How to reduce home bills

Key takeaways

• Small changes can help manage household costs over time. Examples of habits that can influence energy use include adjusting thermostat settings and only heating the rooms you use

• Household bills depend on various factors. Lifestyle, time spent at home and property efficiency can impact energy usage

• Smart meters can help you monitor usage. Tracking through smart meters or statements may help identify patterns and areas to adjust

• Using appliances efficiently may lower costs. Running full loads and choosing energy-saving settings or LED lighting may help lower costs

• Reviewing bills and exploring options can help lower costs. Comparing energy provider tariffs as well as exploring Government-backed support may help lower costs

Some ways to lower your household bills

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to reducing household costs. Your bills depend on a range of factors, such as n your lifestyle, the energy efficiency of your property and even how often you’re at home during the day. However, there are practical ways you could manage your usage more effectively.

Track how much you use each month.

Many smart meters and billing statements can help highlight patterns in your energy and water consumption. If you have an in-home digital display unit, you will usually be able to see how much energy you’ve used and how much it costs. This may help identify areas where adjustments might make a difference.

Make simple changes

Some examples of everyday changes that may contribute to lower energy use include turning off lights in unused rooms and switching appliances off rather than leaving them on standby. While individual savings may seem small, they can add up alongside other measures.

How heating and insulation affect your energy bills

Heating can be a large contributor to energy bills in UK homes, especially during autumn and winter. There are several factors that can influence heating-related energy use and household costs, which we explore below:

Heating habits

Your daily heating habits can influence how much energy your household uses, there are a few adjustments you could consider:

• Reducing your thermostat settings slightly, if comfortable to do so

• Only heat the rooms you are actively using

• Programming your heating to match your routine, rather than leaving it on continuously

• Keep doors closed between rooms and to outdoor spaces to help retain warmth

During colder months, heating tends to be used more frequently, so these habits may make more noticeable changes.

Improving insulation and reducing heat loss

Improving insulation can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This may reduce the energy needed to heat your home. That said, the impact will vary depending on the property’s age, build type and existing efficiency features, such as its EPC rating.

Common areas where heat can be lost include:

• Loft spaces without sufficient insulation

• Uninsulated or poorly insulated walls

• Draughts around doors and windows

• Older glazing

Addressing these areas could support better heat retention. For example, draft-proofing gaps or upgrading glazing might improve efficiency over time.

Reducing electricity use around your home

Electricity usage impacts energy bills year-round but reducing electricity use does not necessarily mean limiting everyday comfort. Instead, it can be about using appliances more efficiently and being aware of how and when energy is consumed.

Using appliances more efficiently

Most households rely on a range of appliances, from washing machines to kitchen equipment and managing these can help you to control your electricity usage.

For example, you could consider:

• Running appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines with full loads where possible

• Choosing eco settings if available, as these often use less energy over longer cycles

• Avoiding leaving appliances on standby for extended periods

• Using energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs

The impact of these changes will depend on your household habits, but they might help manage energy usage over time.

Cutting your water bills

Water usage is another area where small adjustments can make a difference. Some households are charged based on estimated usage, while others use water meters. If your home has a meter, your bill is more closely linked to how much water you use. This may provide opportunities to manage costs by making some changes to your daily routines.

For example:

• Reducing shower time where practical

• Fixing dripping taps or leaks promptly

• Using water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads

• Collecting rainwater for your garden rather than using hose pipes

As with energy, water savings will vary depending on household size and habits.

Reviewing your household bills and services

Regularly reviewing your water and energy bills can offer insight into your household running costs. You may even choose to compare tariffs or switch providers and this can often lead to savings. However, this may not be the best option for everyone.

Instead of focusing solely on switching, you could:

• Check whether you are on the most suitable tariff for your usage

• Review any bundled services or subscriptions

• Look out for changes in pricing or billing structures

Government support to help with energy bills and the cost of living

As of April 2026, the government removed an average of £150 from household energy bills as part of their cost of living support. Providers apply this automatically to your bill.

There is also a range of government-backed schemes designed to support households with energy costs. Please note that eligibility and availability can change but if you’re on benefits or have a low income you may have access to the following:

• The Warm Home Discount Scheme

• Energy-saving improvement schemes

• Home energy support payments

Other schemes may be available for energy efficiency improvements, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This can offer a grant to cover part of the cost of replacing an oil, gas, electric or LPG heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler. You can check to see if your property is eligible for the upgrade.

Explore our range of new homes across the UK, with offers like Bank of Family to help you move. Make sure to check our T&Cs to see if you’re eligible.

Call or visit our Sales Advisers at your nearest development to find out more.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak with a mortgage, financial or legal adviser for more information regarding your specific circumstances.