We aim to make our website as accessible as possible. However if you use a screen reader and require debt advice you may find it easier to phone us instead. Our phone number is 0 8 0 0 1 3 8 1 1 1 1. Freephone (including all mobiles).
i  

Saving money and increasing income

Energy-saving tips to reduce your gas and electric bills

With energy bills rising, we’ve put this list of energy saving tips together to help you make your home more efficient, reduce your energy use and save money.

Understand your energy bill

Checking your bills can help you understand your usage, save money, and make sure you’re paying the right amount. Read our guide to energy bills to find out more about what information is on your bill and how your bill is calculated.

Washing clothes

Try reducing your machine washes by one per week. Wait until you have a full load to put on your washing machine and set the temperature to 30°C.

Switch your lights to LEDs

Switch your bulbs to LEDs. You can save up to £40 by changing to LED bulbs, LED bulbs use about half the energy of the old-style energy saving fluorescent bulbs. Don’t forget to turn them off when you’re not using them!

We put together these guides to help people keep to fixed budgets while they deal with their debts.

 

We know a lot of people need more than budgeting tips to cope with the current cost of living. If you're running out of ways to pay your bills and heat your home, don't wait to get free and impartial help.

Check your heating

To ensure that your heating system is operating at maximum efficiency, bleed your radiators regularly, check that your boiler is operating at the correct pressure and make sure your boiler has been serviced within the last 12 months.

Turn the thermostat down

Turning the temperature down on your thermostat by one degree could cut your energy costs by about £100 a year on average for a typical home.

Don’t leave it on standby

From TVs to printers, don't leave your devices on standby. Instead, turn them off at the plug when they’re not in use and you could save around £35 a year.

Insulate your loft and reduce draughts around the house

Insulating your loft with 30cm thick mineral wool, or alternative, will normally return the investment within one year, and good mineral wool can last around 40 years.

Older houses can be draughty. You can draught-proof windows, doors and block cracks in floors and skirting boards. Getting this done professionally can be expensive but could save you around £125 a year. You could give DIY draught proofing a go to save more.

Shower time

Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £95 a year on their energy bills.

Having an efficient shower head can cut your shower time by a minute to save a family of four up to £38 a year.

Save money in the kitchen

Avoid overfilling the kettle – only boiling what you need could save up to £13 per year.

Invest in a slow cooker, they use very little electricity and are cheap to buy. An air fryer could save you money over a conventional oven. Read our guide on saving money on food and meals.

Need help with budgeting and debt?

Money worries?

Find out how we can help you.

Get help now