Simple ways to save reduce bills this winter

One of the best ways to save money at home while reducing your impact on the planet is by adopting smarter energy habits. With energy prices rising again this winter, improving your home’s efficiency is one of the most effective ways to take control of your household bills.

In fact, according to the Energy Saving Trust, the average UK household could save up to £356 a year simply by making small changes. Here are six smart and practical ways to make your home more energy efficient this winter.

1. Be smart with your lighting

Homes are fitted with energy-efficient LED lighting, which uses up to 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs. To maximise savings, make a habit of switching lights off in empty rooms and take advantage of natural daylight wherever possible. A simple way to brighten your home on darker days is to position mirrors near windows and keep windowsills clear. This helps reflect natural light around the room, reducing the need to turn on lamps during the day.

Did you know that turning your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room. This will save you around £20 a year on your annual energy bills!

2. Turn off appliances on standby

It’s easy to forget about everyday devices such as TVs, games consoles and kitchen appliances, but many continue to use electricity when left on standby. Taking a few seconds each day to switch them off at the plug could save you around £55 a year — a small habit that can make a noticeable difference over time.

3. Use your heating controls effectively

Managing your heating properly is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy bills. If you live in a new-build Tilia home, you’ll benefit from a programmable room thermostat, allowing you to control both the temperature and the times your heating comes on. Try to keep the temperature steady rather than constantly turning it up and down, as this helps your heating system run more efficiently. Most people find 18–21°C to be the ideal balance between comfort and cost. Lowering your thermostat by just one degree could save over £100 a year.

4. Cut back on hot water usage

Hot water accounts for more than half of the average household’s energy bill, but there are several easy ways to reduce usage without much effort:

• Cut your shower time by a few minutes

• Wash clothes at 30°C, which can reduce energy use by up to 40%

• Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full

• Air-dry clothes or use a drying rack instead of a tumble dryer

  
  

5. Cook and heat your home more efficiently

The kitchen offers plenty of opportunities to save energy in winter. After using the oven, leave the door slightly open to allow any remaining heat to warm the room — particularly helpful on colder evenings. When cooking, use lids on pots to trap heat and cook food more quickly. Batch cooking meals for the week can also help you use your oven more efficiently while saving time. And when making hot drinks, only boil the water you need to avoid wasting energy.

6. Keep warm naturally

Homes are designed to retain heat efficiently, but a few extra steps can help them perform even better. Open your curtains during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your rooms, then close them as soon as it gets dark to keep the heat in. Adding soft furnishings such as thick curtains, cushions and throws can also make rooms feel cosier while helping to retain warmth throughout the winter.