On April 1, Ofgem announced that the UK energy price cap will increase by 6.4%, meaning you’ll be charged more for using the same amount of energy. Ofgem has set the energy price cap at £1,849 per year for all households who pay via credit card, direct debit, a prepayment meter or are on economy 7. Nicholas Auckland, heating and energy expert at Trade Radiators, has revealed one simple way households can decrease their energy usage and bills.

“Use an air fryer instead of the oven,” he advised. “Under the new energy price cap, an oven will cost roughly 68p per hour to run, while a 1kW air fryer will cost just 27p per hour.” Cooking in the air fryer, instead of the oven, is just one way you can reduce your energy usage and bills.

Nicholas advised: “Only run appliances such as dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines when they’re full, and use eco settings on appliances.”

Even better, forgo the tumble dryer completely, which can cost around 81p an hour to run once the April price cap comes into effect.

“Let clothes air dry instead of using the tumble dryer,” Nicholas suggested. “A 3kW tumble dryer running for one hour currently costs roughly 74p, but in April this will increase to 81p.”

As for heating, Nicholas said: “Use a heated blanket instead of an electric heater when heat is needed. A 100-150W heated blanket used for six hours is set to cost 24p to run per day, which is £7.44 per month.

“This saves £2.76 per day and £93 per month compared to using an electric heater.”

Investing in thicker bedding—whether a new duvet or more blankets—can also help you feel cosy and warm during the night.

Should I turn my heating off?

While turning the heating off may seem like a good idea financially, nobody wants to live uncomfortably in their own home.

“I wouldn’t recommend turning the heating off until the inside of your home feels warm enough for you,” said Nicholas.

How to make your house feel warmer

• Use draught excluders, insulation tape, and door seals
• Open the curtains during the day but close them just before sunset
• Plenty of rugs
• Electric blankets