Ofgem issues ‘top tips’ to reduce energy bills | Personal Finance | Finance

Britain’s energy watchdog has issued fresh advice to households on how to slash gas and electricity costs. It comes as the latest forecasts suggest the energy price cap could fall by around £117 in April under Government plans to remove green levies from bills – offering some relief after years of punishing costs.

In a social media post, Ofgem highlighted simple steps that can cut bills, from tweaking your boiler settings to swapping old lightbulbs for LEDs. With millions still feeling the squeeze from high energy costs, the regulator says savings are possible “with these everyday actions and home improvements”.

Quick wins you can do today

Ofgem says households can start saving immediately with small behavioural changes.

One of the biggest is turning down your boiler temperature. If you have a combi boiler, lowering the flow temperature for radiators and hot water can make it cheaper to run.

Cutting your thermostat setting and turning radiators down in empty rooms can also reduce heating costs. Guidance from the Energy Saving Trust shows how using heating controls properly can make a noticeable dent in bills.

Laundry is another area where savings add up. Washing at 30°C, filling the machine fully and using shorter cycles all reduce electricity use – without sacrificing cleanliness, thanks to modern detergents.

And as temperatures drop in the evening, simply closing curtains can prevent warm air escaping through windows.

Lighting bills: three simple switches

Ofgem has also flagged three top tips to cut lighting costs:

• Swap old incandescent filament bulbs for LEDs, CFLs or halogens
• Turn off lights when rooms are empty
• Install motion sensors so lights only come on when needed
• According to the Energy Saving Trust, replacing an old-style bulb with an energy-efficient LED could save up to £4 per bulb per year.

Simple home upgrades that pay back

Beyond day-to-day habits, Ofgem points to modest improvements that can lock in longer-term savings. Draught-proofing around doors and windows helps keep warm air in and cold air out – although ventilation channels must not be blocked.

If replacing single glazing is not possible, window film or secondary glazing can reduce heat loss. Insulating a hot water tank with a cylinder jacket is another low-cost measure that prevents wasted heat.

Smart thermostats and heating controls can ensure heating and hot water only come on when needed. Suppliers can also install smart meters free of charge, allowing households to monitor usage more closely.

Bigger changes, bigger savings

For those able to invest more, the watchdog highlights larger improvements such as:

• Buying appliances with high energy ratings (A being the most efficient, G the least)
• Installing double glazing
• Improving loft, wall and radiator insulation

Home insulation is described as “one of the best things you can do” to keep properties warm and cut energy use.

Check your EPC and claim help

Households are also urged to review their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which sets out how efficient a property is and what upgrades could save money.

Government “Help to Heat” schemes may provide grants for insulation and other improvements, while support is available for those struggling to pay their bills.

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