UK Home Energy Cost Saving Tips for 2027
Practical, future-proof ideas to cut your household energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and make your home more comfortable in 2027 and beyond.
Start saving on home energy this year
Energy prices in the UK remain unpredictable, and many households are looking for reliable ways to keep costs under control. The good news is that a mix of quick wins and smart upgrades can significantly reduce what you spend on gas and electricity – while making your home warmer, healthier and more efficient.
This 2027 guide from EnergyPlus explains the most effective UK home energy saving tips, how to prioritise them, and where to access support. Whether you are in a flat, terrace, semi-detached or detached home, you can cut waste, lower your bills and prepare for the low-carbon future.
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Fast home energy savings you can make this week
You do not always need big renovation work to see a difference. These simple, low-cost actions can start lowering your energy bills almost immediately.
1. Optimise your boiler and heating controls
- Lower your flow temperature: If you have a condensing boiler, reducing the flow temperature to around 55–60°C can improve efficiency and reduce gas use.
- Set realistic room temperatures: Each 1°C reduction (for example from 21°C to 20°C) can save around 5–10% on heating costs.
- Use timed schedules: Programme your heating to match when you are at home. Avoid leaving the heating on all day if the house is empty.
2. Eliminate everyday energy waste
- Switch off standby: TVs, consoles, and office equipment on standby still use power. Turn them off at the wall or use a smart power strip.
- Use LEDs everywhere: Replace old bulbs with LED lights which use up to 80% less electricity and last far longer.
- Reduce hot water waste: Take shorter showers, use eco programmes on dishwashers and washing machines, and fix dripping taps promptly.
3. Stop draughts and cold spots
- Fit draught excluders to doors and letterboxes, and use sealant or foam strips around leaky window frames.
- Close curtains at dusk and use thermal linings where possible, especially on single-glazed or older windows.
- Move furniture away from radiators so heat can circulate more effectively.
4. Use your appliances more efficiently
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full, and choose lower-temperature cycles (30–40°C is usually enough).
- Air-dry clothes where possible and avoid over-using the tumble dryer.
- Keep fridge and freezer seals in good condition and avoid leaving doors open for long periods.
Make your home cheaper to heat with better insulation
In most UK homes, a large share of heat is lost through the roof, walls, windows and floors. Improving your home’s fabric is one of the most reliable ways to cut heating bills for the long term.
Loft and roof insulation
Loft insulation is often the most cost-effective upgrade. Topping up to the recommended depth (around 270mm) can dramatically cut heat loss in older properties.
- Check whether your loft is already insulated and if the insulation is even and continuous.
- Insulate and draught-proof loft hatches.
- Consider professional advice for room-in-roof insulation if you have a converted loft.
Wall insulation
UK homes typically have either solid walls or cavity walls. Each type needs a different approach:
- Cavity wall insulation can be injected into the gap between the inner and outer walls.
- Solid wall homes (common in older properties) may need internal or external insulation systems.
- Always use a certified installer and ask about warranties and ventilation requirements.
Floors, windows and doors
Once loft and walls are improved, focus on draughty floors and glazing.
- Add underfloor insulation if you have accessible suspended timber floors.
- Consider double or triple glazing when windows are due for replacement.
- Use quality seals on external doors and fit brush strips to the bottom of doors where appropriate.
Insulation upgrades can qualify for grants or low-cost finance depending on your location, income and property type. It is often best to combine fabric improvements with efficient heating upgrades so your system can be sized correctly.
Use smart controls to manage energy automatically
In 2027, smart heating controls and connected devices are standard in many UK homes. When used correctly, they can cut waste without sacrificing comfort.
Smart thermostats and zoning
- Install a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts heating automatically.
- Consider zoned heating with smart radiator valves to heat only the rooms you are using.
- Use geolocation functions to reduce heating when the house is empty and warm it up before you arrive home.
Smart plugs and monitoring
- Smart plugs can help you control and schedule high-consumption appliances.
- Use an in-home display or app from your smart meter to see real-time usage and identify spikes.
- Track trends over weeks and months to see how changes in behaviour impact your bills.
Better habits for lower bills
Technology works best when it supports consistent habits.
- Heat people, not empty rooms – turn down radiators in rooms you rarely use.
- Close internal doors to keep heat where you need it most.
- Make a habit of turning off lights when you leave a room.
- Plan laundry and cooking so you run appliances less often, but more efficiently.
Tip: Pick one behaviour to improve each week – small changes quickly add up on your quarterly bill.
Plan your next heating system for future savings
Boilers, radiators and heating systems generally last 10–15 years. As the UK moves towards net zero, planning your next upgrade now can protect you from future fuel price shocks and changing regulations.
High-efficiency gas boilers
If you are not ready to switch away from gas yet, a modern condensing boiler with good controls can still cut costs compared with older, inefficient models.
