With energy prices predicted to rise in 2025, making your home more energy efficient has never been more important. By implementing energy-saving measures, you can lower your heating bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and comply with government goals to improve energy efficiency standards.
The UK is aiming for as many homes as possible to achieve an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of C or above by 2035, so starting early is a smart move.
Additionally, government incentives, such as reduced VAT on certain energy-efficient home improvements, make it even more cost-effective to upgrade. Below, we’ll explore how to assess your home’s energy efficiency and outline key improvements you can make.
How energy efficient is your home?
Before making any upgrades, it’s essential to know where your home stands. Your EPC provides a detailed overview of your property’s current energy efficiency rating.
- Check your EPC
Find your EPC on the government’s EPC register or arrange for an assessment if you don’t have a valid one. These certificates cost between £60 and £120, depending on your home size. - Understand recommendations
The report highlights areas to improve, such as insulation, glazing, and heating systems. These suggestions can guide your decision-making process.
Once you complete your upgrades, obtaining an updated EPC can help you secure green mortgage rates and appeal to future buyers.
How to improve the energy efficiency of your home and save money
Improving your home's energy efficiency is one of the best ways to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Whether you're living in a historic property or a modern home, energy-efficient upgrades can lower heating bills, improve comfort, and even increase your property's value.
1. Loft insulation
Loft insulation is a great place to start when improving energy efficiency. It’s affordable, effective, and requires minimal disruption.
Around 25% of heat is lost through the roof in uninsulated homes, so insulating your loft can make a significant difference to your energy bills.
- Cost: £900-£1,200 for an average home.
- Savings: Up to £150/year on heating bills.
What are the pros and cons of loft insulation?
Pros:
- Easy to install by laying mineral wool insulation rolls.
- Helps to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Minimal disruption to your daily life.
Cons:
- Insulation thickness (12-30cm) may reduce loft storage space.
- Risk of damp or condensation if ventilation is inadequate.
If you're concerned about damp or unsure where to start, a JustFix roofer can assess your loft and recommend suitable ventilation solutions.
2. Double glazing
Upgrading single glazing to double glazing significantly reduces heat loss and improves your home’s comfort. It also enhances soundproofing and is a desirable feature for potential buyers.
- Cost: £4,250 on average for PVC windows in a semi-detached home.
- Savings: Up to £95/year on heating bills.
What are the pros and cons of double glazing?
Pros:
- Reduces noise and increases home security.
- Improves your property’s aesthetics and value.
Cons:
- Initial costs are high.
- Requires professional installation by a FENSA-accredited glazier.
If you need assistance upgrading your windows, JustFix glaziers can help you replace single or dated double glazing efficiently.
3. Cavity wall insulation
If your home was built after the 1920s, it’s likely to have cavity walls, which are two layers of brick with a gap in between.
Filling this gap with insulation can drastically improve your home's ability to retain heat, reducing energy loss through the walls by up to 35%.
- Cost: £800-£1,500, depending on property size.
- Savings: Up to £280/year on heating bills.
What are the pros and cons of cavity wall insulation?
Pros:
- It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency.
- Most installations are completed within a day.
- No need for major renovations or interior work when you install cavity wall insulation.
Cons:
- Homes with solid walls or structural issues may need alternative solutions.
- Improper installation can lead to damp issues in some properties.
4. Internal wall insulation
For homes with solid walls, internal wall insulation is an excellent way to prevent heat loss. Insulating the interior walls involves adding a layer of thermal material, such as rigid foam or insulated plasterboard.
- Cost: £4,000-£13,000, depending on the size of your property.
- Savings: Up to £250/year on heating bills.
What are the pros and cons of internal wall insulation?
Pros:
- Keeps rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Can be installed under decorative panels or wallpaper.
Cons:
- It reduces room size slightly, as insulation can be 5-10cm thick.
- Rooms must be cleared, and redecorating is often needed after installation.
5. External wall insulation
External wall insulation involves applying insulating materials to the exterior of your home, which is then covered with a weatherproof render or cladding. This method is ideal for solid wall properties to save energy.
- Cost: £8,000-£22,000, depending on property size.
- Savings: Up to £455/year on heating bills.
What are the pros and cons of external wall insulation?
Pros:
- Dramatically reduces heat loss through walls.
- It can refresh the exterior of your home.
Cons:
- It’s more expensive than internal insulation.
- You may need local authority approval in conservation areas.
6. Solar panels
Solar panels are a popular choice for generating clean, renewable energy at home. They work by converting sunlight into electricity, which can power your appliances and reduce reliance on the grid.
- Cost: £6,000-£8,000 for a 4kW system (average size for UK homes).
- Savings: Up to £350/year on energy bills, plus the potential to earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
What are the pros and cons of installing solar panels?
Pros:
- Reduces carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
- After the initial installation, electricity generated is free.
- Homes with solar panels are attractive to eco-conscious buyers.
Cons:
- Solar panels are less effective on cloudy days.
- Installation can be expensive without grants or incentives.
