7 Free Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills This Spring in Lancashire
Lancashire homeowners are paying an average of £1,928 a year on energy bills, according to recent the energy regulator data. The good news? You can cut that figure by £200 to £400 a year without spending a single penny. Here are seven proven, zero-cost ways to start saving this spring.
1. Draught-Proof Your Doors and Windows for Free
If you live in one of Lancashire’s many Victorian or Edwardian terraced houses – think the rows of stone-built homes across Preston, Accrington, or Colne – chances are draughts are costing you more than you realise. independent energy organisations estimates that draught-proofing can save you around £60 a year on heating bills.
You don’t need to buy anything fancy. Old towels or blankets rolled up against the bottom of doors work surprisingly well as a short-term fix. Check around window frames, letterboxes, and where floorboards meet skirting boards. Lancashire’s exposed position means westerly winds off the Irish Sea push cold air through every gap they can find, especially in homes around the Ribble Valley and West Lancashire.
If you’re renting, your landlord is legally required to keep the property in a reasonable state of repair, so report any significant draughts around windows or doors.
2. Use Radiator Foil to Reflect Heat Back Into Your Room
This one’s a classic for good reason. Many Lancashire terraced houses have radiators on external walls. Without insulation behind the radiator, a chunk of your heating goes straight through the brickwork and into the cold outside air.
Radiator reflector foil bounces that heat back into your room instead. While you can buy purpose-made reflector sheets, regular kitchen foil stuck to cardboard works in a pinch. Place it shiny-side facing the room, behind the radiator. It’s free if you’ve already got foil in the kitchen drawer, and it can save you around £25 a year research suggests.
3. Get a Free Smart Meter and Actually Use It
Every household in the UK is entitled to a free smart meter from their energy supplier. If you haven’t got one yet, request one today. But here’s the part most people miss: it’s the in-home display (IHD) that saves you money, not the meter itself.
Put the IHD somewhere you’ll see it every day – the kitchen counter is ideal. Research from the government energy department found that households who actively monitor their in-home display save between £50 and £100 a year. That’s because seeing your energy use in real time changes your behaviour. You’ll notice which appliances are guzzling electricity and adjust accordingly.
In the North West, suppliers like British Gas, OVO, and Octopus Energy are all offering free installations with short waiting times. Just call your supplier or book online.
Compare quotes from qualified installers in your area. It takes 30 seconds.
4. Check If You Qualify for Free Insulation Through the government energy efficiency scheme
The government energy efficiency scheme (government energy efficiency scheme) funds free insulation for eligible homeowners and renters. This is a big one for Lancashire, where many homes in areas like Burnley, Blackburn, Hyndburn, and Pendle have solid walls or poorly insulated lofts.
You may qualify if you receive certain benefits including Universal Credit, pension top-up benefits, Child Tax Credit, or income support benefits. Even if you’re not on benefits, some local councils in Lancashire run flexible eligibility schemes. Contact Lancashire County Council or your district council to check.
Free insulation through government energy efficiency schemes can cut your heating bills by £300 to £600 a year depending on the type of insulation and your home’s current energy performance rating.
5. Switch to a Better Energy Tariff (It’s Free and Takes 10 Minutes)
If you’ve been on your supplier’s standard variable tariff for more than a year, you’re almost certainly paying more than you need to. Switching tariff – or switching supplier entirely – is completely free and can save you anywhere from £50 to £300 a year.
Since energy prices have stabilised from the highs of 2022-2023, fixed-rate tariffs are worth looking at again. Use a comparison service to see what’s available in the PR, BB, OL, and LA postcode areas. Some suppliers also offer specific tariffs for households with solar panels or battery storage, which are becoming increasingly popular across Lancashire.
Top tip: set a calendar reminder for when your fixed tariff ends so you can switch again before you get moved to the standard variable rate.
6. Turn Down Your Boiler Flow Temperature
This is one of the most overlooked free energy saving tips, and it works brilliantly. If you have a combi boiler (and most Lancashire homes built or renovated in the last 20 years do), your flow temperature is probably set too high at the factory default of 70-80°C.
Turning it down to around 55-60°C means your boiler runs more efficiently. Your radiators will take a little longer to warm up, but they’ll still heat your home. The Heating Hub estimates this simple adjustment saves around 6-8% on your gas bill, which works out at roughly £80 to £120 a year for an average Lancashire household.
Check your boiler manual or look up your model online for instructions. Most combi boilers have a simple dial or digital control on the front panel.
7. Use Your Curtains and Blinds Strategically
It sounds almost too simple, but using your curtains properly can make a real difference, especially during the unpredictable Lancashire spring when you can get frost in the morning and sunshine by midday.
Open south-facing curtains during the day to let free solar heat in. Close all curtains as soon as it starts getting dark – usually around 6pm in March and 8pm by May. This traps heat inside and acts as an extra layer of insulation over your windows.
If your curtains are thin, consider layering them with a heavier pair when you can. Thick, lined curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 14% according to research by the University of Salford.
How Much Could You Save in Total?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the potential annual savings from each tip:
| Energy Saving Tip | Estimated Annual Saving | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Draught-proofing (DIY) | £60 | Free |
| Radiator reflector foil | £25 | Free (kitchen foil) |
| Smart meter with IHD | £50 – £100 | Free |
| Free insulation (government energy efficiency schemes) | £300 – £600 | Free (if eligible) |
| Switching tariff | £50 – £300 | Free |
| Lower boiler flow temperature | £80 – £120 | Free |
| Strategic curtain use | £20 – £40 | Free |
| Total potential saving | £585 – £1,245 | £0 |
Even if you only do three or four of these, you could easily knock £200 off your annual energy bills. That’s real money back in your pocket, and you haven’t spent a thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quickest free way to reduce energy bills in Lancashire?
Turning down your boiler flow temperature takes about two minutes and can save you £80 to £120 a year immediately. It’s the single biggest free saving most Lancashire homeowners can make today.
Can I get free insulation in Lancashire?
Yes. The government energy efficiency scheme provides free cavity wall and loft insulation to eligible households across Lancashire. You typically need to be receiving certain benefits or have a low household income. Contact your local council or energy supplier to check your eligibility.
Are smart meters really free?
Yes, your energy supplier is required to offer you a smart meter at no cost. The meter, installation, and in-home display are all included. There are no hidden charges. Just contact your supplier to book an installation.
Do these energy saving tips work in older Lancashire terraced houses?
Absolutely. In fact, older terraced homes in areas like Preston, Accrington, and Colne often have the most to gain because they tend to lose more heat through walls, windows, and gaps. Draught-proofing and radiator foil are particularly effective in these properties.
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