas heating bills. However, if you use an electric boiler instead of a gas-powered one, solar panels can make a significant difference in costs over time through renewable energy usage.
Q: What government schemes are available for Leeds residents to help reduce heating costs?
A: In the UK, residents can usually benefit from these schemes:
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO): Provides financial assistance for energy-efficient home improvements including insulation and boiler upgrades.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Offers vouchers to replace old gas boilers with heat pumps.
- Winter Fuel Payment: Helps eligible residents cover higher heating costs during colder months.
Q: How do I know if my boiler is costing me more than it should?
A: Signs your boiler may be driving up costs include:
- Uneven heating across your home.
- Strange noises coming from the boiler.
- Rapid gas consumption with minimal heat output.
- Persistent need for repairs or servicing.
Upgrading to an energy-efficient model could reduce your expenses significantly.