UK Home Energy Cost Saving Tips for 2026
Practical, up-to-date advice to cut your gas and electricity bills in 2026 while making your home warmer, more efficient and future-ready.
Start 2026 with a lower energy bill
Energy prices remain unpredictable across the UK, but you have more control than you might think. From quick DIY fixes to smart tech and government-backed grants, there are many ways to reduce your home energy costs in 2026 without sacrificing comfort.
This guide walks you through the most effective energy-saving steps for UK homes, in order of impact and affordability. Use it as a checklist to plan improvements for the year ahead.
- Cut wasted heat with insulation and draught-proofing
- Optimise your boiler, radiators and heating controls
- Use smart technology to monitor and reduce usage
- Discover 2026 grants and schemes that can cut upgrade costs
Tip: Combine several small changes with one or two bigger upgrades for the strongest long-term savings.
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Why 2026 is a key year for UK household energy
Energy markets have stabilised compared with the sharp price spikes of recent years, but bills are still significantly higher than many households were used to before 2021. At the same time, the UK is pressing ahead towards its net zero 2050 target, with a strong focus on improving home energy efficiency.
For homeowners and private tenants, 2026 is an ideal moment to review how your property uses energy. Many of the most effective upgrades are now more widely available, and in some cases supported by UK-wide or devolved nation grants and local schemes. Acting now can lock in lower running costs for a decade or more.
Quick wins you can complete in a weekend
If your budget is limited or you rent your home, start with these low-cost improvements. Many pay for themselves within a year.
1. Draught-proof doors, windows and floors
Uncontrolled draughts can waste a surprising amount of heat. Focus on:
- Self-adhesive draught strips around doors and windows
- Brush or flap seals on letterboxes and keyholes
- Flexible fillers around floorboards and skirting
These are simple DIY jobs that can make rooms feel warmer at a lower thermostat setting.
2. Fit LED bulbs in every room
LED lighting uses up to 80% less electricity than old halogen or incandescent bulbs and lasts much longer. Swap out frequently used lights first: kitchen, living room and hallway.
3. Optimise your boiler and hot water
- Lower your combi boiler flow temperature to around 55–60°C for better efficiency, if your radiators still heat the home comfortably.
- Use your programmer so the heating only runs when needed, not 24/7.
- Reduce hot water cylinder temperature slightly (but keep it at least 60°C to prevent legionella).
4. Smart use of appliances
- Wash clothes at 30°C where possible; modern detergents work well at lower temperatures.
- Fill the dishwasher and washing machine before running them.
- Avoid using the tumble dryer for every load; air dry when you can.
Low-cost tweaks with high impact
5. Reflect heat back into the room
Install radiator reflector panels behind radiators on external walls. They’re inexpensive and can reduce heat loss through solid walls, particularly in older homes.
6. Use thick curtains and close them at dusk
Well-fitted, lined curtains help keep heat in and cold air out. Close them as soon as it starts to get dark to reduce heat loss through glass.
7. Seal unused chimneys
Open chimneys can be a major source of heat loss. If a fireplace is unused, consider a chimney balloon or specialist draught excluder (ensuring ventilation and safety are maintained).
8. Smart plugs and standby control
Smart plugs can help you monitor and cut standby electricity use from devices such as media centres and games consoles. Look for models with energy monitoring to see real usage.
Weekend energy-saving checklist
- Fit draught strips and seal obvious gaps
- Replace remaining old bulbs with LEDs
- Adjust boiler and timer settings
- Install radiator reflectors on outside walls
- Check curtains/blinds close fully at night
Plan bigger upgrades for deeper, long-term savings
Bigger projects normally require more planning and investment, but they can cut your energy bills for decades and significantly improve your EPC rating. In many cases, support is available through national or local schemes.
9. Upgrade your insulation
Insulation is still one of the best-value ways to reduce heat loss in a UK home.
Loft insulation
Most homes should have at least 270mm of loft insulation. If yours is thinner, topping it up can reduce heat loss through the roof and may be one of the quickest payback measures.
Cavity wall insulation
Many houses built after the 1920s have cavity walls that can be filled. Properly installed, cavity wall insulation can substantially cut heating demand and improve comfort.
Solid wall insulation
Older solid wall properties lose heat much faster. Internal or external wall insulation is a larger project but can transform comfort levels and running costs.
Tip: Check your EPC or ask a professional surveyor to confirm what insulation you already have before investing.
10. Upgrade your boiler or move to a heat pump
If your gas or oil boiler is more than 10–12 years old, it’s likely to be less efficient than modern models.
