How to reduce household bills

How to reduce household bills

Looking to reduce your household bills? A little bit saved here and there can make a massive difference in the bigger picture. If you’re saving for something important or simply keen to leave yourself more disposable income, it’s always worth looking closely at your regular outgoings.

In this guide, we explore practical ways to reduce bills such as energy, water, council tax and more. Read on to start saving.

How to reduce energy bills

of September 2024, energy bills are at their lowest point for two years. However, they’re still around £400 above where they were three years ago. Electricity and gas supplies are non-negotiables for most households, so any savings are a bonus. Try:

• Comparing energy providers: There’s no harm in comparing energy prices from different providers, whether you’re due for renewal or not. While costs remain high, you’re unlikely to get a cheaper deal by switching. This is because of the energy price cap set by Ofgem. But checking energy deals regularly should help you to secure a better deal when they become available.
• Using a smart meter: A smart meter won’t directly save you money on your energy bills. But it can give you better insight into how you’re using electricity and gas. In-home monitors track your daily, weekly and monthly usage, allowing you to keep an eye on what you’re using and when.
• Cutting your energy usage: There are plenty of ways to reduce energy usage at home. Many require simple changes and daily habits. Just turning off standby mode could save you up to £40 per year. Washing clothes at a lower temperature and on shorter cycles, spending less time in the shower and upgrading to newer appliances can all contribute.
• Making your home more energy-efficient: Improper roof and wall insulation can result in your home losing more heat. Draughts and poorly insulated doors and windows often have the same effect. Your boiler or heating system also has a direct impact on how much energy you need to heat your home. Investing in improving these areas may be an upfront cost, but the long-term savings on your energy bills should be worthwhile.

Ways to reduce your water bill

The average water bill in the UK is around £440 per year but prices are expected to rise over 30% by 2030, according to figures from Ofwat. You can’t switch water providers, so the only ways to reduce your water bill are to manage your usage and ensure accurate billing. To combat rising prices, consider:

• Installing a water meter: If your property doesn’t already have a water meter, there’s no way of knowing if you’re over or underpaying. Having one installed should make your bills more accurate. This could help save you money if you use less water than the average household. However, you could also end up paying more. Try this water meter calculator to see if you can save.
• Showering instead of having baths: Showers tend to use less water than baths. So, consider reducing the number of baths you have across the household. This should help to reduce your water usage and energy consumption for heating the water.
• Spending less time in the shower: You probably won’t save money by showering instead of bathing if you have a habit of long showers. The Energy Saving Trust recommends using a four-minute shower timer to cut the volume of water you’re using each time.
• Using a more efficient shower head: Some shower heads use water more efficiently while maintaining optimal flow and pressure. Try one of these to cut your water usage further.

How to reduce your council tax bill

Your council tax band and rate depends on the location, value and size of your property. While you can’t haggle the annual bill (unless you challenge your band), your household may be eligible for certain Council Tax Reductions or discounts. This could be the case if:

• You live alone: The single-person discount takes 25% off your council tax bill, and it can be backdated if you’ve lived alone for a while.
• Someone in your household has a disability or is a live-in carer: There are reduction and discount schemes for people with physical disabilities and severe mental impairments. Households with live-in carers can also benefit.
• You’re on a low income or claim benefits: Council Tax Reductions vary between different local councils. They’re designed to help low household incomes and people already claiming benefits.

How to reduce internet, TV and phone bills

Broadband connections, TV subscriptions and phone bills are luxuries, but it’s easily argued that they’re essential for modern living. Whichever and however many you have, try these to cut your monthly outgoings:

• Compare plans and providers: Most broadband and phone contracts will tie you into a fixed contract which is expensive to leave. However, once these come to an end, comparing plans, providers and other deals is crucial to minimise your spending going forward. Don’t forget, you can also haggle these prices down over the phone when it comes to renewing.
• Get a bundle deal: Many companies offer bundle packages to encourage loyalty. They’re good for the companies but you can also benefit from savings across the board. Combining your internet, TV and phone contracts into one package could see you slashing your household bills.
• Consider your usage: Most households have rarely used subscriptions that don’t provide good value. Review yours, including streaming services, TV packages and other products, to see where you could save without losing much. Cancelling expensive monthly subscriptions and paying for things as and when you need them is often cheaper.

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