UK Home Energy Saving Guide for First-Time Buyers

Move into your new home with confidence. Learn how to cut your energy bills, boost comfort, and choose the right tariff from day one.

Start saving on energy from the day you get your keys

As a first-time buyer in the UK, your mortgage may be your biggest monthly outgoing – but your gas and electricity bills are not far behind. The good news is that a few smart choices in your new home can lock in lower energy costs, improve your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, and make your home warmer and more comfortable all year round.

This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know, from reading the EPC and choosing an energy tariff, to low-cost quick wins and long-term efficiency upgrades.

  • Understand your new home’s energy performance
  • Choose the right tariff for the way you live
  • Cut wasted energy without sacrificing comfort
  • Plan upgrades that add value and reduce bills
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1. Understand your new home’s EPC and energy rating

In the UK, most homes sold or rented must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). As a first-time buyer, the EPC is your cheat sheet for how efficient your new home is, and where you can improve it.

What the EPC tells you

  • Energy rating (A–G): A is most efficient, G is least. Most UK homes sit between C and E.
  • Estimated running costs: An indicative annual cost for heating, hot water, and lighting.
  • Recommended improvements: Suggestions like insulation, boiler upgrades, or double glazing.
  • Potential rating: The score your home could reach if you make the suggested changes.

Why first-time buyers should care about EPC ratings

  • Higher ratings usually mean lower monthly bills.
  • Many lenders now consider EPC ratings in green mortgage offers and incentives.
  • Improving your EPC can boost future resale value and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.

Quick EPC checklist before you move in

  • Ask your solicitor or agent for the latest EPC report.
  • Note the current rating and the potential rating.
  • List the top three suggested improvements.
  • Check if any work has already been completed since the EPC.
  • Use the recommendations to budget your first year upgrades.

2. Set up the right home energy tariff from day one

When you move in, you’ll automatically be placed on the existing supplier’s default tariff. These are often among the most expensive rates. As soon as you have your opening meter readings, you’re free to switch.

Steps to take when you move in

  1. Find out the current supplier for gas and electricity (your seller or agent should know).
  2. Submit meter readings on day one and keep a photo record.
  3. Set up an account with the existing supplier to avoid being billed on estimated usage.
  4. Compare tariffs as soon as your account is active – you may find cheaper deals or smarter options.

Types of tariffs to consider

  • Fixed-rate tariffs: Unit prices stay the same for a set period. Good for budgeting.
  • Variable tariffs: Prices can go up or down with the market. More flexible, less predictable.
  • Time-of-use tariffs: Cheaper off-peak rates, ideal if you can shift usage (EV charging, night-time appliances).
  • Green tariffs: Backed by renewable energy, for a lower-carbon home.

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3. Low-cost quick wins to cut energy use immediately

Smart controls and settings

  • Programmable thermostat: Heat your home only when you need it.
  • Lower the temperature: Reducing your thermostat by 1°C can save around 5–10% on heating bills.
  • Smart radiator valves: Only heat the rooms you actually use.
  • Hot water timer: Avoid heating water 24/7 if you have a hot water tank.

Stop heat leaking out

  • Draught-proofing: Use strips, brushes, and sealant around doors, windows, and letterboxes.
  • Thick curtains: Close them at dusk to trap heat inside.
  • Chimney balloons: Prevent warm air escaping through unused chimneys.
  • Radiator reflectors: Reflect heat back into the room, especially on external walls.

Smarter appliance use

  • LED bulbs: Swap old halogens for LEDs to cut lighting costs by up to 80%.
  • Standby killers: Use smart plugs or extension leads with switches.
  • Efficient washing: Wash at 30°C where possible and fully load machines.
  • Fridge & freezer: Set to recommended temperatures and keep them well ventilated.

4. Use a smart meter to understand and control your usage

A smart meter replaces your traditional gas and electricity meters and sends readings directly to your supplier. You also get an in-home display that shows near real-time usage in pounds and pence.

