8 min read

How to make your home more energy efficient and sustainable

One hand removes a lightbulb, while another raises a new lightbulb towards the connector

Smaller changes to get started

Install a smart meter to track energy usage

If you don’t have one installed already, try adding a smart meter to your home to help you track your energy consumption and identify energy-hungry appliances.

These devices display your energy usage in real time, and the apps that go with them can often provide insightful ways to break down your habits. You’ll easily be able to see where you’re wasting energy, and you can use the information it provides to make more informed decisions. Plus, they automatically provide more accurate data to your energy provider, so you probably won’t need to deal with those dreaded estimated bills.

Go for low or zero volatile organic compound (VOC) paints

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short, are chemicals included in many paints that evaporate quickly into the atmosphere just at room temperature. They’re used to reduce drying times and to ensure a smooth application.

So what’s the problem? Well, the compounds VOCs release can contribute to indoor air pollution that can result in headaches, dizziness and breathing troubles, as well as other longer term issues. And their production contributes to smog and poorer outdoor air qualities, so you’re doing your bit for the environment by avoiding them.

Thankfully, there are now lots of paints on the market that are low or zero VOC, while still maintaining the benefits of those with them. Try purposely choosing these kinds of paints the next time you want to redecorate or touch up your home.

Compost your waste

A third of all food produced globally is disposed of in one way or another (Business Waste). And, considering the huge environmental impact producing food already has on our planet, the least we could do is dispose of the waste from the food that we’ve used in the cleanest way possible.

It is worth noting that many councils in the UK are already dealing with this issue by issuing residents with green bins in which they can dispose of their food scraps, but not everyone has access to this service. With this in mind, you can enhance the sustainability of your home by composting items like vegetable peelings, eggshells and coffee grounds to produce nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Not only will you save money on essential food for your flower beds, but you’ll also be doing the planet a favour.

Not sure where to begin? Read this composting guide by the Royal Horticultural Society to find out how to get started.

Draught proof your home

Is your home draughty? Do you feel a breeze when you walk past certain windows and doors? If so, it could be a sign that your home has an unwanted airflow issue that allows some of the warmth you’ve built up to escape, adding to inefficiency.

There are a few ways to deal with draughts. The permanent option is to seal any gaps so that the leak is plugged. However, your solutions may well depend on where the gap is and how confident you are taking on a DIY fix.

For example, draught strips or a silicone sealant could be used on a window, but you may need a professional to do the job correctly. On the other hand, an internal door might just need a draught excluder placed along the bottom of the frame. Having a read of the Energy Saving Trust’s guide to draught proofing is a good place to start.

Please note: before doing any work, please ensure you’re not blocking any features of your home that are essential for ventilation, like a vent, air brick or an extractor fan.

Swap to LED lighting

Swapping to LED lights throughout your home is a great way to upgrade to a more efficient lighting option that will eventually pay for itself. Not only are they better with power, but your new LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan than previous technologies.

It’s worth noting that the sale of older halogen bulbs has been banned in the UK since 2021, while fluorescent bulbs were banned from sale in early 2024. This means that it’s easier than ever to make the switch to more efficient LED lights. So, if you’re still using the last batch of old light bulbs that you bought a few years back, you may have no choice but to replace them with LED versions eventually.

There are some exceptions to the bans on halogen and fluorescent bulbs, which are mainly if they are needed for a specialist light or meet minimum efficiency regulations.

Larger changes to create lasting benefits

Upgrade your heating

How old is your boiler? If it’s an older model that’s 10–15 years old, it’s likely that it’s using more energy to run than a newer, more efficient model. Yes, buying and installing a new boiler isn’t cheap, but when you’re using less energy, your bills will probably reduce. So, in the long term your investment may just pay itself off. Plus, you’ll be lowering your carbon footprint by using less energy, so it’s better for the planet.

Alternatively, you could be able to move to using a heat pump to warm your home. They differ from a boiler in that they absorb heat from the air, rather than burning fuel. Most models are more efficient, have a longer lifespan and are better for the environment (British Gas). On top of that, the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a grant of up to £7,500 per household towards a heat pump.

Is there a catch to heat pumps? There are certainly drawbacks to consider, including the fact that they’re pricier up front and can be more challenging to install in some homes. However, if they’re right for you, they’re worth serious consideration — use this tool from the Government to find out if your home could benefit.

Insulate your home

A lot of older houses in the UK were built without the benefit of the latest developments in insulation. In fact, a study found just over half of English and Welsh homes meet the insulation standards set in 1976 (EDF), never mind the more rigorous standards that we have for new builds today.

If your home does not benefit from insulation, you may find that insulating wall cavities, installing loft insulation and insulating floors makes a big difference in keeping your home nice and cosy. As your house will be losing less heat through its walls, roof and floors, you won’t need to use as much energy to warm it up, which is great for both the environment and your bank balance.

Adding insulation can be quite a large scale project, especially if you need all types of insulation to be added, but it’s one that can make a huge difference. You’ll also find that it isn’t a cheap addition to your home either, but you may qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme, which gives grants to eligible homeowners to bring the cost down.

Generate your own energy with solar panels

Solar panels allow you to generate electricity through the power of the sun. And, with energy prices at a high, it’s a great time to be able to reduce your need for power from the grid. There’s also the possibility that you could get paid for electricity you generate.

But it’s worth saying up front: solar panels can be expensive to have installed on your home, which can be a barrier for many. There are some grants available to mitigate the costs, though their eligibility criteria can vary across different schemes. We recommend reading the Independent’s guide to solar panel grants to get up to speed.

However, once you’ve got your solar panels, you’ll be able to reduce the need for grid energy, which can result in reduced bills and a lower carbon footprint for your home. And you may be able to sell any unused solar energy back to the power grid through the Smart Export Guarantee.

Through all the savings and earning potential, your panels may be able to pay back their cost and more, potentially making them a worthy long term investment in your home.

Ready to retrofit?

Now that you’ve read about some of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient and sustainable, you might be wondering which ones are right for you and how much of an investment they will be. You can take your next step towards a more energy-efficient home by using our Retrofit Explorer tool to get insights into your EPC rating and how you can improve it. Our tool will give you meaningful insight into what will make a difference to your home, including a breakdown of cost per improvement, annual fuel saving and total retrofit cost.