A tip from a British Gas energy specialist suggests a clever way to keep your home cozy without turning on the central heating. Energy engineer Jessica Rawstron advises leaving your oven door open after cooking to make the most of the lingering heat. By allowing the heat to slowly spread into your kitchen, you can keep your house warm as you enjoy your meal. British Gas also recommends winter home preparations like sealing gaps around windows and doors to prevent draughts. Additionally, it’s important to ensure your radiators are functioning well by bleeding them regularly and staying up to date with your annual boiler service.
As parts of the UK face yellow warnings for snow and ice due to plummeting temperatures, households are likely to rely more on heating, especially as energy bills have recently increased. The average household paying by direct debit can now anticipate an annual cost of £1,758 for gas and electricity, dictated by the price cap that controls unit rates and standing charges. The price cap does not cap the total energy bill, which still depends on usage, and applies to those not on fixed energy tariffs. For pre-payment meter users, the price cap has risen to £1,711 per year, while those paying upon receipt of bill can expect to pay £1,894 annually. The price cap is reviewed every three months, with the next revision scheduled for April 2026.