Make your home more energy efficient (without breaking the bank)

With the double whammy in the UK of the cost of living crisis and rising energy prices,  everyone’s looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. With these pressures, it’s only natural to ask How can I make my home more energy-efficient without breaking the bank?

How can I improve energy efficiency without spending a fortune?

Here are seven effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money:

1. Turn the heating thermostat down – Free
2. Teach your children about saving energy – Free
3. Get a smart energy meter installed – Free
4. Upgrade your light bulbs to LED – low-cost
5. Fix drafty windows and doors – low-cost
6. Insulation to reduce heat loss – Government grants availability
7. Upgrade your heating system– Government grants availability

Let’s dig into each of these methods in more detail.

Turn the heating thermostat down

One simple way to make your home more energy-efficient and save you money is by turning your heating thermostat down, which is completely free! According to  Smart Energy GB, lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can help you save significantly on energy costs over the year. If you have a smart thermostat, you can easily program it to adjust temperatures automatically, ensuring that you’re not heating your home more than necessary. This small change can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills while contributing to a more sustainable living environment.

Teach your children about saving energy

Investing in the next generation by taking the time to teach your children about saving energy is a great step towards making your household and home more energy-efficient. Start by explaining the importance of not wasting energy, particularly when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Encourage them to turn off lights when they leave a room and to dress appropriately for the weather instead of constantly adjusting the thermostat. Show them how to save water by not leaving the tap running while brushing teeth, and taking showers instead of bathing. Small behavioural changes, like turning off lights, can save a household up to £60 per year. Instilling these habits early will encourage a sense of responsibility and awareness that will benefit both your family and the environment.

Get an energy meter installed

Installing an energy meter in your home is a smart way to monitor and reduce your energy usage, ultimately leading to a more energy-efficient household for less. By tracking your consumption in real-time, you can identify areas where you may be wasting energy and adjust your habits accordingly. For instance, coupling an energy meter with a smart thermostat can optimise your heating and cooling schedules, ensuring that energy is only used when necessary.

Smart meters are available at no cost through your energy supplier under the UK government’s national rollout program. As of Q1 2025, over 33 million smart and advanced meters have been installed in UK homes and small businesses. To find out how to get your smart meter from your energy supplier, check the Smart Energy GB website.

Upgrade your Lightbulbs to LED Lighting

Upgrading your lightbulbs to LED lighting is a smart and cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency in your home. LED bulbs use 80-90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, significantly reducing your electricity bills while also minimising your carbon footprint. Additionally, LED lights have a 5-10 times longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, which means you’ll spend less on replacements over time. To make the switch, start by replacing the most frequently used bulbs in your home with energy-efficient LED alternatives. Look for ENERGY STAR certified products for the best performance and savings. By making this simple upgrade, you can enhance your home energy efficiency with minimal cost.

Fix drafty windows and doors

Fixing drafty windows and doors is a simple and effective way to reduce heat loss and improve comfort. By addressing leaks around door and window frames, you can prevent warm air from escaping during the winter months, thereby reducing your heating costs. To get started, inspect your windows and doors for any visible gaps or drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these leaks effectively. In addition, consider installing door sweeps to block cold air at the bottom of doors. These simple, cost-effective measures not only enhance your home’s comfort but also contribute to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Increase insulation to reduce heat loss

Did you know an uninsulated home loses around 25% of its heat through the roof? Insulating your home makes it more energy-efficient by significantly reducing heat loss, helping to keep you warm during colder months. By investing in loft (or attic) and wall insulation, you can create a barrier that minimises the amount of heat escaping from your home, leading to substantial savings on your heating bills.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, if your current insulation is around 120mm thick, increasing it to 270mm (the minimum recommendation for new builds) could save you £20 per year on your energy bills. Given that the lifespan of properly installed insulation is 40 years and costs around £750 to install, you would net a tidy £50 profit from your savings.

To get started, consider evaluating your current insulation levels and look into home improvements like adding insulation to walls, attics, and floors. Many local programs may offer incentives or guidance on affordable options, making it easier to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Additionally, UK government grants are available to help with costs.

Upgrade your heating system

Upgrading your home’s heating system to a heat pump is an excellent way to make it more energy-efficient. Heat pumps not only heat your home during colder months but can also cool it in the summer, using up to four times less energy compared to traditional heating systems. The UK government offers grants of up to £7,500 under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to support heat pump installations. By investing in a heat pump, you can significantly reduce your energy bill while contributing to a more sustainable future through the use of renewable energy.

If you’ve found this article helpful, please share it with a friend. And for more ways to make your home more energy efficient, check out this guide from Material Network.