Overview

• Ofgem’s new cap takes effect on 1 October, lifting a typical dual‑fuel direct‑debit bill from about £1,720 to £1,755, roughly a 2% rise.
• Martin Lewis advises moving off standard variable tariffs to the cheapest fixed rates, saying current fixes undercut the October cap by around 13%.
• Households are urged to check for draughts with a 10‑second hand test around doors, with fixes like seals and sweeps; Energy Saving Trust estimates draught‑proofing can save about £60–£125 a year, and some reports claim higher seasonal savings.
• Heating behaviour matters: experts say each degree set above roughly 19–20°C can add about 10% to heating costs and that running boilers only when needed is generally cheaper than leaving them on low all day, with heat pumps noted as a potential exception.
• Tradespeople recommend bleeding radiators, servicing boilers, using radiator reflective foil, switching to LED bulbs and timers, keeping radiators and thermostats clear, avoiding compressed loft insulation, and fitting TRVs and pipe insulation to improve efficiency.