Benefits for first-time buyers

  • No more manual meter readings or estimated bills.
  • Instant feedback when you switch appliances on or off.
  • Better insight into which habits are pushing your bills up.
  • Access to time-of-use and smart tariffs where available.

Smart meters are being rolled out across Great Britain. In most cases they’re installed at no extra cost by your energy supplier. When you set up your new home account, ask if you can book an installation.

How to make the most of your smart meter

  • Place the in-home display somewhere visible, like the kitchen.
  • Note your typical daily spend, then aim to reduce it gradually.
  • Identify energy-hungry appliances (tumble dryers, electric heaters).
  • Set a weekly budget and track whether you stay within it.

Monitoring alone won’t save energy, but it gives you the information you need to change habits and choose better tariffs.

5. Plan bigger upgrades that add value and cut bills

Insulation and draught-proofing

Insulation is often the most cost-effective upgrade you can make. Many UK homes still have gaps in key areas:

  • Loft insulation: Aim for at least 270mm of insulation. In many cases this can pay back in just a few years.
  • Cavity wall insulation: If your home has cavity walls and they’re unfilled, this can significantly reduce heat loss.
  • Solid wall insulation: More costly, but important for older, solid-wall properties.
  • Floor insulation: Particularly useful for suspended timber floors.

Heating system upgrades

  • Modern condensing boiler: Replacing an old, inefficient boiler can deliver big savings.
  • Heating controls: Room thermostats, smart TRVs and zoning give you more precise control.
  • Low-carbon heating: Heat pumps and hybrid systems may be suitable for some properties.

Windows, doors and renewables

  • Double or triple glazing: Reduce heat loss, draughts and condensation, while improving comfort.
  • Energy-efficient doors: Look for insulated doors with good seals and low U-values.
  • Solar PV panels: Generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid.
  • Battery storage: Store excess solar energy and use it when prices are higher.

Check for grants and support

Before starting bigger projects, explore UK schemes that may help with costs, such as boiler upgrade grants, local authority funding, or energy company support for insulation. Eligibility often depends on your income, property type, and current efficiency.

When planning, focus on measures that improve your EPC rating as these can pay off twice: lower bills today and a more valuable, attractive home when you decide to sell.

6. Everyday habits that make a big difference

Heating habits

  • Heat the rooms you use most and turn down radiators in unused rooms.
  • Wear layers before turning the thermostat up.
  • Aim for 18–21°C depending on your household’s needs.
  • Use timers so your home isn’t heated while you’re out or asleep.

Hot water and bathrooms

  • Shorten showers and install efficient shower heads.
  • Fix dripping taps and leaking toilets promptly.
  • Insulate hot water cylinders and pipework.
  • Use bathwater sparingly – showers usually use less hot water.

Kitchen and laundry

  • Put lids on pans and use the right size hob ring.
  • Use a microwave or air fryer for small meals when suitable.
  • Air-dry clothes where possible to avoid tumble dryer use.
  • Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle.

7. Build a simple first-year home energy plan

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break your first year into manageable stages. This helps spread costs, stay organised, and make sure you tackle the biggest wins first.

Month 1: Set up and understand

  • Take opening meter readings and register with the current suppliers.
  • Compare and switch to a suitable home energy tariff.
  • Read your EPC and create a list of recommended upgrades.
  • Book a smart meter installation if available.

Months 2–6: Quick wins and prioritised upgrades

  • Implement low-cost measures: LEDs, draught-proofing, simple controls.
  • Gather quotes for loft and cavity wall insulation if needed.
  • Service your boiler and check radiator balancing and controls.

Months 7–12: Bigger projects and optimisation

  • Schedule insulation or heating upgrades during milder weather.
  • Review your smart meter data and refine your habits.
  • Reassess your tariff after 12 months based on real usage data.

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Move into an efficient, comfortable home from day one

As a first-time buyer, every pound counts. By understanding your EPC, picking the right tariff, and planning sensible upgrades, you can enjoy a warmer home, lower bills, and greater peace of mind.

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Updated on 12 Dec 2025