Reducing Home Energy Use in the United Kingdom

1. Use your heating more efficiently

• Turn the thermostat down by 1°C – this can cut heating bills by up to 10% while still keeping you comfortable.
• Heat the rooms you use most by turning radiators down in spare rooms and unused spaces.
• Set timed schedules rather than leaving heating on constantly; focus on mornings and evenings when you’re at home.
• Bleed radiators once a year to remove air and improve heat output.

2. Reduce heat loss from windows and doors

• Close curtains and blinds at dusk to trap heat, especially on single-glazed windows.
• Use draught excluders on external doors and letterboxes.
• Fit self-adhesive foam strips around window frames to cut draughts.
• Keep internal doors closed to warm up occupied rooms more quickly.

3. Smarter use of hot water

• Fit a water-saving shower head to reduce hot water use.
• Set your hot water cylinder thermostat to around 60°C – hot enough to be safe but not wasteful.
• Use a washing-up bowl instead of running the tap continuously.
• Fix dripping taps to prevent unnecessary hot water waste.

4. Lighting and appliances

• Switch to LED bulbs in all main rooms – they use up to 80% less electricity than old halogens.
• Turn lights off when you leave a room; simple but effective.
• Use eco settings on dishwashers and washing machines.
• Run washing machines at 30°C where possible and wait for a full load.
• Avoid standby mode by switching TVs, consoles and chargers off at the wall.

5. Cooking efficiently

• Use a lid on pans so food cooks quicker and uses less gas or electricity.
• Only boil the water you need in the kettle.
• Consider air fryers or microwaves for small meals – they often use less energy than a full oven.
• Batch cook and reheat portions instead of running the oven multiple times.

Loft and roof insulation

In an uninsulated home, as much as a quarter of heat can be lost through the roof. Adding or topping up loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective improvements:

• Aim for around 270mm of insulation in a typical loft.
• Check whether existing insulation is old, compressed or damp and consider replacement.
• Use insulation boards or specialist solutions for room-in-roof or loft conversions.

Many UK households may qualify for help with loft insulation through government schemes, local authority funding or supplier obligations.

Wall insulation

The type of walls your property has will determine the best insulation option:

• Cavity walls (common in homes built after the 1920s) can often be filled with cavity wall insulation.
• Solid walls (typical in older Victorian and Edwardian properties) can be insulated internally or externally.
• Properly installed wall insulation can significantly cut heat loss and improve comfort, especially in exposed or windy areas.

Always use an accredited installer and check for damp or structural issues before adding insulation.

Windows, doors and glazing

Upgrading old single-glazed or poorly fitted windows can reduce draughts, condensation and heat loss:

• Consider double or triple glazing with low-E glass and insulated frames.
• Check seals and fit around existing windows and doors; even small gaps can cause noticeable draughts.
• Install energy-efficient external doors with good weather-stripping.
• For listed buildings or conservation areas, look at secondary glazing as a less intrusive option.

Heating system upgrades

If your boiler or heating system is more than 10–15 years old, it may be using more gas than necessary to keep your home warm.

• Upgrade to a modern condensing boiler or a low-carbon heat pump where suitable.
• Make sure you have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) fitted on radiators to control each room separately.
• Have your boiler serviced annually to keep it working efficiently and safely.
• Balance radiators so heat is distributed evenly across the home.

In some parts of the UK, grants and incentives may be available to support heating upgrades and low-carbon systems.

Smart thermostats and heating controls

Smart heating controls give you far more control over when and how you heat your home, helping to avoid wasted energy.

• Adjust temperature from your phone while you’re out or on the way home.
• Create zoned heating to warm the rooms you use most and reduce heat in others.
• Use learning features that adapt schedules to your routine.
• View simple reports to see how small adjustments reduce energy use.

Smart meters and in-home displays

Most UK households can request a smart meter from their energy supplier. Used properly, it can be a powerful tool for reducing consumption.

• Track your real-time energy use in pounds and pence with your in-home display.
• Spot high-use appliances and change how or when you use them.
• Compare typical weekday and weekend usage to identify waste.
• Use the information to set realistic targets for cutting usage each month.

Winter and colder months

• Check your heating schedule before the first cold snap arrives.
• Use draft excluders, thicker curtains and rugs on bare floors.
• Bleed radiators and ensure furniture isn’t blocking them.
• Dress warmly at home and consider using hot water bottles or heated throws instead of raising the thermostat.

Summer and warmer months

• Use natural ventilation – open windows on cooler mornings and evenings, and close them with blinds during the hottest part of the day.
• Minimise use of tumble dryers and ovens that add extra heat indoors.
• Switch off unneeded electronics to reduce waste heat and electricity use.
• Plan ahead for winter improvements such as insulation or boiler upgrades while installers are less busy.