A tip from a British Gas energy specialist suggests using residual oven heat to warm up your home without relying on central heating. Jessica Rawstron, a smart energy engineer, recommends leaving the oven door open after cooking to allow the heat to gradually spread into the kitchen. By doing this, you can maintain warmth in your house while enjoying your meal, but remember to keep children and pets away from the oven door.
In addition to this method, British Gas advises preparing for winter by sealing gaps around windows and doors to prevent draughts. It is also essential to ensure that your radiators are functioning efficiently by bleeding them regularly and keeping up with annual boiler servicing.
As parts of the UK face yellow warnings for snow and ice due to plummeting temperatures, households are likely to increase their thermostat settings, especially with rising energy bills. The average household on a direct debit payment plan can now expect to pay around £1,758 annually for gas and electricity. While there is a price cap on unit rates and standing charges, the total bill still depends on energy consumption. If you are not on a fixed energy tariff, you will be subject to the price cap.
For households using pre-payment meters, the price cap has risen to £1,711 per year, and those paying upon receipt of the bill will see an annual charge of £1,894. The price cap is reviewed every three months, with the next update scheduled for April 2026.
