I’m a British Gas engineer – make these changes for £347 back (Image: Getty)
Households may be able to save as much as £347 by making a few simple checks and changes, a British Gas engineer has said.
This comes as Ofgem’s new energy price cap takes effect today (Wednesday, January 1), leaving many households still on standard variable tariffs (ie not a fix) facing higher energy bills.
The price cap has risen by 1.2%, now set at £1,738 per year for a typical household using electricity and gas and paying by Direct Debit. This marks an increase from the previous cap of £1,717, which was in place from October 1 to December 31, 2024.
However, there are some steps people can take to reduce their energy consumption and potentially offset rising costs.
Dinesh Kumar, a British Gas service and repair engineer, has shared 11 top tips to help households cut down on their energy usage and save money this winter.
Changes can be made now to help reduce costs after this month’s price cap rise. (Image: Getty)
Carefully check your pipes
Frozen pipes are a common issue, often leading to cracks or bursts when water inside turns to ice.
Mr Kumar said: “The best solution is to prevent freezing in the first place. Insulating your pipes with affordable materials from a DIY store can prevent heat loss, helping to avoid expensive repairs. If you suspect your pipes might be frozen, slowly pour hot (but never boiling) water over the frozen pipe and place a hot water bottle over it to melt away the ice.”
Bleed your radiators
Air can get trapped in the system, forming bubbles at the top of the radiators and reducing their efficiency.
Mr Jumar said: “If you feel cold spots near the top, turn the radiators off and allow them to cool. Then, use a radiator key to open the valve at the top and release the trapped air.”
Block out the cold
Checking windows and doors are free from draughts could save around £60 a year, according to Mr Kumar.
He said: “Easy-to-apply self-adhesive foam strips around windows can help prevent cold air passing through, and draught excluders work wonders for gaps under doors. Don’t forget about your keyhole and letterbox too – cheap keyhole covers and letterbox brushes are quick to fit and will help keep the cold at bay.”
Carefully consider the location of furniture around heat sources and ensure radiators can function (Image: Getty)
Arrange furniture for warmth
Carefully consider the location of furniture around heat sources and ensure radiators can function optimally.
Mr Kumar explained: “Positioning your sofa directly in front of a radiator may create a cozy spot, but it absorbs the majority of heat that could otherwise warm the rest of the room.
“Heavy curtains and rugs also play an important role – thicker materials keep heat from escaping through windows and doors. Just remember – when we have it – to let the sun do its job by opening curtains during the day.”
Turn off radiators in unused rooms
To save money, Mr Kumar suggested avoiding heating rooms that aren’t in use.
He said: “If you know a room won’t be in use, make sure to switch off the radiator and close the door to prevent cold air from moving through the rest of the house. When you need the room again, turn the radiator back on ahead of time to heat it up.”
Additionally, Mr Kumar said: “You can install thermostatic radiator valves so you can control the temperature in each room. Keep them low, around 2-3, when you aren’t in the rooms or out of the house.”
Insulate your pipes
According to Mr Kumar, the “best solution” is to prevent pipes from freezing in the first place.
He said: “Insulating your pipes with affordable materials from a DIY store can prevent heat loss, helping to avoid expensive repairs.”
Optimise your thermostat
It can be tempting to crank up the thermostat on colder days, but determining the right temperature is key.
Mr Kumar said: “Set your main thermostat between 18C and 21C to save around 10% on your heating bills. For an average household, lowering the temperature by just one degree could save you about £115 a year.”
Prepare your heating for bedtime
Programme your heating to come on 15 minutes before you wake up and turn off 30 minutes before you go to bed. Mr Kumar said: “This can reduce energy costs and even improve your sleep. You can also lower the heat in rooms that aren’t being used at night.”
Embrace smart thermostats
Winter is the peak season for energy usage, making it key to take advantage of smart technology like programmable thermostats.
Mr Kumar said: “This allows you to control your heating remotely, saving money by preventing the heat from coming on when you’re delayed or away. For instance, installing a Hive Thermostat can save you up to £172 per year on your heating bill and allow you to track your spending and set budget costs. Hive Plus also gives you advanced features including smart energy insights and ‘away mode’ which provides remote access.”
Give your boiler some TLC
It’s often the case that many people don’t think about their boiler until it breaks down – but regular maintenance and servicing can help avoid future potential problems altogether.
Mr Kumar said: “Some tasks like adjusting the boiler pressure you can do yourself but for servicing, broken boilers or anything you are unsure of, you should contact a qualified engineer. British Gas will be there on the same day for calls made before 11am to help both customers and non-customers with no heating or hot water.”
Check if you qualify for energy support
It’s always a good idea to see if you’re eligible for extra help with your energy bills.
Mr Kumar said: “The British Gas Energy Trust offers face-to-face advice, financial support, and grants of up to £1,700 (even if you’re not a customer). Many energy providers also have assistance funds to help with energy costs.”
