Octopus Energy Suggests A Cheap Trick To Save On Bills

So, Octopus Energy dropped a little gem the other day. It’s not a solar panel breakthrough or a giant wind turbine. Nope, it’s something way simpler, and honestly, a bit weird. They’re suggesting a “cheap trick” to save money on your energy bills, and it’s so easy you'll kick yourself for not thinking of it.

The trick? Just turning your water heater down by a few degrees. That’s it. No fancy gadgets, no midnight timers, no switching to a different planet. Just a tiny twist of a dial on your hot water tank or boiler.

How cool is that? It feels like finding a $20 bill in an old jacket. You’re not changing your whole life, just a little screwdriver moment.

Why Does This Even Work?

Let’s get real for a second. Most of us keep our water heaters set way hotter than we actually use. You might have the tank at 140°F (60°C), but your shower is basically a mix of that with cold water. You’re essentially paying to heat water, then instantly cooling it down before it touches your skin.

It’s like ordering a triple-shot espresso and pouring two of them down the sink. Why? Octopus says dropping the temperature by just 10–20 degrees can slash your heating costs without you even noticing the difference at the tap.

Your morning shower will still feel warm and steamy. Your dishes will still get clean. The only thing that changes is your bank balance—in a good way.

The “Legionella” Elephant in the Room

Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, isn’t there a bacteria thing?” You’re right to be cautious. There’s a tiny bug called Legionella that can grow in lukewarm water tanks. But here’s the chill part: you don’t need to keep the whole tank boiling all the time.

Modern tanks and boilers are smart. You can set the main temperature to 120°F (49°C) for daily use, which is perfectly safe for washing hands and showering. Then, once a week, run a “heat boost” cycle to 140°F. It’s like a gym session for your water heater—a quick burn to kill the bugs, then back to savings mode.

Octopus is basically saying, “Don’t leave the muscle car engine running in the driveway all day.” Just warm it up when you need it.

It’s Not Just About the Dial

This trick is a gateway drug to other lazy savings. Once you’ve twisted that knob, you start noticing other tiny wastes. Why not throw a shower timer in the bathroom? Or check if your fridge’s rubber seal is still tight?

It’s like that first domino falling. You save a few bucks, get a little dopamine hit, and suddenly you’re the hero of your own wallet. Small habits stack up faster than you think.

Think of your home as a leaky bucket. Octopus just showed you where one of the leaks is. You don’t need a new bucket—just a little duct tape.

Is This Really for Everyone?

Honestly, yes. If you live in a flat with a combi boiler, you might not have a separate hot water tank. But you can still lower the flow temperature on your boiler. Most people have theirs cranked up to “volcano” mode.

If you’re in a house with a cylinder, this is your sweet spot. Octopus even has a nifty guide on their site explaining the exact knob positions. It’s like a treasure map, but the treasure is your own cash.

And if you’re renting? Just ask your landlord or building manager. Frame it as “helping the planet” if you want, but we all know the real goal is keeping your Netflix subscription alive.

The Coolest Part? It’s a No-Brainer

We’re living in a time where every penny matters, but big changes feel exhausting. You don’t want to install solar panels or dig a geothermal hole in your backyard. You just want to keep your toast warm and your lights on without crying at the bill.

This trick is the lazy person’s revolution. No tech skills required. No calling a plumber. Just you, a little courage, and a twist of a dial.

So, go ahead. Before you marathon your next show, take a peek at your water heater. Give it a gentle turn. You might save $50, $100, or even more over a year. That’s your money, just sitting there, waiting for you to grab it.

And if it feels too simple to be true? Well, sometimes the best tricks are the ones that are right under your nose. Or, in this case, right behind the laundry basket.