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8 simple ways you can reduce your energy bills from your living room

Reducing your energy bills doesn't have to be complicated. We've rounded up four simple ways to save energy from your living room and help keep household costs under control.

Written by
Jenna Culy
on 27 Jan 2023
and updated on
26 Jun 2026
Categorised in
Tips and Advice

Reducing your energy bills isn't always easy, and some of the most effective ways to save energy at home aren't the obvious ones. While simple habits like switching off lights can help, there are plenty of other steps you can take to lower your household energy consumption and cut costs over time.

Here are four simple ways to improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills from the comfort of your living room.


  1. 01

    Use smart plugs

    Smart plugs allow you to control appliances remotely and schedule when devices turn on and off. They can help reduce standby energy use and give you greater visibility over your household electricity consumption.

  2. 02

    Install a chimney balloon

    Open chimneys can allow warm air to escape and cold draughts to enter your home, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

    A chimney balloon acts as a barrier inside an unused chimney, helping to keep warm air indoors and improve your home's energy efficiency. By reducing heating loss, it may help lower your heating costs and reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your home warm.

  3. 03

    Install radiator reflector panels

    If your radiators are mounted on external walls, some of the heat they produce may escape through the wall rather than warming your room.

    Reflector panels sit behind radiators and help direct heat back into your living space, making your heating system work more effectively.

  4. 04

    Use thermal curtains

    Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in many homes. Thermal curtains provide an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep warm air inside during colder months.

    Closing them at dusk can help reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency without making any changes to your heating system.

  5. 05

    Insulate your hot water tank and pipes

    If you have a hot water cylinder, insulating it helps keep water warmer for longer, reducing the energy needed to reheat it.

    Pipe insulation can also reduce heat loss from hot water pipes, particularly in unheated areas such as lofts and garages.

  6. 06

    Service your boiler regularly

    A well-maintained boiler is more likely to operate efficiently and reliably throughout the year.

    Having your boiler serviced annually by a qualified engineer can help identify potential issues early and ensure it's working as efficiently as possible.

  7. 07

    Switch to LED lighting

    LED bulbs use significantly less electricity than traditional incadescent or halogen bulbs and typically last much longer.

    Replacing frequently used bulbs with LEDs is a simple way to reduce your home's electricity consumption.

  8. 08

    Improve loft insulation

    Around a quarter of a home's heat can be lost through an uninsulated roof.

    Installing or topping up loft insulation can help keep heat inside your home and reduce the amount of energy needed to stay warm.

Biggest energy wasters in the living room

Even if you're careful about your energy use, there may be hidden sources of energy waste in your living room Identifying and addressing these common culprits can help improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your household bills.

  • Devices left on standby, such as TVs, games consoles, and sound systems.
  • Draughts around windows and doors allowing warm air to escape.
  • Furniture blocking radiators and preventing heat from circulating properly.
  • Unused chimneys and fireplaces causing heat loss.
  • Older entertainment systems that use more energy than modern alternatives.

Small changes can make a big difference

Reducing your energy bills doesn't always require expensive upgrades or major home improvements. Simple changes, such as reducing heat loss, improving heating efficiency, and cutting unnecessary electricity use, can all contribute to lower energy costs over time.

While each tip may only save a small amount on its own, combining several energy-saving measures throughout your home can make a noticeable difference to your annual bills. 

Still have questions?

​Do smart plugs save electricity?

Smart plugs can help reduce unnecessary energy use by allowing you to switch devices off remotely or create schedules for appliances.

What uses the most energy in a living room?

Heating systems, televisions, gaming consoles, and devices left on standby are often among the biggest contributors to energy use.

Is it worth using thermal curtains?

Thermal curtains can help reduce heat loss through windows and improve comfort during colder months.

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