Energy efficiency

Improving your home's energy efficiency can make a real difference to your quality of life.

With climate change becoming a growing issue and energy prices rising sharply in recent years, it’s become more important than ever to look at how we generate and use energy.

By embracing energy-efficiency, you can lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

And as the country moves towards greener power, we can hopefully enjoy greater energy security and avoid price shocks in the future.

Energy efficiency means using less energy to power your home - without losing comfort or convenience.

These can range from small changes to items around the house to major home upgrades, such as: 

• loft and cavity wall insulation
• double or triple glazing
• energy-efficient appliances
• smart thermostats
• LED lightbulbs
• solar panels
• draught-proofing

If you’re interested in making your home more energy-efficient, then there are government schemes and support from energy firms to help you cover the cost, such as:

• the Great British Insulation Scheme
• ECO4 - Energy Company Obligation
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)v

You may qualify if you get certain benefits, like universal credit or pension credit, are on a low income, or live in a poorly insulated home (EPC D or below).

Other support

Energy providers

Some offer free home assessments, energy-saving kits or financial help.

Local councils

Authorities across the country run their own schemes or provide grants.

Free tools

Get a smart meter installed free of charge so you can track how much energy you’re consuming and reduce usage, which may lead to savings.

If you’re still finding it hard to keep up with your bills, it could be worth finding out what grants, benefits and help to pay energy bills are available.

It might also be a good idea to speak to a debt adviser, as they can talk you through all the options available to you.

Not everyone can afford big home improvements, but even simple actions can help save money, such as:

• cook with an air fryer or microwave instead of the oven
• closing your curtains at night to keep heat in
• turning down the thermostat by just 1°C
• filling the dishwasher before you put it on
• not overfilling a kettle and only boiling what you need

Learn more in our guide on energy saving tips to help you cut costs.