Last updated: 24 March 2026
When the temperature drops, energy bills tend to climb. However, a few smart moves can make a real difference. These winter energy saving tips cover everything from quick wins around the house to switching your energy supplier, so you can stay warm without spending more than you need to.
Whether you rent or own, most of these changes cost little or nothing. Some could save you hundreds of pounds over the colder months.
Quick wins that cut your energy bills straight away
Before you reach for the thermostat, try these small changes first. They take minutes but can add up to meaningful savings over winter.
Turn down your boiler flow temperature
Most UK boilers leave the factory set to around 75–80°C, which is higher than necessary. By dropping the flow temperature to around 60°C, your boiler runs in condensing mode and reuses heat from flue gases rather than wasting it. You will still get a warm home and hot water, but you will use less gas in the process. Look for the small radiator symbol on your boiler's display panel — that controls the flow temperature, not your room thermostat.
Switch off standby devices
Leaving appliances on standby drains electricity around the clock. According to the Energy Saving Trust, turning off standby devices could save around £45 a year. The worst offenders include TVs, games consoles, set-top boxes, smart speakers, and microwaves with digital displays. Switch them off at the wall, or use a Tapo P110M smart plug to cut power on a schedule.
Unplug chargers once your device is full
Phone, laptop, and tablet chargers still draw small amounts of electricity even after your device hits 100%. As a result, leaving them plugged in overnight is wasteful and can shorten battery life over time. Try charging during the day and unplugging before bed — a tiny habit that adds up across the year.
Use timers and smart plugs
Heating an empty home is one of the biggest energy wastes. Set your heating to come on only when you are around, and consider pairing smart plugs with portable heaters, lamps, or dehumidifiers. For example, you can schedule a Tapo smart plug to warm your room just before you wake up or get home, so you only use energy when it matters.
Draught-proof and insulate on a budget
The biggest heat leaks in most UK homes come from doors, windows, and chimneys. Fortunately, the fixes are simple and affordable.
First, seal gaps around doors and windows with draught excluders or stick-on foam strips. These cost a few pounds but keep warm air in and cold air out all winter. The Energy Saving Trust estimates draught-proofing windows and doors can save around £40 a year.
In addition, use thick curtains or blinds to trap heat overnight. Move furniture away from radiators so warm air can circulate freely around the room. Even renters can make these changes without risking their deposit.
If you are a homeowner, also consider topping up your loft insulation. Around a quarter of heat in an uninsulated home escapes through the roof, so this single upgrade can deliver significant long-term savings.
Smarter heating options for winter
If you heat your home with electricity, or spend most of the day working from one room, modern smart heaters are worth considering. Mill electric heaters and Herschel infrared panels both offer thermostat control and app scheduling, so you only heat the space you actually use.
Infrared panels, in particular, warm surfaces and people directly rather than heating the air. As a result, you feel comfortable at a lower room temperature — ideal for home offices, studios, or spare rooms.
For whole-house control, a smart thermostat like Hive or Google Nest lets you zone your heating and set schedules from your phone. According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing and using a full set of heating controls — including a programmer and thermostatic radiator valves — could save around £110 a year.
Layer up before you turn up
It sounds obvious, but adding an extra layer before reaching for the thermostat genuinely helps. Heated throws, thick socks, fleece dressing gowns, and hot water bottles all keep you warm for next to nothing. Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can save around £90 a year, so every degree counts.
Why switching energy supplier matters
If you have never switched supplier, or you are still on a standard variable tariff, you could be paying more than you need to. The Ofgem energy price cap sets a maximum rate per unit, but it does not guarantee you the cheapest deal.
Comparing tariffs is one of the most effective winter energy saving tips available, and it takes just a few minutes online. Look for fixed deals that come in below the current price cap, and check for exit fees before committing.
Octopus Energy consistently scores well for customer service, transparent pricing, and flexible green tariffs. If you are thinking about switching, our detail page explains how the referral works and what bonus you can get on your bill.
Already curious about whether Octopus is the right fit? Our guide on whether Octopus is worth switching to breaks down the pros and cons.
Government support worth knowing about
Several schemes can help with energy costs, especially for lower-income households. The Warm Home Discount provides £150 off electricity bills for eligible claimants. Meanwhile, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers up to £7,500 towards replacing a gas or oil boiler with a heat pump.
From April 2026, the government is also removing certain environmental levies from energy bills and funding them through general taxation instead. Ofgem estimates this change alone could save the average household around £150 a year. Check the GOV.UK energy support page for eligibility details and how to apply.
Your winter energy saving checklist
- Drop your boiler flow temperature to around 60°C
- Switch off standby devices at the wall or on a schedule
- Unplug chargers once your device is full
- Draught-proof doors, windows, and letterboxes
- Use thick curtains and keep furniture away from radiators
- Install or properly use heating controls and TRVs
- Compare energy tariffs and consider switching supplier
- Check whether you qualify for government energy support
Frequently asked questions
How much can I realistically save with winter energy saving tips?
It depends on your starting point, but the Energy Saving Trust estimates that combining several small changes — such as draught-proofing, switching off standby devices, and using heating controls properly — could save a typical household between £200 and £300 a year. Even picking just two or three tips from this list should make a noticeable difference.
Is it worth switching energy supplier right now?
Yes, especially if you are on a standard variable tariff. Fixed deals below the Ofgem price cap do appear regularly, and switching usually takes just a few minutes. Ofgem reviews the cap every quarter, so it is worth comparing tariffs each time the cap changes. Always check for exit fees on your current deal before switching.
Does turning down my boiler flow temperature actually work?
It does, and it is one of the most widely recommended changes by heating engineers and the Energy Saving Trust. Lowering the flow temperature to around 60°C lets your condensing boiler operate more efficiently. You may notice radiators take slightly longer to reach full temperature, but your overall gas usage should fall.
What is the Ofgem energy price cap?
The price cap sets the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity for customers on standard variable tariffs. It does not cap your total bill — that still depends on how much energy you use. Ofgem updates the cap every three months. For the latest figures, check the Ofgem price cap page.
Can renters benefit from these tips?
Absolutely. Most of the tips above — switching off standby devices, using smart plugs, draught-proofing with removable strips, and comparing energy tariffs — work just as well for renters. For anything structural like insulation, speak to your landlord. Properties in England and Wales must meet a minimum EPC rating of E, so your landlord may already be required to make improvements.
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Disclaimer: This article contains referral and affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are our own. Always compare tariffs and check eligibility before switching energy suppliers. This is not financial advice.
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