To mark Big Energy Saving Week 2026, our Home Energy Adviser Kelly Chable has put together some practical hints and tips to help make your home more efficient. They’ll help you stay safe and warm this winter – and you could save money on your bills, too.
There are lots of steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Your boiler should be serviced regularly to make sure it’s running properly. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer.
A smart meter could also help by showing you how much money you’re spending on energy and when you’re using the most. You may also be able to take advantage of lower energy tariffs. Find out more about smart meters here, or speak to Kelly, our Home Energy Adviser.
You could also think about adding insulation to walls and roofs, or fitting double glazing if you don’t already have it. For a simple, cheap efficiency boost, put draught excluders across your doors and windows.
For people living with dementia, it’s particularly important to stay warm in winter. Here’s a quick guide to recommended indoor temperatures:
Living rooms and other rooms used in the daytime: 19–21°C (66–70°F)
Bedrooms (sleeping): 16–18°C (61–64°F)
Bathrooms: 22–24°C (72–75°F) when in use
Hallways / unused rooms: 16–18°C (61–64°F)
Using a timer can help you make sure you’re only heating your home when you need it. Some thermostats can be linked to an app, so you can control the heating with your mobile phone – useful if you’re out, and want to make sure you’re coming back to a warm house. Want to know which apps are easiest to use? Find out here.
Using individual radiator thermostats can help you get the right temperature in each room. If possible and safe to do, turning down the radiator temperature by a few degrees can also help reduce heating bills.
When you’re filling the sink, bowl, kettle or bath, use only the amount of water you need. Don’t leave taps running – if you get distracted and forget to switch them off you could cause a flood.
Keep an eye out for leaks. If you see water dripping from taps, unusual wet spots or your toilet is constantly running water, ask a plumber to take a look. Check your bills too – a sudden increase could mean a hidden leak. Contact your water supplier for support.
A quick everyday trick to reduce energy and water usage is to swap your bath for a shower. Taking shorter showers could save you thousands of litres of water each year. The Energy Saving Trust has some great everyday tips on saving water here.
There are lots of simple ways to reduce the amount of electricity you’re using:
✓ Switch to LED lightbulbs. You can get them in most DIY or homeware stores.
✓ Use ECO mode when running your washing machine or dishwasher Run your washing machine and dishwasher
✓ Use plug-in timers, for example for lamps, to protect your home and make sure you’re only using energy when you need it
✓ Turn off appliances – and lights – when not in use.
For small amounts of food, try using a microwave or air fryer instead of your main oven. If you’re cooking on the hob, keep lids on pans to trap the heat inside. And if you are using the oven, try to avoid opening and closing the door too much – this will waste energy and slow down your cooking.
The same goes for the fridge and freezer. Try to avoid opening the door for longer than needed, and make sure you close it properly when you’re finished. Putting a sign up next to it can help you to remember!
✓ The Energy Saving Trust has lots of great advice on saving energy in the home.
✓ Dementia UK has practical tips on staying warm in winter for people living with dementia and their family and friends.
✓ Go to www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency and take the simple quiz for tailored advice on making your home more efficient.
✓ SGN’s Help to Heat scheme offers financial support with heating costs.
✓ADSS can offer advice and guidance on all aspects of living with dementia, including making your home more energy efficient. Contact our Home Energy Adviser Kelly Chable here.