10 Quick Wins to Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Small Changes, Big Impact

You don't need a full retrofit to start saving on energy bills. These ten improvements are quick, affordable, and effective — many can be done in a single weekend.

1. Draught-Proofing (Cost: £20-50)

Gaps around windows, doors, letterboxes, and keyholes are responsible for up to 15% of heat loss. Self-adhesive strips, brush seals, and letterbox covers cost very little and take minutes to install.

2. LED Bulbs Throughout (Cost: £2-10 per bulb)

Replace every halogen and incandescent bulb with LED equivalents. They use 80% less electricity and last 15-25 times longer. An average 3-bed house saves approximately £55/year.

3. Loft Insulation Top-Up (Cost: £200-300 if DIY)

If your loft insulation is below the recommended 270mm, topping it up is the single most cost-effective improvement you can make. Payback is typically within 2-3 years.

4. Thermostatic Radiator Valves (Cost: £15-25 per radiator)

TRVs allow you to control the temperature room by room. No need to heat a spare bedroom to the same temperature as the living room.

5. Hot Water Cylinder Jacket (Cost: £15-25)

If your hot water cylinder was installed before 2004, it likely needs an insulation jacket. A good-quality 80mm jacket pays for itself within months.

6. Smart Heating Controls (Cost: £150-250)

A smart thermostat learns your routine and adjusts heating accordingly. Combined with smartphone control, you'll never heat an empty house again.

7. Reflective Radiator Panels (Cost: £10-20 per radiator)

These thin foil panels sit behind radiators on external walls, reflecting heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall.

8. Door Draught Excluders (Cost: £5-15 each)

The classic fabric 'sausage dog' at the bottom of doors — simple, effective, and costs pennies.

9. Pipe Insulation (Cost: £1-3 per metre)

Exposed hot water pipes in unheated spaces (loft, garage, cellar) lose heat constantly. Foam pipe lagging is cheap, easy to fit, and instantly effective.

10. Curtains with Thermal Lining (Cost: £30-80 per window)

Heavy, thermally lined curtains reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25% when drawn at dusk.

Ready for the Next Step?

These quick wins will make a noticeable difference, but for the biggest savings you need a whole-house approach. Our PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessment identifies the most impactful improvements specific to your property — and checks your eligibility for government grants that could cover much of the cost.

Check your grant eligibility in 2 minutes — start here.

For more tips, see our guide to passing an EPC assessment.

For more tips, see our guide to passing an EPC assessment.