Energy Prices: What Can I Do to Lower Costs?

Introduction: The Reality of Rising Energy Bills

Energy bills are climbing higher than ever, and for millions of UK households, the impact is being felt with every passing month. As the cost of living rises and inflation bites, one of the most significant contributors to household expenditure is energy—specifically, heating and electricity. But why are prices rising so fast, and what can you do to protect yourself from future increases?

Why Are Energy Prices So Unstable?

The Ukraine-Russia War and Its Global Impact

A major driver behind the surge in energy prices is geopolitical instability. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted global energy markets. Russia, one of the world’s largest exporters of natural gas and oil, has restricted supply to Europe in response to sanctions and political tensions. This has caused widespread supply chain issues and increased competition for energy resources, pushing prices up on a global scale.

The Power of Energy Providers

Another contributing factor is the influence energy providers wield. In many markets, a handful of major suppliers dominate, allowing them to set prices with little consumer recourse. These companies purchase energy on wholesale markets, and when wholesale prices rise—even temporarily—those increases are passed on to consumers.

The UK Energy Price Cap

The UK’s domestic energy price cap, designed to protect consumers from excessive charges, has failed to stop significant increases. The cap has risen consecutively in recent years, reflecting higher wholesale costs. While it offers some protection, it also legitimises higher prices, creating a cycle where each rise becomes the new normal.

Energy prices have continued to rise year after year, and energy providers are seeing their profits soar—often at the expense of homeowners. While switching energy suppliers may offer short-term relief by locking in a fixed tariff, these deals are still subject to future market fluctuations. As we've seen in previous years, those increases can be steep and unexpected. The most effective way to combat rising costs is to address the root of the issue: your energy consumption. Heating typically accounts for 60–70% of total household energy usage, making it the most impactful area to focus on for savings. By adopting smarter, more efficient heating technologies, households can dramatically reduce their monthly and annual energy bills, regardless of external market conditions.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Energy Bills?

While switching providers may offer some temporary relief, it’s often not enough. In fact, the most effective way to lower your energy bills is to focus on reducing your energy consumption, especially when it comes to heating, which accounts for around 50%-70% of total household energy usage.

When researching the cheapest energy options or doing an energy comparison, remember that efficiency matters just as much as the rates you're paying. 

Heating: The Key to Lowering Your Energy Costs

Gas vs. Electricity

Traditionally, gas has been the go-to for UK home heating, but gas prices have become increasingly volatile due to global dependency and geopolitical conflict. Electricity, on the other hand, can be generated from a variety of sources, including renewables like solar and wind. As the UK continues to decarbonise, electricity is becoming the cleaner, more stable option.

When doing an electricity price comparison, you’ll often find that renewable-powered tariffs are not only greener but can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Infrared Heating: Cut Heating Costs by Up to 60%

Infrared heating is one of the smartest and most energy-efficient ways to heat your home in today’s market. Unlike conventional heating systems that warm the air, infrared panels heat people and objects directly—just like the sun. This means less energy is wasted, and your rooms stay warm for longer.

Benefits of Infrared Heating:

1. Energy Efficiency

Infrared panels consume significantly less electricity compared to traditional electric heaters or gas boilers. This can lead to substantial reductions in your energy bills—by as much as 60% in some cases.

2. Targeted Heating

You can heat specific rooms or zones without wasting energy on empty spaces. This is ideal for modern lifestyles where people spend time in different parts of the home throughout the day.

3. Low Maintenance

Infrared panels have no moving parts, fluids, or filters, making them incredibly low-maintenance. Once installed, they require virtually no upkeep. Just the occasional wipe down.

4. Sleek, Modern Design

Our panels come in a variety of finishes—including mirrors and custom prints—so they complement your decor while also serving a functional purpose.

5. Better Air Quality

Because infrared heating doesn’t circulate air, it reduces the movement of dust and allergens, creating a healthier living environment—especially beneficial for allergy sufferers.

6. Controllability

Our infrared heating panels come equipped with advanced control features, including programmable thermostats, smart home integration, and zone-based settings. These tools allow users to fine-tune energy usage, ensuring optimal efficiency and even greater savings.

The Importance of Efficient Heating Systems

When it comes to reducing your energy costs, the type of heating system you use plays a crucial role. It's not just about cheaper tariffs—it's about using less energy to begin with. When considering your options, look for a modern, efficient system like infrared heating. Infrared has a key advantage: it heats a room to the desired temperature in just 15–20 minutes, and thanks to superior heat retention, there's much less need for continuous operation. That means lower energy usage overall, as the system doesn't need to be running constantly for you to feel warm. Infrared panel heaters also require 42% less wattage than traditional electric radiators to heat an equivalent space. That's a 42% saving on your heating costs before you've even switched them on. Adopting this kind of technology is a smart way to react to rising energy prices and future-proof your home—and your family—for the years ahead.

Real Savings, Real Results

Many of our customers report energy savings of 30–70% after switching to infrared heating. These aren’t just theoretical figures—our systems are designed to perform efficiently in real-world conditions, and the results speak for themselves. 

This makes infrared heating not just a smart heating solution, but also a key consideration when comparing gas and electricity deals. 

Make the Switch Today

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to rising energy bills, it’s time to consider a smarter approach. Focussing on the root of the issue, your consumption itself, is the best way to start. Gas and electric heating systems are dominating your energy usage and draining your wallet. Infrared heating not only lowers your consumption, but it also provides a more comfortable, stylish, and sustainable way to heat your home.

Whether you're reviewing the cheapest energy options or doing a detailed energy comparison, consider the efficiency and benefits of switching to infrared heating.

Ready to Learn More?

Contact Infrared Group today for a personalised quote and discover how infrared heating can transform your home—and your energy bills.