When the heating kicks in and the days draw in, it’s natural to worry about rising bills. But there are lots of easy changes you can make, whether you're renting a flat or a house, that help you stay cosy and keep costs in check.

1. Start by checking the energy-rating of your home

When you moved in, your landlord should have provided you with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It shows how efficient the property is (from A-G) and gives some suggestions for improvement. As a tenant, you can:

• Ask your landlord or agent for a copy of the EPC if you don’t already have one.
• Use the information to understand how much you might expect to pay for heating/cooling.

2. Simple steps you can take now (at little to no cost)

Here are some down-to-earth tips you can act on right away:

• Wash cooler. Most detergents work well at 30 °C, not just 40 °C or higher. Lowering your washing temperature helps reduce energy usage.
• Avoid or reduce tumble-dryer use. Yes, dryers are convenient, but they’re up there among the most expensive home appliances. If you can air-dry (weather permitting!) or use a rack indoors, you’ll save.
• Unplug standby devices. TVs, game consoles, chargers and other gadgets still draw power in standby or when plugged in. Switching off at the socket when not in use could save you up to around £55 a year.
• Use curtains and blinds wisely. In winter, keeping curtains closed after dark helps retain warmth. In summer, closing blinds during the hottest part of the day can keep things cooler. But be mindful if you have a radiator under the window, make sure curtains don’t block it.
• Lower the thermostat and boiler flow temperature (if you have control). Even a one degree reduction can make a difference.
• Turn down unused radiators. If you have rooms, you rarely use (a spare guest room, perhaps), lowering the radiator setting there can reduce your energy usage without affecting your main living space.
• Ask about a smart meter. If your energy supplier offers one, it can give you real-time insight into your usage, helping you spot where the highest costs are creeping in. 

3. What you can ask your landlord or agent

As a tenant working with Boydens, you’re in a good position to have a friendly conversation about these things. You might ask:

• “Could you share a copy of the EPC for the property?”
• “Have any of the recommended energy-efficiency improvements been carried out (e.g., insulation, double glazing)?”
• “Would you consider upgrading any appliances to more efficient models when they come to the end of their life?”
• “Is the heating system regularly serviced to maintain efficiency?” (A well-maintained boiler uses less fuel.)
• “Are there any radiator valves or thermostat controls I should know about to help regulate usage?”

4. Why it matters, and it’s a win-win

From the tenant’s perspective: lower energy bills = more money in your pocket + more comfort.  For the landlord/agent side: more efficient homes are easier to let, generate fewer complaints, and are increasingly important for meeting regulatory standards.

At Boydens, we pride ourselves on helping both tenants and landlords ensure the homes we manage are as efficient and comfortable as possible.

5. Final checklist for tenants

Before you wrap up:

• ✅ Turn down washing temps and use air drying when possible
• ✅ Unplug or switch off standby devices at the socket
• ✅ Use curtains/blinds smartly for winter warmth and summer cool
• ✅ Lower your thermostat or radiator settings slightly and test comfort
• ✅ Keep an eye on your energy usage (especially if you’ve got a smart meter)

If you’re renting through Boydens and would like advice specific to your property, what you can and can’t change, how to raise a request with your landlord, or how to get the most from a tenancy, we’re always ready to help. 

Drop into your local branch (Colchester, Chelmsford, Kelvedon, Frinton or Sudbury) or give us a call. We’re here to ensure your home is not just a space to live in, but a warm, efficient, trusted place to call your own.