The weather is getting colder, winter is on the way and energy bills are going to increase in October. 

UK homeowners have been told to expect their annual energy bill to increase by £149 from October. This follows Ofgem’s announcement of a 10% rise in the energy price cap, which will lead to an approximate monthly increase of £12 for 27 million households across the UK.

But there are steps you can take to avoid paying more than you need to — they may even bring your bills down. Here, renewable energy surveyor Sean Slawson, of Geo Green Power, shares his essential tips for UK households looking to slash their annual energy bills and stay eco-friendly this winter. 

Heat only the rooms you're using

One simple thing you can do to potentially knock up to 10% off your heating bill, saving over £100 a year, is to turn your thermostat down by just 1 degree, and tie this in with heating only the rooms you're using. 

“There’s a lot of conflicting advice about home heating, but small changes can make a big difference,” says Slawson.

“Focus on heating only the rooms you're using and keep doors closed to prevent heat loss. Most households find 18-21°C comfortable, though some prefer it warmer.”

If you're comfortable at a lower temperature, it's worth the adjustment. Here are some other things you can do to maximise your heating's efficiency. 

Use reflectors on radiators

Use reflectors - or even tin foil if you’re on a budget - to reflect heat back into the room. These prevent wasted heat from escaping through the walls, directing it back into the room instead of heating the wall and street outside.

Improve insulation 

“This can be as simple or straightforward as you have the budget for,” says Slawson. “You can save hundreds a year with roof and loft insulation, but this does incur a bigger upfront cost. Lower-cost options include insulating hot water cylinders, radiators, and pipes, and even simple draught-proofing.”

Even if you don't go for a large-scale insulation project, ensure you’re not letting warm air out unnecessarily by checking windows and doors, as these could save you around £35 annually. Don’t forget unused chimneys and fireplaces, but be careful to draught-proof these safely.

Insulating your home will ensure that you retain as much heat as possible. There are grants available for low income households such as the Great British Insulation Scheme and you should also contact your local council to see if they have specific funding in your area.

Turn off standby 

When it comes to your home, vampire energy is all too real: "Devices in standby mode still consume energy, and reducing this can lead to surprising savings," says Slawson. "Televisions, computers, and gaming consoles are major contributors to so-called 'vampire' energy consumption."

Research shows Brits could save an average of £147 per household annually by switching off ‘vampire devices’ - those that continue to drain power when left on standby - when not in use. To reduce ‘vampire’ energy, get into a habit of unplugging devices or use smart power strips that cut power automatically. You can also check if your TV has energy-saving features like automatic shut-off or screen dimming to help lower your energy bill.

Get the most out of your appliances 

"Washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers account for 14% of a typical energy bill," says Slawson. "However, there are simple ways to cut costs with these appliances."

Tumble dryers are the most expensive to run, costing around £1.27 per cycle or £66.25 per year, based on the new energy price cap. Try to avoid their use completely and use sunny days to dry clothes outside whenever possible. If you do need to use the tumble dryer,  place a dry towel in with dryer loads to reduce energy use by absorbing excess water and limiting the need for multiple runs.

Using the eco-setting on dishwashers and washing machines, and only running full loads, will save both water and energy. Reducing dishwasher use by one wash a week could save £11 annually, while washing clothes at 30 degrees and cutting usage can save around £22 a year.

Switch to renewable energy 

Switch to renewable energy will make you less reliant on energy providers, protect you from energy price hikes and lower your bills. Even during the winter months a household with solar panels will be generating their own energy and using less from the grid. On average a UK home will save around £1,000 a year after installing solar PV. 

Slawson explained: “It’s never been cheaper to install solar. The energy crisis created huge global demand and manufacturing of solar panels and other installation materials significantly increased; the result has been a significant dip in the cost of a solar PV system. If you received a quote to install solar a year or so ago, I strongly recommend you revisit.”

As well as reducing electricity bills, installing solar panels reduces your carbon footprint.

You could also consider installing heat pumps, which capture heat from the air, ground or water and boost the temperature to provide heat and hot water. Not only are they  environmentally friendly, they are highly energy efficient, have a long lifespan and you may be eligible to receive a government grant to help cover installation costs through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.