Quick wins to use less energy at home
Last updated: February 2026
Small changes to your home or daily habits can help you reduce how much energy you use, and save you money.
We've put together these tips to help you improve energy efficiency at home and save money on your energy bills. We also have tips on how to save money by saving water.
You can also save money on energy usage through home improvements. Some discounts and other support are available to help you invest in insulation, Solar photovoltaic (PV), and heat pumps.
Visit our cost of living support (Kent Together) and Household Support Fund pages to find out what other help is available for eligible households.
Our 12 top tips to save energy at home
In addition to the many ideas you'll find on this page, watch our video for our top 12 tips to save energy at home.
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Choosing your supplier
Consider switching to a cheaper tariff
By law your electricity supplier has to tell you if you could save money by changing to another tariff. However, this may not be easy to find on your monthly bills.
There is no harm in contacting your supplier to ask them directly, they'd be glad to help you if it means you don't take your business elsewhere.
Compare your supplier’s rates with the competition
To see if you are getting a good deal on your gas or electricity, compare your energy supplier's rates with the market. There are free online comparison sites which can make this very quick and easy, such as Uswitch or Switcheroo.
The below behaviour changes and associated potential savings are inspired by the Energy Saving Trust website.
Draught-proof windows, doors and floors could save £70 a year
DIY draught-proofing will be cheaper than paying a professional to do so, which can cost around £250 for a whole house. Unless you have an old property with single-glazed windows, draught-proofing can be fairly simple. Read guidance from the Energy Saving Trust.
Taking shorter showers could save £50 a year
For more information about saving water at home, visit your water company’s website. They might offer free home visits and free or low-cost water-saving devices.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that fitting a more efficient shower head can reduce annual combined heating and water bills by around £60.
Air-drying clothes could save £45 a year
Using clothes racks indoors or hanging washing outside in warmer weather can reduce your energy consumption.
Switching off standby could save £40 a year
Almost all appliances can be switched off standby without affecting their usual functionality. Check the device manual if you are unsure.
Insulating pipes, tanks and radiators could save over £35 a year
Insulating your water tank keeps the water warmer for longer. Putting reflector panels behind your radiators can help reduce heat loss to external walls.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, insulating an uninsulated hot water tank costs around £20, and primary pipe insulation costs around £18, if you fit the insulation yourself. This could save over £150 per year on energy bills compared to using an uninsulated tank, based on July 2025 fuel prices.
Not overfilling the kettle could save £9 year
Boil only as much water as you need to avoid the kettle working harder than necessary.
Other ways to help reduce your home energy usage
- Fit efficient taps or tap aerators
- Adjust your heating controls
- Turn radiators off in unoccupied rooms
- Get a smart meter (they are usually free)
- When cooking, cover pans with lids and use a cooker ring that is the same size as the pan
- Wash clothes at 30°C
- Fitting efficient taps or tap aerators
- Fill your dishwasher and washing machine to appropriate levels
- Turn off lights when they are not needed, and switch to LED bulbs
For more tips and information, visit the Energy Saving Trust website and your water company website. Depending on your home's location, this is either:
Get support with energy debts
If you are in debt and unable to manage your energy bills, there are options to apply for energy grants.
- First, check your energy supplier’s support offer, most energy suppliers have a grant scheme for customers who are struggling
- British Gas Energy Trust has several grants for energy debt, some of which are open to more customers than just British Gas
- For EDF or Eon Next customers, check the grants provided by Charis Grants.