New research has identified the most effective ways households can cut their energy bills
Heating remains the single biggest contributor to household energy costs(Image: Daisy-Daisy via Getty Images)
As households continue to grapple with winter energy costs, new research indicates that the most significant savings come from preventing heat loss and altering the timing of household tasks.
An examination of hundreds of real-world online Reddit discussions by Norton Insurance Brokers found families reporting bill reductions of up to 25% were focusing on a few high-impact changes rather than merely “using less”.
Rather than enduring colder homes or obsessively turning off lights, those experiencing the largest savings prioritised draught-proofing, improved insulation, shifting electricity use to cheaper off-peak hours, and accurately measuring their energy consumption.
Preventing heat escape
Heating remains the single biggest contributor to household energy costs. However, drastically lowering the thermostat was not a common factor among those reporting the largest savings.
Instead, households focused on retaining warmth within their homes. Sealing gaps around doors, windows, keyholes and floorboards – especially in older properties – was frequently cited as transformative.
Thick curtains, thermal blinds and simple secondary glazing also helped keep warmth indoors. In several instances, households reported heating cost reductions of up to 25 per cent after improving insulation and addressing draughts.
Brief, intense ventilation was also emphasised as crucial. One participant suggested: “Do open windows and doors for 15 minutes per room every day. This helps with damp and circulating the air. Even if it’s raining or snowing, just do it, but in series rather than all at once.”
Opening windows for 10 to 15 minutes per room can decrease dampness and humidity, making homes feel cosier at lower temperatures and reducing the need to crank up the heating.
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Adjust usage to save money
The timing of energy use proved to be as vital as reducing consumption. Families on time-of-use tariffs who shifted high-demand activities – such as operating washing machines, dishwashers and heating hot water – to off-peak hours reported monthly bills around 25 per cent lower.
In homes using only electricity, hot water systems can account for more than half of total electricity use, making overnight heating an especially effective change. Smart meters and half-hourly usage data were often praised for helping households identify costly peak periods and adjust routines accordingly.
First measure, then reduce
Another prominent theme was that many households were mistaken about what was driving their bills until they began monitoring usage.
Energy monitoring plugs revealed that always-on devices – particularly desktop computers and multiple screens left running continuously – were among the biggest electricity consumers in some homes. Conversely, older appliances such as freezers often used far less energy than anticipated.
One savvy user suggested: “Buy an energy-monitoring plug. Put it on each appliance and allow it to gather data for a week. Switch the plug to another device and repeat. You’ll very soon realise what is consuming most of your energy and you can make cuts as necessary.”
What makes less difference
Certain common practices were found to have only a slight effect in isolation. Constantly turning off LED lights had little discernible impact on bills. Powering down appliances at the socket saved minor amounts, but households reported minimal overall effect unless paired with larger initiatives like insulation improvements or shifting loads to off-peak times.
Long-term upgrades yield results
Where households could afford to invest, structural enhancements resulted in more enduring savings. Loft insulation, sealing gaps, cleaning and balancing heating systems, installing smarter thermostats and upgrading glazing were all associated with sustained reductions.
One homeowner who replaced double glazing, sealed draughts and ensured the loft was properly insulated said: “Since our new system upgrades, our energy bill (electric and gas) has gone down by £65 a month.”
Mark Wilkinson, managing director at Norton Insurance Brokers, said: “The findings suggest that cutting energy bills does not require extreme measures. The households that achieved the biggest reductions focused on a small number of high-impact actions rather than trying to change everything at once.
“Preventing heat loss, shifting energy use to cheaper times, and identifying hidden high-usage devices consistently delivers the largest savings. These changes can help households lower bills while maintaining normal routines and comfort at home.”
