Six tips to reduce bills in Awful April

We wish it was an April Fools joke but sadly it’s not. This month has been dubbed ‘Awful April’ because a raft of everyday bills will increase, heaping more pressure on household finances with a raft of everyday bills – including energy, water, car and council tax – due to rise.

The onset of Awful April will be a cause for concern amongst millions of households.

We’ve been living in the shadow of the cost of living crisis since 2021 so the onset of Awful April will be a cause for concern amongst millions of households.

Fortunately, there are a number of free and low-cost measures that people can take to help reduce energy and water bills. At a time when our finances are being hit from every angle, these six steps can add up to major long-term savings.

Taking the heat off energy bills

Maximise the energy efficiency of a property to ensure your home is cool in the summer and cosy in the winter.

From 1 April 2025 up to 22 million homes across England, Wales and Scotland can expect to pay around £111 more per year for their energy. This follows The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets’ (OFGEM) announcement in February that it would increase the energy price cap by 6.4% due to higher wholesale costs and inflation.

There are a number of low-cost ways to maximise the energy efficiency of a property to ensure your home is cool in the summer and cosy in the winter:

1. Insulation

The single most impactful thing homeowners can do to reduce heat loss quickly is to insulate their loft. The recommended depth for insulation is 27cm (about one foot). If you live in one of the eight million homes in the UK without adequate insulation, you could be losing around a quarter of the heat in your home through your roof. UK households are collectively spending an estimated £8.1 billion per year on wasted energy in the home.

The right insulation will also ensure your property stays cool in the summer and it’s low cost compared to energy-guzzling air conditioning units.

If you’re handy at DIY, insulating your home is a job that can be done over the Easter bank holiday weekend or it’s something that a professional can do in just a few hours. The cost of materials for a standard semi-detached house is around £950 but this investment could save £200 in the first year.

A Government grant for loft insulation and other improvements – the Great British Insulation Scheme – is open to people living in the least energy efficient homes and in certain council tax bands. Check if you are eligible here.

2. Draught proofing

To find draughty spots simply feel for gaps around doors, skirting boards and windows, especially on windy days, and block them up. Different materials can be used – foam strips start from around £5 and are easy to use, whilst copper or brush strips last longer but are more expensive. All types come in a range of widths and lengths to match the size of the gap.

Dealing with draughts means you may be able to turn down your thermostat, saving even more on your energy bills.

3. Window dressing

Secondary window glazing film is an economical alternative to double glazing – especially for those living in rented homes – and involves fitting a thin plastic film onto single glazed interior window frames. The film shrinks when heat is applied to it, to form an airtight bubble that reduces cold air coming in. Prices start from around £4. Investing in thick, thermal curtains and blinds is another way to ensure that rooms stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Money down the drain

There are significant differences between water companies and households are unable to switch between suppliers.

Water bills in England and Wales will rise by £123 a year from 1 April (around £10 a month), taking the average annual bill to around £603. However, there are significant differences between water companies and households are unable to switch between suppliers to find the best deal. Here are three quick and easy ways to reduce household water bills and stop money from going down the drain:

1. Claim free water-saving gadgets from your supplier

Many water companies offer customers a host of free water-saving devices such as regulated shower heads which regulate water flow from around 15 litres per minute to eight. Plant water saving gel is another garden-friendly option which drastically reduces the need for frequent watering.

Check out South East Water’s free water saving devices here and Northumbrian Water’s free kit here.

2. Scale back in the bathroom

While you’re busy washing your face, litres of clean water are literally going down the plughole. Leaving the taps running while you brush your teeth wastes an average of 15 litres each time, while keeping them on while shaving can waste up to 40. Why not encourage your family to take part in the four-minute shower challenge? Showering for four minutes less saves the average household £60/year according to the Energy Saving Trust.

3. Find and fix leaks

A dripping tap can waste 15 litres of water a day – that’s 5,500 litres a year. Fixing a faulty tap is a fairly simple, low-cost job that can save money in the long run. Toilet leak strips can also help to identify if you have a rogue leak and cost from as little as £1.66. Be sure to monitor your water bill every month. If you see an unexplained rise, a leak could be the culprit.

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The information in this article was correct at the time of writing and is provided for guidance only. Please see the full disclaimer in our terms and conditions.

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