Making your home energy-efficient

Making your home more energy efficient has several key benefits…

Lower energy bills

Using less energy means you can cut your energy bills, which could be important for households who are struggling with rising prices.

A warmer, more comfortable home

Good insulation and efficient heating help keep your home at a steady temperature, so you're not constantly turning the heat up and down.

Less impact on the environment

Using less energy means you can reduce your carbon emissions, so you can play your part in the fight against climate change.

You don’t have to spend a lot to start saving energy.

There are many quick and easy ways that can help you cut your consumption and your bills, without sacrificing your comfort.

Heating

Heating your home can consume lots of energy, so think about:

• turning your thermostat down by 1°C
• setting heating timers so it’s only on when you need it
• turning down radiators in rooms you don’t use often
• lower your boiler’s flow temperature to 55-60°C (if you have a combi boiler)
• install a smart thermostat, so you can adjust heating from your phone or tablet

Appliances

Some appliances use a lot more energy than others, so it's worth knowing which ones cost the most to run - and how you can use them more efficiently to keep costs down.

• use slow cookers or air fryers, as they use much less energy than a standard oven
• defrost your fridge freezer regularly
• only use the dishwasher and washing machine when you have full loads
• check the energy rating before buying appliances - A-rated (or better) appliances are the most efficient and will cost less to run
• dry clothes outside or use a drying rack indoors instead of a tumble dryer

You can also cut your bills by investing in energy-efficient home improvements, such as:

• loft insulation to stop heat escaping through your roof
• wall insulation, which could make a difference if you live in an older property
• double or triple glazing, so warm air stays in the house
• efficient heating systems or new boilers might cost less to run
• draught-proof doors and windows

Even if you don’t own your home, you might still be able to get energy-efficient upgrades.

But make sure you get your landlord’s permission before making any changes or improvements.

If you live in social housing, you may also be entitled to repairs or upgrades if the home isn’t warm enough.

Ask your landlord or housing association about this.

If you want to save on energy bills long-term, then there are grants to help make your home more energy efficient, such as:

• the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme 
• the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) 
• the Boiler Upgrade Scheme 
• the Connected for Warmth insulation scheme 

The grants are given out by local councils, social housing providers and charities. What you receive depends on how your provider chooses to use the grant.

Get in touch with your local council to find out more.

Spray foam insulation is sprayed on roof interiors, walls or floors.

It’s often marketed as a quick and effective way to make your home more energy-efficient, but it’s important to understand the risks before going ahead.

For example, spray foam insulation can:

• be expensive and hard to remove
• cause condensation and damp by reducing airflow
• hide problems like roof leaks or rot
• lower the value of your property
• make it harder to get a mortgage

If you’re thinking of having spray foam insulation installed, then speak to a trusted energy adviser or surveyor first, and explore other insulation options that may be cheaper, safer, and easier to manage.

And if you’re not sure whether your home already has it, ask a professional to inspect it safely.

If you're wondering how energy-efficient your home is, there are several ways to find out.

Check your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on GOV.UK

Your EPC tells you how energy efficient your home is, using a scale from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient).

It also includes suggestions for improvements and how much you could save on your energy bills.

Use the Home Energy Advice Tool on GOV.UK

This free online tool gives tailored recommendations based on your home, including what changes could make the biggest difference and how much they might cost.

If you rent and your EPC is rated F or G, your landlord may have to make improvements.

In many cases, they can’t legally rent out homes rated F or G unless the property is exempt - so it’s worth checking.

The cost-of-living crisis has given scammers lots of opportunities to take advantage of people worried about money.

Energy scams come in many different forms, but they generally involve trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details. 

Scammers often try to con people by promising grants, cheap energy, or ways to improve energy efficiency.

It’s not always easy to spot a scam and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

But there are a few tell-tale signs that may suggest you’re being targeted by con artists.

So stop and think twice if: 

• you feel under pressure to pay quickly or in an unusual way
• you’re being asked for PINs or passwords
• something seems too good to be true