5 ways to lower your energy bills, from simple ideas to greener upgrades

At OVO, we see energy from a different angle. We’re helping UK homes take steps to reduce their bills and our collective carbon footprint. 

And that’s what this guide is all about. We’ve rounded up 5 ways to save energy at home – whether it’s changes you can make in the here and now, or things to consider for the future.

But before we get started, it’s useful to understand your energy bill first. Luckily, we’ve got a handy guide for that too. Or if you’ve already got it covered, head straight to our energy-saving advice.

1. Top up your insulation

When heat travels, it always moves away from the warmth, towards somewhere colder. But insulation can slow the heat down, or stop it from escaping altogether. That’s why it’s one of the most effective ways to save energy. Because when your insulation is keeping the warmth in and the cold out, you can rely on your heating less. 

Here’s how to check the insulation in your home, from top to bottom:

• Loft insulation

  You can lose up to 25% of your home’s heat through an uninsulated roof, so your loft is a great place to start.¹ You probably already have some insulation up there, but even adding an extra layer on top can make all the difference. If your roof looks like it could do with an insulation upgrade, check our ultimate guide to loft insulation for what to do next.

• Wall insulation

  First, you’ll need to work out which type of walls you have. To give you a rough idea, if your home was built after 1920, it’s likely to have cavity walls. You can find out how to insulate those in our guide to cavity wall insulation. Anything before 1920 will probably have solid walls, which can let twice as much heat escape. And guess what – we’ve got another insulation guide on those too.

• Underfloor insulation

  If your home has a draughty floor, there are a few quick fixes you could try, like filling gaps, plugging holes, and adding rugs. Just make sure you don’t block any air bricks in your walls. They’re there to help avoid damp and mould. There are different insulation options too, but they all depend on which type of floor you have, so you might need to do a bit more research. The Energy Saving Trust has some great advice on floor insulation, or always speak to a professional if you’re not sure.

Have you heard about the Great British Insulation Scheme?

Through the Great British Insulation Scheme, you can access support to insulate your home with cavity wall or loft insulation. That means you could reduce your heating bills by around £310 a year. And if you’re eligible, your insulation could come at a reduced price or completely free. Visit our website to find out more.¹

2. Adjust your thermostat

Giving your heating a quick boost or turning it on and off throughout the day might seem like a good idea, but it can actually use more energy. 

Setting your thermostat to somewhere between 18 and 21°C is ideal for most people, and leaving it on while you need it can be more cost effective. And if you’re comfortable, even turning it down by just 1 degree could help you save around £145 a year.²

Another option is to think about getting a smart thermostat. They come with loads of great features that can help you save energy and money, from smart scheduling to open window detection and more. 

At OVO, our customers get exclusive discount when they buy a tado° Smart Thermostat through us.³ And if you’re not with OVO, you can switch today to unlock our offer. 

3. Make changes in the kitchen

Next stop – the kitchen. It’s home to your dishwasher, kettle, fridge, and more. So it’s the perfect place to try a few energy-saving tweaks. Let’s take a look at some small changes that could have a big impact.

• Check your fridge’s temperature – between 3 and 5˚C is ideal, and -18˚C is spot on for a freezer. Setting both to the right temperature can stop them from using more energy than they need to. 
• Make the most of your microwave – sometimes your microwave can heat things up just as well as the oven or hob, while using much less energy. 
• Do your laundry at a lower temperature – today’s detergents can still get great results on a colder wash. And according to the Energy Saving Trust, washing clothes at 30˚C uses 40% less energy than washing at higher temperatures.⁴ 
• Don’t overfill your kettle – whether you’re making a cuppa or boiling water for a saucepan, filling the kettle with just the right amount means less energy goes to waste. 

Thinking about upgrading your appliances? Remember to compare energy ratings as you shop around. They range from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient, and G the least. You can find more info on energy ratings in yet another helpful guide by the Energy Saving Trust.

4. Think about going solar

Solar panels can be a big investment, but if you’re able to make the switch, you could save up to 85% on your electricity use.⁵ So in the long run, they’re better for your pocket and the planet. 

You could even get paid for your sunshine power through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – a government-backed programme that lets you sell the electricity you generate to the National Grid.

And with more government schemes and financing options available, your solar dream might be closer than you think. At OVO, you can spread the cost of your solar panels over 3 years – with no interest.⁶ We also offer longer term financing, or you can pay in full. The choice is yours.

5. Book a home energy assessment

Everyone’s home is different. And when it comes to saving energy, what works for one person might not work for the next. That’s where an energy assessment can help. 

An expert visits your property to find out how it uses energy. Then they’ll give you personalised advice on ways to save and more – all tailored to your unique home.

If you’re a homeowner, you can book a visit with our Energy Experts today. You’ll get a full Home Health Report with energy-saving actions, and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) too.⁷

More info on energy

​​That’s it for our 5 ways to lower your energy bills, but head over to our Help Centre if you want to find out more. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save energy when renting, we’ve got you covered.

How to get financial support

​​If you’re struggling financially or you’re worried about your energy bills, we’re here to support you. Find out about the different ways we can help.