Seven Small Changes That Cut a Winter Energy Bill Without Touching the Thermostat

A few minutes with last winter's bill shows where the money really goes.

When the first cold snap arrives, the reflex is to reach for the thermostat. But a surprising share of a winter bill comes from habits we barely notice. None of the changes below need a tradesperson, and most cost nothing at all.

1. Turn the boiler flow temperature down

Many combi boilers leave the factory set to run hotter than they need to. Lowering the flow temperature lets a condensing boiler work the way it was designed to. Your boiler manual, or the manufacturer's website, explains how.

2. Heat the rooms you actually use

Thermostatic radiator valves let you keep spare bedrooms and hallways cooler than the living room. Close the doors to rooms you are not using so the warm air stays where you are.

3. Bleed the radiators

If a radiator is cold at the top and warm at the bottom, there is air trapped inside. A radiator key costs a couple of pounds and the job takes a few minutes per radiator.

4. Mind the curtains

Open them on bright days to let the sun in, and close them at dusk to keep the heat in. Make sure they do not hang over a radiator, or the heat goes straight to the window.

5. Wash at 30 degrees

Modern detergents work well at lower temperatures, and most of the energy a washing machine uses goes into heating the water.

6. Only boil what you need

Filling the kettle for one mug is one of the easiest habits to change. The same goes for putting a lid on the pan.

7. Read your meter

Send regular readings, or check your smart meter display, so you pay for what you use rather than an estimate.