Top 5 best ways to make your home more energy efficient

With energy bills on the rise and an increasing focus on sustainability, making your home more energy efficient is one of the smartest investments you can make. Not only can it cut your heating and electricity costs, but it can also reduce your carbon footprint and improve your home’s comfort.

Here are the top 5 most cost-effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home in the UK, backed by real statistics.

1. Upgrade Your Insulation

Heat lost through walls and roofs accounts for up to 50% of a home’s total heat loss. (Energy Saving Trust, UK)

One of the most effective ways to retain heat and reduce energy bills is by installing proper insulation:

• Loft insulation can save up to £445 per year in a detached home and £250 per year in a mid-terrace house (Energy Saving Trust).

• Cavity wall insulation can save an additional £285 per year.

• Solid wall insulation (for older homes) can reduce energy bills by £390-£930 per year, depending on the property size.

2. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

A home can lose up to 10% of its heat through windows and doors. (UK Gov Energy Statistics)

Upgrading to double or triple glazing significantly reduces heat loss and improves soundproofing. Statistics show that:

• Replacing single glazing with double glazing can save £195-£235 per year.

• Triple glazing provides even better insulation, cutting heat loss by up to 40% compared to double glazing.

• Draught-proofing doors and windows can reduce heat loss by 15%, with a cost-effective investment of under £50 for sealants and brushes.

3. Switch to an Energy-Efficient Heating System

Heating accounts for around 55% of household energy bills. (Energy Saving Trust)

Replacing an old, inefficient boiler with a modern condensing boiler or switching to a heat pump can significantly cut costs:

• A new A-rated gas boiler can reduce heating bills by up to £580 per year.

• Air-source heat pumps are up to 300% more efficient than gas boilers, producing three units of heat for every unit of electricity used.

• Smart thermostats can reduce heating bills by 10-15%, allowing better control over home temperatures and energy usage.

4. Install Solar Panels

Solar panels can reduce electricity bills by up to 70% and generate income through Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.

Solar energy is becoming increasingly affordable in the UK:

• A typical 3.5kWp solar PV system can generate around 3,700 kWh per year, covering 40-50% of an average home’s electricity use.

• Households can save between £305-£500 per year on electricity bills depending on usage.

• Solar panels can last over 25 years, making them a great long-term investment.

5. Improve Home Ventilation & Air Tightness

Poor ventilation can lead to damp and mould, which affects 1 in 5 UK homes. (UK Housing Research)

Ensuring a balance between airtightness and ventilation is key to energy efficiency:

• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) can retain up to 90% of heat while ensuring fresh air circulation.

• Draught-proofing can save an average of £125 per year and is one of the most cost-effective upgrades.

• Chimney balloons and door brushes are affordable ways to block unwanted drafts in older properties.

Final Thoughts

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive. Many of these changes—like insulation, efficient windows, and modern heating systems—offer substantial long-term savings while making your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run.

We dont expect you to know everything about retrofit. If you’re looking for expert advice on retrofit design and energy-efficient solutions, get in touch with Target Green today!