A Guide to Energy-Saving Tips for UK Homes
Why Energy Efficiency Matters
With rising energy costs and a growing focus on sustainability, reducing energy consumption is a top priority for UK homeowners. From quick, low-cost fixes to long-term home improvements, this guide will walk you through the best ways to cut energy bills and make your home more efficient.
Lower Energy Bills – A well-insulated and energy-efficient home can cut heating costs by up to £500 per year.
Reduce Carbon Footprint – The average UK household emits around 2.7 tonnes of CO₂ per year from heating alone. Energy-efficient upgrades help reduce this impact.
Increase Home Comfort – Proper insulation and smart heating reduce draughts and keep temperatures consistent year-round.
Boost Property Value – Homes with a higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating are more attractive to buyers.
Insulate Your Home for Maximum Savings
One of the most effective ways to cut energy bills is by reducing heat loss through insulation.
Loft & Roof Insulation – Save up to £285 per year
Around 25% of heat escapes through the roof if your home isn’t insulated. Adding 270mm of loft insulation can make a huge difference.
Best options: Mineral wool, sheep’s wool, or rigid foam boards.
DIY or Professional? Loft insulation is an easy DIY project, but for best results, a professional installation is recommended.
Wall Insulation – Could save up to £400 per year
Walls account for 35% of heat loss in uninsulated homes. Depending on your home’s construction, choose:
Cavity wall insulation – Ideal for homes built after 1920.
Solid wall insulation – Required for older properties, using internal or external insulation.
Insulating solid walls costs more but can reduce heat loss by 50%. Look for government grants to help cover costs.
Floor Insulation – Could save up to £110 per year
Heat can escape through suspended floors in older homes. Adding insulation under floorboards or on top of solid floors helps keep heat in.
Switch to an Energy-Efficient Heating System
Install a Heat Pump – Could save up to 70% on Heating Costs
One of the most efficient ways to heat your home is by switching to a heat pump. Unlike gas boilers, which burn fuel to generate heat, heat pumps transfer heat from the air or ground into your home, making them significantly more efficient.
For every 1kWh of electricity used, a heat pump provides 3kWh of heat, making it three times more efficient than a traditional electric radiator or boiler.
Lower running costs than gas boilers, especially with rising fuel prices.
Government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help offset installation costs.
Types of Heat Pumps:
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): Extract heat from the outside air, working even in cold weather.
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs): Use underground pipes to absorb heat from the earth, offering even greater efficiency.
Switching to a heat pump not only reduces heating bills but also lowers your carbon footprint, making it a smart long-term investment.
It is extremely important to only switch to a heat pump if you know the heating demand in your house is low enough for it to work efficiently. This is usually after insulation works have been done to the home. A reputable heat pump supplier will conduct heat loss calculations on your home and ensure the system they are installing is suitable for your property. It is not recommended that you install a heat pump without this. Additionally, the work we do in conjunction with Cumbria Action for Sustainability explores this for you through energy modelling your home. Together we create a retrofit plan tailored to you and your home. Contact them directly and mention our director Gina who conducts retrofit assessments throughout Cumbria.
Use a Smart Thermostat – Could save up to £180 per year
A smart thermostat like Nest or Hive learns your routine, adjusting heating automatically to avoid wasted energy.
Set heating to turn off when you're out.
Keep your thermostat at 18–21°C for optimal efficiency.
Use zoned heating to only warm rooms in use.
Bleed Your Radiators
If your radiators feel cold at the top and hot at the bottom, they may need bleeding to remove trapped air. This improves efficiency and ensures your heating system works properly.
Adding reflective radiator panels behind radiators on external walls can help reflect heat back into the room.
Stop Draughts and Air Leaks
Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows – Could save up to £50 per year
Even small gaps can cause significant heat loss. Use:
Weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Draught excluders at the bottom of doors.
Sealant or foam for cracks in walls or floorboards.
Close Unused Chimneys – Could save up to £90 per year
An open chimney acts like an open window, letting heat escape. Use a chimney balloon or draught excluder to block it when not in use. Installing thick curtains or thermal blinds can also help trap heat inside during winter.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances
Switch to LED Bulbs – Could save up to £40 per year
LED bulbs use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and last up to 25 times longer.
Replace all bulbs with LEDs or CFLs.
Use motion sensor lights for hallways and outdoor areas.
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Old appliances waste electricity. When replacing them, look for A++ or A+++ rated models.
Fridge-freezer upgrade – could save £75 per year.
Efficient washing machine – could save £30 per year (use cold washes for extra savings).
Induction hob over gas – Uses 30% less energy.
Unplug devices when not in use, as standby mode still consumes power.
Reduce Water and Energy Waste
Install a Water-Saving Showerhead – Save up to £70 per year
A low-flow showerhead reduces water use without sacrificing pressure.
Shorten showers to four to five minutes.
Fix dripping taps— a leaking tap can waste 5,500 litres a year.
Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Set your water heater to 60°C instead of 70°C—this prevents overheating and reduces energy use by 10%.
Insulating your hot water tank with a jacket also helps reduce heat loss.
Consider Renewable Energy Solutions
Install Solar Panels – Cut Electricity Bills by £400+ per year
With solar panels, you can generate your own electricity, reducing reliance on the grid. UK government incentives and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid.
Best suited for south-facing roofs with good sun exposure.
Payback period: Six to ten years, but long-term savings are significant.
Switch to a Green Energy Supplier
Switching to a renewable energy tariff helps support green energy without needing home installations. Check Octopus Energy, Bulb, or Ecotricity for competitive tariffs.
Small Changes = Big Savings
Even small adjustments can make a big impact on your energy bills. Start with quick fixes like draught-proofing and LED lighting, then consider long-term improvements like insulation, PV and switching to a heat pump.
What’s Next?
Want to learn more? Check out our Guide to Insulation.
Looking for grants? Explore UK government energy-saving schemes for financial support:
www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme
Got questions? Drop us an email at hello@architecta.uk, and let’s chat about making your home energy efficient!