Now sitting at £1,755 per year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit, that’s a rise of £35 from the previous quarter (£1,720). The price cap limits unit rates and standing charges on standard variable tariffs. However, your actual bill still depends on how much energy you use.
Considering the constant increase in the cost of living, we wanted to share some tips on how homeowners here in Sheffield (and anywhere else for that matter) can reduce their energy bills.
Seals around your doors can flatten and harden over time, leaving tiny gaps around the edges and threshold that let cold air in and warm air out. Renewing the compression/brush seals and making sure the door closes snugly all round can help significantly. Additionally, simple adjustments to the door hinges can often restore a tight fit, greatly reducing draughts.
Ensuring your letterbox flap has an internal brush also helps to stop through-draughts where they’re most obvious, and adding a small keyhole cover to any mortice locks can block cold air entering that way. These low-cost parts make an immediate difference in hallways and near the front door.
If the door is warped or the frame is out of square, we can assess whether re-sealing and adjustment will do the job or if a new, better-insulated door is the smarter fix.
If you can see condensation between the window panes, then the insulating glass unit (IGU) seal has failed. When this happens, it’s easier for heat to escape through the window, which can mean using more energy to keep the room warm.
In many cases the fix is simply to replace the sealed unit rather than the whole window frame, though this is also dependant on the condition of the frame. We can survey and advise on like-for-like replacements.
Although the obvious answer to reducing heat loss is to seal everything up and create an air-tight environment, tightening up gaps without proper ventilation risks condensation and mould.
Regulations allow either trickle vents or a through-wall background ventilator sized to the required equivalent area. Both will help to reduce the risk of mould and condensation without sacrificing too much in the way of energy efficiency.
When you’re comparing options, look for the energy label. Many window systems use an A–G style rating. By law, all replacement windows in the UK must be rated B or higher, but opting for an A, A+ or A++ rated product will help to cut down heat loss further, saving you more money in the long run.
And remember that the installation is just as important as the end product. Even the best window or door will under perform if it’s poorly fitted. Proper packing, sealing and finishing around the frame make a noticeable difference.
The Warm Homes Grant from Sheffield City Council has funding to improve the efficiency of 220+ homes here in Sheffield. You can check eligibility and how to apply on the council website.
ECO4 is a national scheme administered by Ofgem that runs until the 31st of March 2026. The scheme aims to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions by obligating energy suppliers to “promote measures that improve the ability of low-income, fuel-poor and vulnerable households to heat their homes”. This can even go as far as installing insulation or upgrading a heating system.
As we detailed above, the smartest gains come from simple, practical steps: stopping draughts around doors, replacing any failed or misted units, keeping background ventilation working to avoid damp, choosing efficient, well-fitted windows and doors, and seeing if you qualify for local or national support. These small improvements all add up to a warmer, more comfortable home.
Our Sheffield based team operates throughout South Yorkshire and can check for draughts, assess misted units, and advise on the most cost-effective fixes or upgrades for your windows and doors.
Simply fill out the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.
Or if you prefer, you can reach us using the details below:
Telephone: 07846 291 832 or 07791 807 298
Email: John@kcainstallations.co.uk