How to Reduce Electricity Bill in the UK: Proven Ways to Save Money
Electricity prices keep rising, and for many households, the monthly bill can feel like a mystery that just won’t shrink. So, you may wonder, “How to reduce my electric bill?” The good news? With a few smart adjustments and a better understanding of how energy is used at home, you can bring those numbers down without sacrificing comfort.
In this guide, we’ll explore the biggest energy drains in most homes, followed by 15 practical tips that can help you reduce current bill. If you're tired of seeing high charges month after month, this article will help you change that.
What Are the Biggest Energy Wasters in Most Homes?
Let’s start by looking at the culprits before learning how to lessen electric bill. Many everyday appliances quietly consume more energy than expected, especially when left running unnecessarily. Knowing where waste happens is the first step toward control. Here are some of the top power drains:
Old or inefficient appliances: Older fridges, freezers, washing machines, and dishwashers often use far more electricity than modern, energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with high energy ratings to cut down on usage.
Always-on electronics: Devices like TVs, game consoles, printers, and chargers continue to draw power even when turned off, known as “phantom load” or standby power. Using a smart power strip or unplugging devices can help.
Heating and cooling systems: Running heating or air conditioning inefficiently is one of the top energy drains. Poor insulation, outdated systems, and setting the thermostat too high or too low all contribute.
Inefficient lighting: Incandescent bulbs use far more energy than LED alternatives. Swapping out bulbs throughout the home can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill.
Water heating: Water heaters, especially older or non-insulated models, consume a lot of energy. Lowering the thermostat slightly or upgrading to a more efficient unit can help.
15 Tips on How to Reduce Power Bills
Once you know what’s driving up your bill, you can start making changes where it matters most. Here are practical, user-friendly tips that show how to save on electric bill without going off-grid or living in the dark.
1. Switch off standby appliances
Devices like TVs, game consoles, and even phone chargers use power when left plugged in, even if they’re off. Switching them off at the wall or using a smart power strip helps cut this hidden energy drain. It’s a small habit that can lead to noticeable savings over time, especially if you’ve got lots of gadgets around the house.
2. Use LED lighting
If you’re still using old bulbs, it’s time to switch. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent or halogen bulbs, and they last much longer, too. Just as important, remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the easiest ways to reduce electric bill.
3. Switch to energy-efficient appliances
When replacing old appliances, look for models with high energy ratings. They might cost more upfront, but they use far less electricity and save you more in the long run.
From fridges to washing machines, upgrading to energy-efficient options can quietly lower your monthly bill without changing your daily routine.
4. Use your heating controls wisely
Heating your entire home around the clock can use more energy than you might think. Set a timer so the heating runs only when you need it, like early mornings or just before bed.
If you have radiator valves, adjust the heat in each room separately. Lowering the thermostat by just one degree can reduce energy use while still keeping your space warm and comfortable.
5. Insulate and draught-proof your home
Even the best heating system can’t work efficiently in a draughty home. Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and skirting boards helps keep warmth in and cold air out. If you haven’t already, consider adding loft insulation.
6. Wash clothes at lower temperatures
Washing your clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C is an easy way to use less energy, and with today’s detergents, your laundry still comes out clean. It’s also worth waiting until you have a full load before turning on the machine. You’ll run it less often, which means saving both electricity and water without needing to change your routine much.
7. Avoid the tumble dryer
Tumble dryers are convenient but can drive up your energy use quickly. When you can, dry clothes outside on a line or use an indoor rack near a sunny window or warm room. Even in cooler months, clothes will dry with a bit of airflow.
8. Run full loads only
Washing machines and dishwashers are most efficient when they’re full. Running them half-loaded means using nearly the same amount of energy and water with less payoff. If you're short on dishes or laundry, wait until you can fill the drum or rack.
9. Take shorter showers
Long showers may feel relaxing, but they use more hot water than you think, especially if you’re on an electric or combi boiler. Cutting your shower time to four or five minutes can noticeably lower your energy and water use.
10. Service your boiler regularly
A neglected boiler can become an energy guzzler. Just like any machine, it needs regular check-ups to run efficiently. Getting it serviced once a year helps catch small issues early and keeps your heating system working properly. It also makes sure you're not using more energy than necessary just to keep warm.
11. Don’t overfill the kettle
It’s easy to fill the kettle to the top out of habit, but you’ll only use a cup or two. Boiling more water than you need wastes time and electricity. Try filling it with just what you'll use. It boils faster, uses less energy, and gets you your tea or coffee that much sooner.
12. Use lids when cooking
Covering your pots and pans helps trap heat and cook food faster. It’s very useful when boiling or steaming, as it reduces the energy needed to reach and maintain a rolling boil.
13. Keep your fridge and freezer full
A full fridge or freezer works more efficiently because there’s less space for warm air to enter when the door opens. If you don’t have much food stored, add a few jugs of water or ice packs. Just don’t overpack it, as air still needs to circulate for even cooling.
14. Check your electricity plan
Review your current tariff structure and identify any off-peak periods—often overnight or on weekends—when rates drop significantly. Shift high-consumption activities like laundry, dishwashing, or electric heating into those low-cost windows, and consider using smart plugs or timers to automate load shifting. Even without an external battery, this simple scheduling can cut several percentage points off your monthly bill by taking full advantage of discounted rates.
15. Go solar using a solar generator
For off-grid power or backup during outages, a solar generator is a clean and reliable choice. It stores energy from solar panels during the day and can run essentials like lights, appliances, or devices.
If you are a beginner on a budget, the EcoFlow STREAM Plug & Play Solar System delivers an all-in-one solar solution—rigid panels paired with a microinverter, no battery required. Available in bundles for balconies, terraces, gardens, flat or pitched roofs, and vertical façades, which powers your home directly from sunlight during the day.
EcoFlow STREAM Plug & Play Solar System
When you’re ready to level up, the EcoFlow STREAM Series Plug & Play Solar Plant offers two storage upgrade paths under one umbrella:
Existing STREAM users can add the 1.92 kWh STREAM AC Pro battery pack—no inverter needed—to capture daytime solar for evening use.
New adopters seeking an all-in-one solution should choose the STREAM Ultra, which integrates that same 1.92kWh LiFePO₄ battery with a built-in 2.3kW grid-tied inverter for true plug-and-play storage.
IP65-rated and expandable via additional AC Pro modules, the STREAM Series Plug & Play Solar Plant lets you store excess energy for use after dark, slash your grid consumption toward zero, and achieve deeper energy independence with minimal installation effort.
EcoFlow STREAM Series Plug & Play Solar Plant
Conclusion
Reducing your electricity bill doesn’t have to mean major sacrifices. Small daily choices, like using energy-efficient appliances, washing at lower temperatures, or switching off standby devices, can add up over time. With a little planning and the right tools, it’s easier than ever to take control of your energy use. If you're ready to go a step further, EcoFlow's portable power technology offers smart, flexible ways to store and manage energy more efficiently at home.
FAQs
Does unplugging save electricity?
Yes, unplugging devices that aren’t in use can save power. Many electronics draw electricity even when turned off. This is known as standby or phantom power. Over time, these small draws can add up and cost you money.
How to keep heating costs down?
Start by sealing drafts around windows and doors. Use a programmable thermostat to reduce heating when you're away or asleep. Layer up with warmer clothes and blankets before turning up the heat. Small adjustments can lower your heating bills without feeling uncomfortable.
Does TV use a lot of electricity?
Compared to heating or cooling systems, TVs use less power. However, large or older plasma models can be more energy-hungry than modern LED TVs. If left on all day or in standby mode, the usage adds up. Turning it off completely helps save energy.