- Prepare early for autumn by topping up prepayment meters, sealing draughts, and making small home improvements to reduce energy waste before temperatures drop and energy prices rise
- Adopt energy-saving habits like using appliances efficiently, managing heating smartly and improving water usage to stay comfortable while keeping bills manageable
- Get personalised support through RES, offering tailored guidance to help you save money and stay warm this autumn
As summer winds down, now is the perfect time to get your home ready for the colder months ahead. Autumn brings falling temperatures, stormy weather, darker evenings and often rising energy bills. With many households returning to busier routines after the holidays, taking small, practical steps now can make a big difference to your comfort, wellbeing and finances later in the year.
Here’s our friendly, practical checklist to help you prepare your home for autumn.
Top Up Prepayment Meters While It’s Still Warm
If you use a prepayment meter, now is the time to stay ahead. Many people forget that even when you’re not using much energy, daily standing charges still apply. If your balance runs low, your meter can go into debt, even in summer.
Top up little and often during the warmer months to build credit for the winter.
Set calendar reminders to top up regularly, especially if you’re away or busy.
Understand your meter. Know what charges are applied and when. If you’re unsure, a chat with RES can help explain everything clearly.
Draught-Proof Your Home
One of the simplest ways to cut energy waste is to stop warm air escaping.
Use draught excluders, foam tape or brush strips around doors and windows.
Check for gaps near skirting boards, keyholes and letterboxes.
These small fixes can make a big difference to how cosy your home feels, without turning up the thermostat.
Get Smart with Your Heating
Heating is often the biggest energy cost in autumn.
Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree; you’ll likely not notice the difference.
If you can, install a smart thermostat to better control when and where your heating is on.
Keep radiators clear of furniture and curtains so heat can circulate properly.
Use radiator reflectors to bounce heat back into the room if your radiators are on outside walls.
Improve Water Efficiency
Hot water use goes up as temperatures drop; get into smarter habits now so they’ll be second nature once it gets chilly.
Fix leaking taps; a dripping tap can waste litres of hot water daily.
Use low-flow showerheads to save both water and energy.
Reduce the number of baths you take, or fill to a lower level where possible.
Use Appliances Wisely
As we spend more time indoors, it’s easy to run up energy bills without realising.
Only run washing machines and dishwashers when full.
Use eco modes where available.
Unplug chargers and electronics when not in use; this reduces “phantom” energy drain.
Choose LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less electricity.
Build Energy-Efficient Habits
Everyday changes can make a real impact.
Keep blinds open during the day to make the most of natural light.
Close curtains at dusk to trap heat inside.
Wear layers indoors to avoid needing the heating on high all day.
Use lids on pans to save both water and energy.
Know What’s Changing with Energy Prices
Ofgem’s energy price cap is likely to rise this autumn, increasing the average annual bill. That means being aware of your usage is more important than ever.
Heating, lighting, hot water and appliance use all creep up in autumn, so keeping a close eye on usage, and cutting back where possible, can help protect your budget as costs rise.
Speak to an Energy Expert
At RES CIC, we offer free, friendly guidance to help you make your home warmer and your bills lower. We can help you understand your prepayment meter, identify free or low-cost ways to save energy and help you access financial support if you’re struggling. A quick chat could save you hundreds in the long run, so get in touch.