Energy saving tips to cut your bills this Autumn
Autumn is nearly here, that means the mornings are darker, the evenings chillier, and energy bills are rising. From October 1, the energy price cap set by Ofgem is rising by around 2%.
The energy price cap limits the price suppliers can charge you per unit of gas and electricity, plus the daily standing charge. The more energy you use, the more you’ll still pay. But it does protect households from being charged excessive rates.
From October, a typical household paying by monthly direct debit will see their annual bill capped at about £1,755. For prepayment customers, it’s about £1,707, and if you pay when your bill arrives, it’ll be around £1,890. In short: energy isn’t getting any cheaper, so the less you use, the more you’ll save.
So what can you do now to keep your bills under control? Here are some tips.
Swap your boiler for an air source heat pump
According to British Gas, turning down your boiler by just one degree could save you up to 10% on your heating bill, however you could save even more and lower your impact on the environment with an air source heat pump.
Air source heat pumps work by drawing warmth from the outside air, even in freezing cold weather (up to -15 degrees), and using it to heat your home and water.
They’re far more efficient than traditional gas boilers, and once installed, they can cut running costs significantly if your home is well insulated. The government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers a grant of up to £7,500 to help households make the switch, making it a lot more affordable.
If you go through us, we’ll advise you on your eligibility and apply for it on your behalf. The full amount is taken off your quote, so you don’t have to wait for payment.
We’re also MCS-approved installers of Vaillant UK air source heat pumps – one of the leading names in the industry – so you know you’re getting quality.
Invest in solar panels + battery
It’s a common myth that solar panels only work in summer. In fact, solar panels often perform better in cooler, sunny conditions than they do during very hot spells, because they’re more efficient at lower temperatures.
What really matters is daylight, not heat. Even on cloudy days, panels can generate electricity. Keeping them clean, free from leaves, grime and dirt, helps them work at their best.
Once you’ve paid for the initial installation, your electricity costs could be reduced by up to £400 annually, and pairing them with a solar battery is a smart way to lower your energy bills even further. A battery stores any electricity you don’t use straight away, so you can use it overnight – to charge an electric car or run a washing machine or dishwasher. A solar battery can also work as a backup in the event of a power cut on the main grid. That’s especially useful in Autumn and Winter, when days are shorter.
Stop heat escaping
A lot of homes lose warmth through small gaps in doors and windows, or through poorly insulated lofts, walls and floors. The Energy Saving Trust recommends draught-proofing as one of the simplest and cheapest fixes. That means blocking up gaps, so cold air doesn’t creep in, and warm air doesn’t escape.
It could be as simple as using a draught excluder under the front door, fitting brushes or seals to letterboxes and keyholes, or using thicker curtains in the evenings. If your home feels chilly in certain spots, it’s often down to draughts.
For bigger savings, good loft insulation alone can save you hundreds of pounds a year. If your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) recommends insulation upgrades, it’s worth looking at government schemes that may help cover the cost.
Smarter lighting and applicances
Lighting is one of the easier wins and switching from old bulbs to LEDs can cut costs quickly. The Energy Saving Trust says each LED bulbs can save you around £45 per year, especially in rooms where the lights are used a lot.
Appliances are another area where small habits make a big difference. Many devices still use energy when plugged in, even if they’re switched off. Phone chargers, TVs, kitchen appliances and even microwaves can all quietly add to your bill. Switching them off at the wall or using plug-in timers can stop that waste.
Washing clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40, only running full loads, and air-drying, when possible, instead of using the tumble dryer also helps to keep costs down.
Complete home energy solutions
We believe the most savings come when you bring different green technologies together. Solar panels on your roof generating electricity, a battery storing the extra power, an air source heat pump keeping your home warm efficiently, and an EV charger for your car that runs on your own clean energy.
Together, these systems reduce your dependence on the grid, cut your bills, and make your home future-proof against rising energy costs.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation consultation about what’s right for your home, we’d be happy to help. Email us at info@eerenewables.co.uk or call 0800 802 1116.
