Energy efficiency at home
Spotlight on home energy efficiency
We asked the experts at Energy Saving Trust for ways to help make your home more energy efficient.
Home energy-saving tips
How you could reduce what you use at home
1. Get to know your thermostat
By reducing its temperature by just one degree, you could save around £90 a year1.
Take a look at the Energy Saving Trust’s guide to take control of your central heating.
2. Draught-proof your doors and windows
Block up any unwanted gaps in your doors and windows to help keep the heat in and cold air out – it’s one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy and money. From letterboxes to keyholes, Energy Saving Trust’s guide to draught-proofing includes things you can buy or make to help keep the cold air out.
Heavy curtains can also help to reduce heat loss – visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more information.
3. Fully load your dishwasher
Try to only use your dishwasher when it’s full as you could save water and energy. By reducing your dishwasher use by one run a week, you could save £12 a year2.
4. Flick the switch
Switch all of your lightbulbs to energy efficient LEDs and you could save up to £40 a year on your electricity bills3.
Turn your lights down low or turn them off if you’re not going to be in the room. Switching off your lights when you leave the room could save you almost £7 (or £9 in Northern Ireland) a year4.
Cut down your energy bills
Check out Energy Saving Trust’s energy savings guide for energy saving actions you could take.
All information and estimates provided by Energy Saving Trust are correct as of January 2025. Changes in the price of gas and electricity since the date of their estimates might affect the estimated savings. Cost and savings estimates vary depending on factors like where you live, the type of home you have, how it’s heated and the amount of work needed. This article isn’t advice and is for general guidance only - always do your own research before taking any action. If you access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk.
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Home heating controls
Keen to stay on top of your bills and reduce the amount of energy you use?
We asked the experts at Energy Saving Trust for their guidance on how to take better control of your heating. With a few small steps, you could improve the way you heat your home.