Free energy gadgets you can get now to help cut your bills this winter

As temperatures drop and bills rise, many households are looking for ways to keep warm without watching the meter spin.

The good news is there are loads of free gadgets and upgrades available right now that could make a real dent in your energy costs.

Here’s what’s on offer and how to get your hands on it.

Free electric blankets

Electric blankets are one of the cheapest ways to stay warm. They cost just pennies to run and can stop you needing to switch on the central heating.

Octopus Energy is giving away free electric blankets through its Octo Assist Fund, which helps people who are struggling to pay their bills.

The same scheme can offer direct bill credits, help with standing charges, and even advice on how to make your home more efficient.

OVO Energy is doing something similar through its Extra Support Package, which has set aside millions to help customers through the colder months.

It’s always worth asking your energy supplier if they have their own support scheme, you might be surprised by what’s available.

Free boilers and home upgrades

A broken or outdated boiler can waste a huge amount of energy, which means wasted money too.

Under the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, some people can get a new boiler or home energy upgrade for free.

You could qualify if you receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support, and your home’s energy rating is D or below. Some councils also offer extra support if you earn under £31,000 a year.

There’s also the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which gives up to £7,500 towards replacing old boilers with greener heat pumps.

If you’re not sure where to start, contact your local council or your energy supplier to see if they’re taking part in the scheme.

Free solar panels and heat pumps

Octopus Energy has gone one step further and is installing solar panels and heat pumps in up to 1,000 homes for free.

You don’t need to be an Octopus customer to apply, but you do need to:

• receive a benefit such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit
• live in a home built between 1980 and 2022
• have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or lower

According to the Energy Saving Trust, solar panels could shave £190 to £350 a year off your bills, while a heat pump could save even more.

Normally, these upgrades would cost thousands to install, so this scheme could make a big difference for anyone who qualifies.

Free insulation and shower gadgets

You may also be able to get free insulation through your council’s Warm Home scheme if your income is below £36,000 a year. In Scotland, it’s called the Warmer Homes Grant, and in Wales, it’s known as Nest.

Some water companies, including Southern Water and Severn Trent, offer free shower heads and tap inserts that help you use less water, and less hot water means smaller energy bills.

Check the Save Water Save Money website to see what’s available where you live.

Extra help with bills

If you’re still finding things tough, there are other schemes that can help:

• Warm Home Discount – £150 off your energy bill if you’re on a low income or benefits
• Cold Weather Payment – £25 for every week the temperature drops below freezing
• Winter Fuel Payment – up to £300 for pensioners to help with heating costs
• Household Support Fund – local councils can give extra help with energy and food costs

These schemes often run automatically, but if you’re unsure, it’s worth checking online or speaking to your energy supplier.