With UK energy costs still biting, many households have already switched to LED bulbs and turned down their boiler temperature. Heating experts at Fischer Future Heat tell us the less obvious tricks that could save up to £500 a year without costly upgrades.
Heating Hacks That Make a Difference
Bubble wrap isn’t just for packaging, it can act like double glazing when stuck to windows, reducing heat loss by 50% and saving around £75 per year. A desk fan behind a radiator pushes warm air into the room rather than letting it rise, cutting heating bills by up to £50 annually.
Many homes also waste heat without realising. Reversing a ceiling fan in winter helps circulate warm air downwards, while simply leaving the oven door open after cooking can warm up the kitchen for free.
Kitchen and Laundry Tricks for Lower Bills
Using a microwave instead of an oven can save over £100 a year, particularly for quick meals. Cooking with a lid on saucepans speeds up boiling times and reduces energy use by 40%.
For laundry, a dry towel in the tumble dryer speeds up drying time, while switching from disposable dryer sheets to wool dryer balls can cut energy use by 30%, saving around £35 annually. Keeping a freezer full, even with water bottles, helps it run more efficiently and reduces electricity costs.
Boiler and Water Savings That Add Up
Many combi boilers have a preheat function that keeps water hot all day, wasting up to £100 a year. Turning it off means water is only heated when needed. Wrapping hot water pipes in foam insulation stops heat loss and can cut reheating costs by £25-35 annually.
Surprisingly, a full dishwasher uses less water than washing by hand, especially if you skip the drying cycle.
Small Habit Changes That Lower Electricity Bills
Switching to a time-of-use energy tariff (such as Economy 7) can halve the cost of running appliances if used overnight, saving up to £150 a year. Even turning off the Wi-Fi router overnight can reduce electricity bills by £20-30 annually.
Many households unknowingly set fridges and freezers too cold. Adjusting a fridge to 4°C and a freezer to -18°C can cut energy use by 10%, saving £25-40 per year.
Freebies and Government Help
Households may qualify for free insulation or boiler grants, reducing heating costs significantly. The Warm Home Discount offers £150 off winter energy bills, while some water companies provide free energy-saving kits, including shower heads and tap aerators.
Simple Changes, Big Savings
- Bubble wrap windows to trap heat
- Turn off boiler preheat mode to stop wasted energy
- Use a fan behind radiators to circulate warm air
- Microwave instead of oven for everyday cooking
- Check if you qualify for free energy-saving upgrades
These practical, lesser-known tips can make a real difference to energy bills without major sacrifices. Fischer Future Heat remains committed to helping UK households cut costs and stay warm efficiently.