- Panels may not be viable for shaded or structurally weak roofs.
7. Floor insulation
Floor insulation reduces heat loss through the ground floor, making your home warmer and lowering heating costs. This upgrade is particularly effective for homes with suspended timber floors or solid concrete flooring.
- Cost: £1,600-£2,900 for professional installation.
- Savings: Up to £90/year on heating bills.
What are the pros and cons of floor insulation?
Pros:
- Warmer floors, especially during winter months.
- Eliminates cold air coming through floorboards or cracks.
Cons:
- Floorboards need to be lifted during installation.
- It’s not always practical for newer properties with solid floors.
8. Heat pump
Heat pumps are an innovative way to heat your home using renewable, low-carbon heating. They work by extracting heat from the air or ground and using it to warm your home and water.
- Cost: £10,000-£18,000, depending on the type (air-source heat pumps vs ground-source heat pumps).
- Savings: Up to £395/year on heating bills, with additional support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
What are the pros and cons of installing a heat pump?
Pros:
- Provides up to three times more heat energy than the electricity it consumes.
- Reduces carbon emissions compared to gas boilers.
- Can provide both heating and cooling.
Cons:
- Initial installation can be expensive.
- May require changes to your radiators or underfloor heating system.
- Outdoor units can produce low-level noise.
JustFix heating and gas engineers specialise in installing heat pumps and ensuring your system runs efficiently year-round.
9. Energy efficient appliances
Upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances is a straightforward way to reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills.
Modern appliances are designed to use less energy while delivering the same performance, making them a practical addition to your energy-efficient measures.
Benefits of energy-efficient appliances:
- Lower bills: Appliances with high energy ratings, like A+++ models, consume significantly less electricity and water.
- Reduced carbon footprint: By using less energy, you contribute to a greener environment.
- Smart technology: Many newer appliances come with features like programmable settings and heating controls for better efficiency.
Common upgrades to consider:
- Washing machines and dryers: Look for eco-friendly cycles that use less water and energy.
- Fridges and freezers: Energy-efficient models use improved insulation and compressors.
- Ovens and hobs: Induction hobs are faster and use less energy than traditional electric ones.
Key costs and savings:
- Cost: Prices vary, but investing in higher-rated appliances can pay off in long-term energy savings.
- Savings: Upgrading an old appliance to a modern energy-efficient one can reduce electricity costs by 10–50%, depending on usage.
While the upfront cost of energy-efficient appliances may be higher, they often last longer and save more over time.
For guidance on installation or selecting the best options for your home, JustFix can connect you with trusted heating and gas engineers.
How to make an older home more energy efficient
Older homes often come with unique energy efficiency challenges due to outdated construction methods, single-glazed windows, and insufficient insulation. However, with the right improvements, they can be made just as energy-efficient as modern properties.
- Upgrade to double or triple glazing: Older windows can lose up to 20% of your home’s heat. Modern glazing solutions offer better insulation while reducing noise.
- Improve insulation: Solid wall insulation (internal or external) can significantly cut heat loss in older properties, as cavity walls weren’t standard until the 1920s.
- Seal draughts: Install draught-proofing around windows, doors, and chimneys to stop cold air entering and reduce household energy costs.
- Insulate loft spaces: Even a thin layer of loft insulation can drastically improve heat retention in period homes with uninsulated roofs.
Improving energy efficiency in older homes reduces heating bills and helps preserve the structure by preventing damp and condensation.
Whether you need expert glaziers for traditional windows or specialists for solid wall insulation, JustFix has vetted professionals ready to tackle the specific challenges of older properties.
Home energy efficient grants
Government grants and schemes can help offset the cost of energy efficiency improvements.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Provides up to £5,000 towards the cost of heat pump installations.
- ECO+ Scheme: Offers free or discounted insulation for low-income households.
- VAT Reductions: Energy-saving measures like insulation and solar panels qualify for reduced VAT rates.
Check your eligibility for these schemes to reduce the upfront cost of making your home more energy efficient.
When to call in a JustFix professional
Use the JustFix app to find experienced, vetted tradespeople for energy-efficient upgrades in minutes. Whether you need:
- Glaziers to replace windows, install double glazing, or fix draughty panes
- Roofers to insulate lofts, assess ventilation, or repair roofing issues
- Heating and gas engineers to install or service boilers, fit heat pumps, and ensure your system is running efficiently.
Save time and effort by trusting JustFix to handle all your home improvement needs.
FAQs
What are 7 ways to reduce my consumption of energy?
- Turn off appliances when not in use.
- Use energy-efficient lighting, like LED bulbs.
- Upgrade to double glazing.
- Insulate your loft and walls.
- Install a programmable thermostat.
- Switch to energy-efficient appliances.
- Consider generating your own energy with solar panels.
Which is the most energy-efficient way to heat your home?
Heat pumps are among the most efficient options, offering three times more heat energy than the electricity they consume. If this isn’t viable, modern condensing boilers paired with proper insulation are highly effective.
