Saving money on your bills this winter could be achievable with these easy tips.
This January Ofgem raised its energy price cap from £1,717 to £1,738 a year – affecting 26 million households on standard variable tariffs.
Despite this, the cap is expected to rise by a further 3% in April, with nearly three-quarters (74%) of Brits still struggling to tell how much energy they are wasting at home.
But experts at Alan Boswell Group have now offered guidance on making sustainable upgrades without breaking the bank.
These simple tips could help you to save some money this winter.
Poor insulation allows 25% of a home’s heat to escape through the roof, and 35% to 40% through walls.
However, insulation addresses these weak spots, reducing heating needs and saving £630 to £730 annually on energy bills.
Financial relief is available through initiatives like zero-rated VAT on home insulation, valid until March 2027.
The experts at Alan Boswell Group said: “On a budget? Start with low-cost, high-impact upgrades like loft insulation (from £300) or draught-proofing with weatherstripping or caulk.
“Adding thick curtains, blinds, or carpets and rugs can also reduce heat loss. Available until March 2025, the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) can cover up to 60% of insulation costs for eligible households.”
Another tip is to upgrade older appliances, especially those over a decade old, which can drive up monthly bills due to inefficiency.
Upgrading to modern energy-intensive devices like washing machines, fridges and dishwashers can yield substantial savings.
For instance, a modern washing machine uses only 65 kWh annually for three weekly washes, compared to 400 kWh for a 1990s model – an 84% reduction.
An energy-efficient fridge can save homeowners up to £100 annually, while a newer washing machine could cut around £50 in energy and water costs.
But the tips don’t stop here – installing a full solar panel system can slash electricity bills by up to 70%, saving around £660 a year, while boosting your home’s value by up to 14%.
Homeowners typically break even in about 15.5 years, with savings continuing for the next 10-15 years.
You can also replace your outdated boiler with an air-source heat pump that offers year-round benefits such as cooling and dehumidifying.
These systems generate 3 to 4 times more energy than they consume, which could save homeowners up to £290 annually on energy bills, with a 14-year break-even period.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme can also provide up to £7,500 off installation costs for those in England and Wales.
Alternatively, you could opt for budget-friendly upgrades like a smart thermostat which costs between £120 and £220 to minimise energy waste.
