Top tips to save money on your energy bills this autumn and winter
Our natural reaction when the temperature drops is to turn on the heating. However, this is harder for many households with current energy prices. Plus, could we be losing money by heating inefficient homes?
There are many ways to increase your home's resilience to cold weather, plenty of which are available on a budget. This is great for reducing energy bills and carbon emissions - win win!
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Do you need support with the cost of living?
Visit our dedicated webpages for more information.
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Have you heard about the Great British Insulation Scheme?
This government energy efficiency scheme is designed with the least energy-efficient homes throughout Great Britain in mind. Find out if your home could be eligible for free or cheaper insulation.
Find out more
Did you know?
An insulating jacket for your hot water cylinder can save you up to £70 a year in heating costs and 155kg in CO2 emissions?*
Did you know that draught-proofing could save you £60 a year on average on your energy bills?*
Buying reflective panels for five radiators will cost around £30, but could save you £40 every year in the future on your bills?*
How can I save money on energy?
There are many ways to reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon emissions, just by keeping the
heat in your home
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Stop cold draughts
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Use radiator reflectors
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Prevent frozen water pipes
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Stop cold draughts
Did you know that draught-proofing could save you £60 a year on average on your energy bills? By eliminating draughts from creeping in through doors, windows, and loft hatches, you'll be keeping your home warmer for longer. The good news is that this is achievable on a budget. Self-adhesive foam, keyhole covers, and brush insulation strips cost as little as a few pounds yet will save you more in the long run. Best of all, there are ways to make your own draught excluders using materials lying around your home.
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Use radiator reflectors
Radiator reflector foil is a low-cost way to save money on your energy bills. Starting at around £6, reflector foil can prevent heat escaping from outside walls by reflecting it back into your home. It's also easy to install - simply cut your roll to size and slide behind your radiator.
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Prevent frozen water pipes
When cold weather hits uninsulated water pipes, it can freeze the water inside, causing it to expand and result in a burst water pipe. Not only does this prevent us from heating our homes, but it can also lead to a costly repair bill.
The best way to prevent this is to insulate your pipes and water tank. Pipe lagging and insulation jackets are often inexpensive and can even save you up to £70 on your bills per year.
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Invest in some home furnishings
If you have hardwood flooring, investing in a rug will help trap any escaping heat. Likewise, thick or thermal curtains are useful for keeping the warmth in your home. Why not try searching charity shops or second-hand sites for a pre-loved bargain?
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Top-up your home's insulation
Is your home insulation as deep as it should be?
Topping up your loft insulation could save you an extra £55 a year by preventing heat loss through your roof and walls.
You may be eligible for support through the Great British Insulation Scheme, which is offering free or cheaper insulation to qualifying homes. You might get support if your home has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G, or if you're in Council Tax bands A-D. You can be a homeowner, landlord or tenant, but you'll need to speak to your landlord before you apply as you'll need their permission before any insulation can be installed.
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The benefits of insulating your home
- feel more comfortable in your home during the colder months
- save money on your energy bills
- reduce your carbon emissions
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Invest in some home furnishings
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Top-up your home's insulation
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The benefits of insulating your home
Support for residents
We know that our residents will be impacted by the energy price cap. For the period spanning 1 October to 31 December 2024, the new price cap will be £1,717 for a dual-fuel household paying via Direct Debit. At the moment, the cap is being updated every three months.
We've partnered with The Environment Centre to provide free, trusted advice to our residents about energy and sustainability.If you or someone you know in Hampshire is struggling to keep warm, The Environment Centre has a freephone advice line with friendly advisors who can provide free, trusted, and straightforward advice.
Useful links
- A helpful guide to draught-proofing - Energy Saving Trust
- How to make a draught excluder - National Trust
- How to use radiator foils (PDF) - Groundwork
- What to do if you have a burst or frozen water pipe - Met Office
- Discover quick wins to improve your home insulation - Energy Saving Trust
- Free, trusted advice from The Environment Centre