Ways to save on your household bills

Whether you're renting, a shared owner or a leaseholder there are many things you can do to reduce how much energy you use and the money you spend.

Published: 05/12/2023

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Read these tips and see if you're saving as much energy as you could be. 

Choose energy-efficient appliances 

If you're replacing an appliance, you can cut your electricity bills by choosing the most energy-efficient model to help you save up to £70 a year. You can find out more about energy-efficient washing machines at which.co.uk  

Replace light bulbs 

Energy-saving light bulbs are an easy way to help you cut your energy bills. An LED light bulb costs around £1.71 a year to run, and over its lifetime it could cut around £180 from your energy bills. Remember, energy-saving light bulbs last longer than traditional ones too. 

Draft proofing 

According to the Energy Saving Trust, stopping heat from escaping through unwanted gaps around doors and windows could help you save around £25 a year in a typical home. Find out more at energysavingtrust.org.uk 

You can also book a free consultation with Pocket Power to learn more about saving money on your household bills.  

Review all your memberships and subscriptions 

Many of us have Direct Debits and standing orders that we regularly pay. However, there can also be other recurring payments that we've agreed to – such as for streaming services or magazine subscriptions – that can make it hard to keep track of where your money is going.  

A good place to start is to go through your bank statement and make a list of all your regular payments. You can then check through them and decide what you need and where you can save some money. 

Earn money while spending  

Cashback sites pay you a cash reward when you click through from them to buy goods or financial products.  Websites such as quidco.com and topcashback.co.uk offer cashback on a variety of goods and services, from mobile phones and car insurance to bank accounts and broadband. You can find out more about cashback sites at which.co.uk. 

Start saving for events and celebrations 

Start saving small amounts for significant events such as holidays and birthdays. Agree to a budget with family and friends for presents, celebrations and socialising in general, so you don't feel like you're spending beyond your means too. 

Use less hot water 

You might only use your heating in winter, but you use energy year-round to heat your water. So, heating and using it wisely will impact your bills. You can try simple steps such as washing up in a bowl rather than under a running tap and using a shower timer, so you know how long you're spending in there. Did you know for example, that one minute less in the shower can save £4 per person per year? 

Find out about energy saving grants  

Energy schemes and grants are available to help you pay your energy bills. You can find out more about all the grants and schemes available to you, such as Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel and Cold Weather payments. 

Make savings on your food bill 

A quick and easy way to save is to plan your weekly meals – this can help you cut down on those last-minute takeaways too. Try taking a packed lunch if you're going on a day trip or into work and maybe cut down on that expensive daily mocha latte too. If you do fancy a treat, use food waste apps like toogoodtogo.co.uk to find discounted food from your favourite shops and restaurants.  

How we can help 

Whether you need money and benefits advice, guidance on training and employment, financial support or help with your mental and physical health – we’re here for you. 

You can also read more advice and tips to help you save on our winter-ready and household tips pages.