Energy-efficient ideas for your house or flat
Boost your home's energy efficiency
From simple DIY measures to reducing the energy you waste, there are lots of simple things you could do to be more energy-efficient at home. It may also help save you money on your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint too.
Home is where the heat loss is
In a typical household. Around half of our fuel bills go on heating our homes and providing hot water.
1. Try some simple DIY measures
Simple DIY measures, like applying sealant round old window frames or doors can help reduce draughts. Or you could get the help of professional and benefit from their draught-proofing know-how.
Hanging thicker curtains is another way to help prevent heat escaping from older windows. Or use them to reduce the space you heat if your home is open plan? And make it feel cosier in colder months.
2. Reduce your energy waste
Reducing your energy waste is one of the easiest ways to be more energy-efficient. Switching off the lights or cutting the time you spend in the shower are easy changes that could help you save energy, and money. It all adds up.
3. Get smart about your energy use
Even though they don’t directly cut down your energy use, a smart energy meter could help you see which appliances use the most energy in your home or flat.
Make sure it's somewhere visible, like your kitchen, to help everyone see how much it costs to heat your home. Many suppliers will provide them free of charge, so look out for that if you’re switching energy supplier.
4. Consider energy efficient appliances
Replacing inefficient household appliances at the end of their life with more efficient ones is a simple way to reduce energy waste and potentially save money on your bills too.
If you’re buying a new washing machine or fridge, look out for the energy rating label. This will help you work out how much it will cost to use as well as how energy efficient it is.
Another easy energy saver tip is to turn appliances off rather than leave on standby.
We love a cuppa
Kettles are one of the energy intensive appliances in the kitchen. Nearly three quarters of us admit that we at least occasionally boil the kettle with more water than we’re going to use. Boil what you need and save on your electricity bill.
Government Public Attitudes Tracker (PDF, 3.6MB), March 2021
To energy efficiency and beyond
Making small changes now could add up to significant savings over time and help reduce you carbon footprint too. If you do save money, you could put it toward making bigger energy-efficient changes for your home. For example, upgrading insulation or windows is a great way to reduce heat loss but keep in mind the initial cost.