Five free money saving hacks that actually work
Energy Advice
- Small thermostat adjustments and better heating habits can significantly reduce heating costs without compromising comfort - and could save you £££ every year.
- Simple home fixes to prevent energy loss can help you stay warm, save money and reduce waste.
- Smarter appliance use saves money and energy – consider switching to energy-efficient devices like air fryers.
As we head into the cooler months, you might be starting to worry about your energy bills. With the typical October energy price cap increase just around the corner, our LEAP energy advice experts encourage families to act now rather than wait for winter.
Even small free changes, such as turning your thermostat down by just 1°C, can help slash your annual bills without sacrificing comfort.
At LEAP, we love sharing tips like this, because we can all put them into practice right away. There are plenty of practical energy-saving habits that really do work. The best part? Many are completely free.
Free Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills This Autumn
Turn Down Your Thermostat by 1°C
Let’s start with one of the simplest wins. Reducing your thermostat by just 1 degree, from 20°C to 19°C for example, is barely noticeable for most people - but it can save the average household over £100 per year. Heating accounts for the largest portion of a typical home's energy bill, so small adjustments here make a big difference.
Stop Drying Clothes on Radiators
Drying clothes on radiators blocks heat from circulating effectively and makes your boiler work harder to heat your home. It also increases the risk of condensation and damp, which can lead to mould and costly repairs. Switching to an indoor airer lets radiators do their job more efficiently.
Draught-Proof Your Windows and Doors
It’s estimated that draught-proofing doors and windows could save households up to £85 a year in Great Britain (GB) and £95 in Northern Ireland (NI). You don’t need to spend a lot; even simple methods such as using rolled-up towels, DIY draft excluders or foam strips from a local shop can make a big difference.
Unplug Devices or Use a Standby Shutdown Device
Electronics such as TVs, games consoles and microwaves still draw power even when switched off. This is known as “phantom load”. Avoiding standby mode can save you up to £45 a year in GB and £55 in NI. And using a standby shutdown device makes it easy to cut power to multiple appliances at once.
Use an Air Fryer Instead of the Oven (When You Can)
Conventional ovens take longer to heat up and use more energy, especially for small meals. According to Uswitch, using an air fryer instead can save money. Many cost under £50 for the initial purchase, which means they pay for themselves within a year.
If you don’t already own one, ask a LEAP Energy Advisor about our appliance scheme - we may be able to help.
Small Changes, Big Impact
These free or low-budget habits can help you make real savings throughout the year, especially as you start to use the heating more in autumn. They also reduce your environmental impact, while making your home more comfortable.
If you’d like personalised advice based on your home and circumstances, we’re here to help. Book a free call with a LEAP Energy Advisor today. We’ll share tailored tips, scheme eligibility and practical energy support to help you stay in control of your energy bills.