High-efficiency condensing boilers
Modern A-rated condensing boilers can turn more of your fuel into usable heat. Combining a new boiler with the right controls and balanced radiators maximises savings.
Heat pumps
Air source or ground source heat pumps are increasingly popular across the UK, especially in well-insulated homes. They use electricity to move heat rather than generate it from fuel, which can cut carbon emissions and running costs when used correctly.
Important: Heat pumps work best with lower flow temperatures and may require larger radiators or underfloor heating. Always get advice from an installer experienced with UK homes like yours.
11. Install smart heating controls
Smart thermostats and radiator valves give you far more control over when and where you heat your home.
- Smart thermostats let you schedule heating from your phone, adapt to your routine and avoid heating an empty home.
- Smart TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) control individual rooms, so you only heat the spaces you use.
In many UK homes, smart controls can cut gas use by avoiding unnecessary heating, especially in spare rooms or during work hours.
12. Consider solar panels and home batteries
Solar PV systems generate clean electricity on your roof, helping to offset daytime usage and protect you from future price rises.
- Solar PV: Ideal if you own your roof and use electricity during the day.
- Battery storage: Stores excess solar power to use later, or can take advantage of off-peak tariffs.
Homeowners in many parts of the UK can receive export payments for any electricity sent back to the grid via Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs.
Grants, schemes and support to explore in 2026
Support schemes change regularly, so it’s worth checking what’s currently available when you’re ready to take action. In 2026, households may be able to benefit from a mix of UK-wide and local programmes such as:
Energy efficiency and heating support
- Boiler and heating upgrade schemes that support low-carbon heating in suitable homes.
- Home insulation programmes focused on low-income or fuel-poor households.
- Local authority schemes targeting specific postcodes or housing types.
Eligibility often depends on income, benefits, property type and existing insulation levels. Always check official UK Government and devolved nation websites for the latest guidance.
Bill support and tariff options
- Priority services registers for vulnerable customers.
- Discount and rebate schemes that reduce bills for eligible households.
- Time-of-use tariffs that reward shifting electricity use to off-peak periods.
If you’re unsure where to start, an impartial adviser or local energy advice centre can help you understand which schemes apply to your situation in 2026.
Use smart tech to stay in control of your energy use
Smart meters and simple monitoring tools help you see where your energy is going, so you can make informed decisions and quickly spot unusual usage.
Smart meters and in-home displays
- Track usage in near real time and understand how different appliances affect your bill.
- Set household targets for daily or weekly use.
- Pair smart meters with budgeting apps to monitor monthly spend.
Ask your supplier about smart meter installation if you don’t already have one; rollout continues across the UK.
Smarter habits for everyday savings
- Keep your thermostat as low as comfortably possible (typically 18–21°C for living areas).
- Bleed radiators that have cold spots and ensure furniture isn’t blocking heat.
- Use extractor fans and trickle vents to control moisture while avoiding excessive ventilation.
- Turn lights off when leaving a room and avoid leaving devices on standby unnecessarily.
Small daily decisions add up, especially when combined with physical improvements to your home.
Boost your EPC rating and future-proof your home
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) rate your home from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). A higher EPC rating can make your property more attractive to buyers and tenants and may even influence mortgage options in future.
How efficiency upgrades affect EPC ratings
- Insulation upgrades often move homes up one or more EPC bands.
- Modern boilers or heat pumps improve efficiency scores.
- Low-energy lighting is a simple win now required for higher ratings.
- Renewables such as solar PV can further boost your rating.
Review the recommendations section of your current EPC for a personalised list of suggested improvements.
Think ahead to future regulations
The UK Government has signalled that home energy efficiency will continue to be a priority for meeting climate targets. By planning upgrades during 2026, you can:
- Reduce the risk of future compliance costs.
- Spread investment over several years instead of rushing later.
- Take advantage of grants and incentives when they are available.
Working to a clear plan can turn a long list of improvements into manageable steps that fit your budget and timetable.
Build your personal 2026 home energy action plan
Not sure which measures are right for your home, or in what order to tackle them? Share a few details and we’ll help you prioritise the most cost-effective steps.
Key takeaways for saving home energy in 2026
- Start with low-cost fixes like draught-proofing, LEDs and boiler optimisation.
- Plan bigger upgrades such as insulation, new heating systems and solar over a realistic timeline.
- Check regularly for grants and local schemes that can reduce upfront costs.
- Use smart controls and meters to track usage and avoid waste.
- Think about your EPC rating and future-proof your home for upcoming standards.
Every home is different, but almost every UK property has cost-effective opportunities to cut energy use. Taking action in 2026 can deliver immediate savings and long-term comfort for years to come.
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