How to Cut Your Heating Bills in Half This Summer
Energy prices are holding steady—here's how to lock in savings before autumn demand spikes.
Summer is your best opportunity to act on heating costs. With mains gas at 6.04p/kWh and electricity at 24.5p/kWh under the current Ofgem cap, now is the time to assess your options and switch if needed—before winter demand drives prices up again.
Review your current fuel type
Your heating fuel choice has the biggest impact on your annual bill. Compare what you're currently paying:
- Mains gas: 6.04p/kWh (most common, usually cheapest)
- Electricity: 24.5p/kWh (4x more expensive per unit)
- Heating oil: 99p/litre (best for off-grid homes)
- Wood pellets: 7.2p/kWh (eco-friendly alternative)
If you're heating with electricity or oil, switching to mains gas could cut costs dramatically—but only if you're in a gas-connected area.
Three immediate actions
1. Get a boiler service
A poorly maintained boiler loses efficiency fast. A £150 annual service prevents costly breakdowns and ensures your system runs at peak efficiency heading into winter. Schedule this now while engineers have availability.
2. Compare fixed-rate deals
Ofgem price caps change quarterly. While caps protect you from extreme rises, many energy suppliers offer fixed-rate contracts that beat the cap. Visit /compare/mains-gas or /compare/electricity to see current fixed-rate options before the autumn cap change in October.
3. Switch fuel if cost-effective
If you're currently on heating oil at 99p/litre, the maths are stark: a typical 2,000-litre annual consumption costs £1,980 ex. VAT. That same household on mains gas would spend roughly £600–800. Ask your local utility company about connection costs—they're often lower if you move quickly.
Long-term savings
Beyond fuel choice, consider:
- Insulation upgrades: Loft and cavity wall insulation reduce heating demand by 20–30%
- Thermostatic radiator valves: Let you heat only occupied rooms
- Heat pump viability: If you're off-grid or have high oil bills, an air-source heat pump may pay for itself within 7–10 years
Why act now?
Energy markets don't stay static. Ofgem's price cap typically rises in winter months, and supplier competition peaks in summer when fewer households are actively switching. By comparing deals and making changes in June, you avoid the rush and often find better rates.
Your action: Spend 15 minutes today comparing your current rate against fixed deals in your area. Use our comparison tools to see instant savings—many households find £200–400/year without changing their behaviour at all.