The UK energy price cap is rising again. For a typical dual-fuel household, that means bills will edge up to £1,755 a year - just as the colder months see energy use spike.
But here's the good news. If you move to a new Cala home, you could save hundreds of pounds a year compared to owners of older properties - and there are extra steps everyone can take this winter to keep bills in check.
The benefits of buying new
Choosing a new Cala home could make a significant difference to your household running costs.
- £979 annual saving - on average, new build homebuyers save almost £1,000 a year on heating, hot water and lighting costs compared to older properties (HBF Watt a Save, January 2025)
- Better insulation, smarter heating - our homes are designed with fabric efficiency improvements of nearly 40% over homes built just two decades ago*
- Lower carbon, higher comfort - with A-rated boilers or electric heat pumps, smart thermostats, modern appliances and water-saving fittings, most Cala homes achieve an EPC rating of B or above. That means comfortable living all year round and less wasted energy.
Simple steps to save this winter
Whether you're in a brand new Cala home or an older property, here are some quick wins from our sustainability team that can help reduce bills straight away:
- Turn down your boiler flow temperature - lowering from 65-75°C to 50°C could save up to 8% on your gas bill. 1
- Shave a minute off your shower - a four-person household could save up to £75 a year in energy bills, and a further £105 a year in water bills if you have a meter - £180 a year. 2
- Show radiators some TLC - bleed them to remove trapped air, clean behind them, and keep them clear of furniture to heat your rooms more efficiently.
- Fill appliances smartly - run dishwashers and washing machines only when full, whilst keeping fridges and freezers around two-thirds full for best performance.
- Make the most of natural heat - open curtains during the day and let sunlight warm rooms naturally, but make sure to close curtains at night and trap heat inside to reduce heat loss.
Why buying new makes sense
With the rise in energy prices, efficiency matters more than every. A new Cala home doesn't just help you cut your bills now, it's built with the future in mind - from low-carbon heating systems too improved fabric efficiency and sustainable design.
So, as we approach winter, think smart. Small changes add up, and moving into a new Cala home could make your energy bills lighter for years to come.
Find out more about energy efficiency in a Cala home.
*At Cala, we’ve looked at our own specific house type designs and fabric, to show the benefits of opting for a newly built Cala home over one constructed just 21 or even 8 years ago. The majority of Cala homes built today offer average fabric values that are at least 37% better than 2002.