- Choose an appropriately sized A-rated boiler – bigger is not always better.
- Combine with smart controls, thermostatic radiator valves and a well-balanced system.
- Have your boiler serviced regularly to maintain efficiency and safety.
Heat pumps and low-carbon heating
Air source and ground source heat pumps are becoming more common across the UK, especially in well-insulated homes.
- Heat pumps use electricity to move heat rather than generate it, often delivering 3–4 units of heat per unit of electricity.
- Best suited to homes with upgraded insulation and larger radiators or underfloor heating.
- May be supported by government grants or local incentives in 2027 – always check the latest schemes.
If you are unsure which option suits your property, our experts can help you compare running costs, installation prices and carbon savings for different systems.
Use renewable energy and smarter tariffs
Generating your own electricity or shifting when you use energy can protect you from peak prices and further reduce your carbon footprint.
Solar panels and battery storage
- Solar PV panels can supply clean electricity directly to your home during the day.
- A home battery can store surplus energy for use in the evening or overnight.
- You may be able to earn money for exporting excess electricity back to the grid through Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs.
Time-of-use tariffs
- With a smart meter, you may access tariffs where prices vary during the day.
- Shift flexible activities – such as charging an EV or running the washing machine – to cheaper off-peak periods.
- Pairing time-of-use tariffs with a battery or heat pump can unlock additional savings.
Check your current tariff and supplier
Your choice of tariff and supplier also affects your overall bill:
- Review your tariff at least once a year, or when your fixed deal ends.
- Consider green tariffs that match your electricity use with renewable generation.
- Look for tariffs designed around smart meters, EVs or heat pumps if you have them.
EnergyPlus can help you review your options and understand how tariff changes interact with home upgrades.
Grants, schemes and support for UK households
In 2027, a range of national and local schemes may be available to support UK residents with insulation, heating upgrades and other energy-saving measures. These schemes change regularly, so always check up-to-date details.
- Government grants: There may be grant funding towards heat pumps, insulation, solar panels or other low-carbon technologies, often focused on specific property types or income groups.
- Local authority programmes: Councils sometimes offer extra support for vulnerable residents or homes with low energy performance ratings (EPC D or below).
- Energy supplier obligations: Large suppliers are often required to help households improve efficiency, for example through insulation or heating measures.
- Advice services: Independent advice lines and local energy hubs can help you understand your rights, find trusted installers and check if a quote is reasonable.
EnergyPlus keeps up with the latest UK home energy policy changes so you do not have to. We can point you towards relevant grants and support, depending on where you live and the type of property you own or rent.
Create your 2027 home energy action plan
If you try to tackle everything at once, energy saving can feel overwhelming. A simple, step-by-step plan makes it easier to stay on track and measure your progress.
Step 1: Understand your home
- Check your latest energy bills for usage patterns and seasonal changes.
- Look up your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if available.
- Walk through each room and identify obvious draughts, cold spots and inefficient appliances.
Step 2: Prioritise low-cost changes
- Adjust heating controls and flow temperatures.
- Install LEDs, draught excluders and basic pipe or tank insulation.
- Adopt 1–2 new energy-saving habits each month.
Step 3: Plan fabric and system upgrades
- Schedule loft and wall insulation if not already completed.
- Decide whether your next heating system will be an efficient boiler or a heat pump.
- Consider solar PV, battery storage or window upgrades when budgets allow.
Step 4: Review annually
- Compare year-on-year energy use using your smart meter or bills.
- Update your plan if your household, budget or technology options change.
- Keep an eye on new incentives or regulations that may benefit your home.
EnergyPlus can support you at every stage, from initial assessment to choosing installers and understanding performance after upgrades.
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Frequently asked questions about home energy savings in 2027
How much can I realistically save on my home energy bills?
The amount you can save depends on your current usage, property type and the improvements you make. Many UK households can reduce bills by 10–30% with a combination of better controls, improved insulation and smarter habits. Larger upgrades, such as heat pumps and solar panels, can provide further long-term reductions.
Is it worth investing in insulation before changing my boiler or installing a heat pump?
Yes. In most cases, improving insulation first is the best approach. A well-insulated home needs less heat, making any new boiler or heat pump more efficient and often allowing for a smaller, cheaper system.
Do I need a smart meter to save energy?
You can save energy without a smart meter, but having one makes it easier to see how changes affect your usage in real time. Smart meters also open up access to time-of-use tariffs and some demand-flexibility schemes.
How do I find reliable installers for home energy upgrades?
Always look for installers with appropriate certifications (such as MCS for renewables and Gas Safe for gas work) and ask for references or reviews. EnergyPlus can connect you with trusted partners and help you understand quotes so you can choose with confidence.
Ready to cut your UK home energy costs?
From simple behaviour changes to full low-carbon heating and solar installations, EnergyPlus is here to help you find the most effective options for your home in 2027.
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