With energy bills set to rise by 6.4 percent from April, finding ways to cut costs has never been more important. Ofgem has confirmed that from April 1, the annual energy bill for a typical household on the standard tariff will increase from £1,738 to £1,849, an extra £111 per year, or around £9.25 per month.
Ofgem adjusts the energy price cap every three months, setting a maximum rate suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity in Scotland, England, and Wales. However, the cap does not limit a household’s total bill, as costs depend on usage, meaning the more energy consumed, the higher the bill, and vice versa.
While traditional money-saving tips like turning off lights and lowering the thermostat can help, there are also some unexpected ways to reduce your energy and water bills. From using a heated blanket instead of central heating to repurposing bath water for plants, these lesser-known tricks could help households save even more, Mirror reports.
Here are some creative yet effective ways to lower your utility costs amid rising prices.
Reuse hot water bottle water
This simple trick helps save both energy and money. A hot water bottle is a great way to stay warm without cranking up the central heating. Instead of wasting water, you can reuse it throughout the day, simply pour it back into the kettle, reboil, and refill your hot water bottle.
And when you’re done keeping cosy, don’t just pour the water away. Instead, give it a second use by watering your plants, making this a clever, eco-friendly way to cut costs.
Minimise your room usage
If you’re home alone during the day, it’s far more efficient to keep one room warm rather than heating the entire house. Set yourself up with everything you need for work or relaxation in a single space and use a portable fan heater or oil radiator to stay warm instead of relying on central heating.
To retain heat, close doors and windows, and if you have single glazing, draw the curtains to block out draughts. Alternatively, a heated electric blanket can keep you cosy while you work, removing the need to warm up the entire room, especially as we move towards (slightly!) milder weather.
Running an electric blanket for a few hours is significantly cheaper than using your boiler.
Take a quiet walk around your house
It’s not just about staying warm, though a few jumping jacks can certainly help! Taking time to listen to your home can reveal hidden issues that, if left unchecked, could lead to expensive maintenance and soaring energy bills due to inefficient appliances.
Unusual sounds may be warning signs. If your plumbing rattles when you turn on the hot tap, you could have a pressure issue. A hissing noise when your heating is on might indicate air trapped in the pipes, reducing radiator efficiency. And if your boiler is making odd noises, it could be struggling to heat your home properly.
Even creaky floorboards could be more than just the house settling—they might signal rotting joists, which not only pose structural concerns but can also allow in unwanted draughts. Paying attention to these small sounds now could save you a hefty repair bill later.
Make timed bathtime fun
Bath time can be a stressful routine for many families, especially when it comes to using large amounts of hot water. But turning showering into a game can make it fun while cutting down on water and energy use.
Encourage kids to race against the clock, who can get clean the fastest? If you have one child, challenge them to beat their previous time. To make it even more exciting, offer small rewards like stickers for the fastest time of the week. Gamifying everyday chores makes them more enjoyable while helping to reduce household bills.
Adults can take on the challenge too. Try a “Navy shower”, turn the water on to wet yourself, switch it off while you lather up, and only turn it back on when needed. This simple trick minimises water waste and cuts down on the energy required to heat it, saving both money and resources.
Shut off your letterbox
Your letterbox can be one of the biggest culprits for draughts in your home, so it’s wise to seal it off. Just ensure your postie knows where to leave your letters instead. Consider installing an external postbox on the wall near your front door for added convenience.
While you’re at it, take the time to identify other potential sources of unwanted breezes. Appliances with external ducting can often harbour unexpected gaps or breezy spots. It’s important to maintain necessary ventilation, but you can use draught tape or other insulating materials to minimise those chilly currents and keep your home cosy.