10 ways to reduce your gas bill in winter

Originally published 1 October 2021. Some figures and rules have since changed - see our latest guides.

Every home with gas central heating uses more gas during colder months. When the central heating is on, boilers use considerably more gas each day, and usage costs rise noticeably.

With energy costs high, now is a good moment to put some energy-saving habits in place. Here are ten ways to cut your gas use over winter.

1. Set your heating with a timer

Save gas by running radiators only when people are home and awake. Most boilers have programmable features, and wireless thermostats are available for boilers that do not. Set heating to come on when needed and keep temperatures between 20 and 23 degrees.

2. Insulate your home

Heat escapes through walls, doors, floors, windows, and the roof, pushing up gas costs. You cannot stop heat loss entirely, but insulation substantially reduces how much escapes.

3. Bleed your radiators

Trapped air and debris inside radiators reduce heating efficiency and create cold spots. Bleeding radiators improves heat output and needs no professional help.

4. Switch energy provider

Staying with one provider for a long time can mean rising prices. Comparison tools help you find better rates. Note that periods of energy market instability can limit how much switching saves.

5. Check your boiler pressure

Incorrect boiler pressure is a common central heating fault that makes the system work harder. Pressure should stay steady between 1 and 2. Check it regularly, especially after the system has been idle.

6. Reduce your hot water temperature

Most boilers heat water hotter than you need. Lowering hot water to 60 degrees cuts energy use every time a tap runs and is safer too, particularly in homes with children.

7. Get a smart meter

Smart meters show your energy use in real time in pounds and pence, so you can monitor and reduce daily usage. Most energy providers install them free of charge.

8. Arrange a boiler service

A service checks your boiler’s health and performance. Older, poorly maintained boilers produce less heat per unit of energy, wasting money. A service identifies issues that reduce efficiency.

9. Get smart controls

Smart technology gives you complete control of your heating. A wireless smart thermostat lets you manage your home’s temperature from a smartphone app.

10. Heat the rooms you use

Turn off radiators in unused rooms to avoid wasted energy. Manual control or smart heating with radiator-specific thermostats give you room-by-room temperature control.

If you would like to talk to us about cutting your energy use, you can book a boiler service or read our guide on signs you need a new boiler.