Save Money With These 7 Simple Heating Hacks​

This article is designed to help you:

• Save cash on heating by switching your energy supplier.
• Waste less energy and money with a few small changes.
• Work out the best way to insulate your home.

With energy prices on the rise, it's more important than ever to find effective ways to keep your home warm without overspending. Here are our top seven heating hacks to help you save money this winter:

1. Switch to a Fixed Energy Deal: Save up to £230

As of April 2025, the energy price cap set by Ofgem has increased by £111, bringing the average annual bill to £1,849. However, by switching to a fixed-rate energy deal, you could save up to £230 annually. Providers like Ecotricity, Outfox the Market, and British Gas are offering competitive fixed deals below the price cap. It's advisable to compare current offers and consider factors like fixed-term lengths and potential exit fees before making a switch.

2. Use Energy Efficiently: Save £85-£90

Small adjustments in your energy usage can lead to significant savings. Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can save you between £85 and £90 annually. Additionally, turning off appliances instead of leaving them on standby can further reduce your energy bills. Replacing traditional light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs is another effective way to cut costs.

3. Insulate Your Hot Water Cylinder: Save £18 Annually

Proper insulation of your hot water tank reduces heat loss, keeping your water warmer for longer and saving you around £18 per year. This simple measure also decreases your household's carbon emissions by approximately 110kg annually.

4. Heat Only Occupied Rooms: Save up to £75 Annually

Utilise thermostatic radiator valves to control the temperature in individual rooms, ensuring you only heat the spaces you use. This targeted approach can save you up to £75 each year. Remember to keep doors closed to retain heat within occupied rooms.

5. Draught-Proof Your Home: Save £25-£50 Annually

Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and chimneys prevents cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. Professional draught-proofing can cost a few hundred pounds, but it's a worthwhile investment, potentially saving you between £25 and £50 annually. For those inclined towards DIY, affordable materials are available to tackle this project yourself.

6. Use Draught Excluders

In addition to draught-proofing, placing draught excluders at the base of doors can further prevent heat loss. These can be purchased or homemade using fabric filled with materials like rice. Ensure they are properly positioned to be effective, especially in areas with frequent foot traffic.

7. Insulate Your Home: Save up to £225 Annually

Proper insulation is crucial for retaining heat. While the initial investment can be substantial, the long-term savings are significant. For example, installing internal solid wall insulation in an average semi-detached house can cost around £7,400, but it can save you up to £225 annually. Similarly, adding loft insulation can cost approximately £300, with potential savings of £150 per year. These measures also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.

Government Support: The Great British Insulation Scheme

To assist households in improving energy efficiency, the UK government has introduced the Great British Insulation Scheme. Running from July 2023 to March 2026, this initiative aims to help residents reduce energy bills by implementing specific insulation measures. It's advisable to check your eligibility and take advantage of this scheme to offset initial insulation costs.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reduce your energy consumption and heating expenses. Stay warm and keep an eye out for more money-saving tips and updates. Remember, you're always better off with RIFT.

RIFT Roundup: what's it all mean?

• Energy Price Cap: The maximum amount energy suppliers can charge consumers per unit of energy, set by the government.
• Ofgem: The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, the regulator for electricity and gas markets in Great Britain.
• Internal Solid Wall Insulation: Insulation applied to the inside walls of older buildings that lack cavity walls.
• Fixed-Rate Tariff: An energy plan where the price per unit is locked in for a specified period, protecting against market fluctuations.
• Variable Tariff: An energy plan where prices can fluctuate based on market conditions, often leading to varying monthly costs.