How to reduce energy bills at home

The high cost of electricity, gas and oil looks set to stay with us for some time yet. We might not be able to get the prices down, but we can reduce our bills by using less.

Here are some little suggestions that all add up to make a big difference.

How to reduce energy costs at home

We can all help save on bills by making small changes to our daily routines. Things such as switching off lights, fitting energy saving bulbs and unplugging chargers or appliances after use all contribute to bringing those electricity costs down.

We can spend less time in the shower and wash clothes at 30 degrees. A smart meter to measure energy consumption is also a great tool.

How to save on heating bills

Turning down the boiler flow rate can help reduce heating costs. Once the temperature has been set, leave the thermostat alone and adjust your heating through the radiators.

Proper insulation can also help keep you warm in the colder months and cool through the summer. If you’re yet to invest, now's the time.

As the weather starts to cool off, there are also some precautionary tips that could help save you money. Turning off outside taps and popping the heating on before temperatures plummet may prevent burst pipes.

Check your energy benefits

It's important to keep an eye on any extra benefits and payments you may be entitled to.

In winter months, people over state pension age receive the Winter Fuel Payment, which is usually paid automatically. When the temperature stays at zero or below for more than a week, the Cold Weather Payment is given to those already getting other types of benefit.

Low-income households, people in receipt of pension credit and people living with a disability who are eligible for certain benefits or tax credits, will also receive cost-of-living payments automatically. Find out more about eligibility, payments and help with energy bills.

Pay the same for three years with fixed-price home cover

Given that inflation and interest rates are still on the rise, fixing your home insurance premium now might help. Our Saga Plus cover level has a fixed price feature which means you'll pay the same for three years in a row if nothing changes, and you're not tied in. T&Cs apply.

Saga Plus comes with accidental damage cover for unexpected breakages, which may help if you’re entertaining at home more often.

There are also options such as Saga Select for those of us who want less cover, this comes with up to £1 million cover for buildings and cover up to £100,000 for contents. Both our cover levels are Defaqto 5 Star rated and come with the same great level of service.

As we all tighten our belts, Saga has taken measures to reduce costs without compromising quality. We don’t charge for mid-term adjustments or duplicate documents and you only pay a fixed £50 excess for smaller claims such as replacement locks and keys or frozen food.

So, if your freezer stops working in the run up to Christmas you won’t have to worry about the cost of replacing your frozen food. During the month of any religious festival, we also automatically increase the contents sum insured by 20% for Saga Plus customers and 10% for Saga Select.

For bigger problems, you might want to consider budgeting for Saga Home Emergency, which can alleviate the stress of unexpected costs. It's there for problems such as blocked drains, water leaks or loss of power.

Cover includes an emergency 24/7 helpline, call-out charges and emergency home repairs carried out by approved tradespeople.

What's more, in most cases, you can log and track your plumbing, heating or roofing claim online. No more sitting by the phone when you have other commitments.