With rising energy costs and growing awareness around climate change, now is the perfect time to look at how to save energy at home. Whether you’re concerned about your gas and electricity bills, want to reduce your carbon footprint, or need to meet EPC requirements, this guide will explore 10 energy-saving tips that, together, can lead to significant savings.
At Falcon Energy, we help homeowners and landlords take control of their energy usage with expert Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessments, enabling them to identify areas where they can save energy, reduce waste, and lower their bills.
At Falcon Energy, we provide professional EPC assessments and certificate services across the UK. Please email us or call 01403 253439 for a free, no-obligation quote.
Why energy efficiency matters
Improving your home energy efficiency does more than reduce your energy consumption. It helps you:
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Lower electricity bills and heating bills
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Create a more comfortable home
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Meet legal standards for landlords
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Reduce your contribution to greenhouse gases
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Increase your property’s energy rating and market value
Many households underestimate the amount of energy lost through everyday inefficiencies, from outdated heating systems to gaps in insulation. A tailored assessment by a professional can reveal practical upgrades that enhance your home’s performance, helping you maximise the efficiency of the energy you use.
10 simple ways to make your home more energy efficient
1. Upgrade to LED lights and energy-saving light bulbs
Switching to LED bulbs is a quick, cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption. Compared to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, LED lights use up to 80% less energy and last much longer. Lighting accounts for a significant portion of a typical household’s electricity bill, so upgrading can result in substantial savings.
You can also install smart lighting systems with timers or motion sensors to prevent unnecessary lighting in empty rooms, and opt for warm white LEDs for added comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Install a smart thermostat and heating controls
A smart thermostat helps you manage your central heating and hot water schedules more efficiently. It learns your behaviour and adjusts the temperature accordingly. This helps prevent overheating and can significantly reduce your heating bill.
Combined with smart heating controls, you can lower the flow temperature, heat specific rooms, and track your usage through your smart meter. These tools help you understand where you’re using more energy and provide better control over your home’s climate.
3. Improve insulation to reduce heat loss
Good insulation is essential for keeping heat in and cold air out. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and underfloor insulation can dramatically reduce heat loss and the amount of energy required at home to keep warm. If your home is older, check whether your hot water cylinder or hot water tank has proper insulation. Adding a jacket to your tank would be an inexpensive way to reduce energy costs.
If you’re unsure where heat is escaping, a thermographic survey can highlight problem areas and help you target insulation improvements more effectively.
4. Seal gaps and draught-proof your home
Draught proofing prevents trapped air and heat from escaping through gaps around windows, doors, chimneys, and skirting boards. These small gaps cause significant energy waste, making your heating system work harder.
Install draught excluders, sealant, or foam strips around doors and windows to prevent draughts. For older homes, consider professional draught proofing, especially around floorboards and fireplaces. This is a low-cost way to save energy at home and stay comfortable year-round.
You could also benefit from an expert air-tightness test to identify hidden leaks and ensure your home is sealed as efficiently as possible.
5. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
Your electrical appliances, such as your washing machine, fridge freezer, dishwasher, and tumble dryer, account for a significant portion of your electricity bills. Replacing older models with energy-efficient appliances rated A+++ can help you use less energy and water, ultimately saving you money in the long term.
Use appliances wisely:
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Run your washing machine on a full load (but not overstuffing)
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Air-dry laundry using a washing line when possible
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Defrost your fridge freezer regularly
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Use the eco-setting on dishwashers
These minor adjustments can make a big impact on your home energy use.
6. Use smart plugs and timers to cut standby power
Many household appliances continue to use electricity even when on standby. Smart plugs and timers help eliminate this hidden energy waste by automatically switching off devices like TVs, gaming consoles, and high-powered kitchen appliances such as coffee machines when they’re not in use.
You can also monitor energy use for each device, set schedules for overnight shutdowns, or enable automatic power-off after periods of inactivity. These small changes can add up to meaningful energy savings with minimal effort.
7. Install double or triple glazing to prevent heat loss
Poorly insulated windows are a significant contributor to heat loss in the average home. Double glazing adds a layer of insulation, while triple glazing offers even better performance. These upgrades reduce carbon emissions, lower your heating bill, and help maintain stable indoor temperatures.
Modern windows also reduce noise pollution and can make your property more secure and desirable. Signs that indicate your windows may need upgrading include experiencing draughts and condensation.
8. Switch to renewable energy
Installing solar panels or air-source heat pumps enables your home to generate electricity or hot water using renewable energy. This reduces reliance on your energy supplier and can help you avoid fluctuating energy costs. If your roof gets good sunlight, solar panels are one of the most effective upgrades.
UK homeowners can currently benefit from incentives such as 0% VAT on residential solar installations (available until March 2027) and grant funding through schemes like ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. These programmes help make renewable energy upgrades more affordable while reducing both energy costs and carbon emissions.
9. Service or upgrade your boiler and heating system
Your combi boiler or traditional boiler should be serviced annually to ensure efficient heating. Over time, boilers can lose performance due to trapped air in radiators, scale buildup, or incorrect flow temperature settings.
If your boiler is over 10 years old, it might be time to replace it with a newer, more energy-efficient model. Newer boilers use less energy, heat water faster, and respond better to smart thermostats and controls, maximising your energy savings.
10. Reduce hot water usage
Heating water accounts for a large portion of household energy bills. By reducing your hot water usage, you can achieve noticeable savings without compromising comfort. Here are some easy ways to reduce your hot water use:
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Fit aerated taps and low-flow showerheads to reduce water flow while maintaining pressure
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Wash clothes at 30°C instead of higher temperatures
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Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle
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Take shorter showers
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Use eco-settings on appliances
Collectively, these small adjustments add up over time, helping you lower your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.
The role of EPCs in reducing energy usage
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) evaluates your property’s energy efficiency and rates it from A to G. It shows:
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Your current and potential energy rating
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Suggestions to reduce energy consumption
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The impact of each improvement on your energy bills
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Estimated carbon emissions
For landlords, an EPC is a legal requirement. Properties must meet a minimum rating of E, and failing to do so can result in penalties. For homeowners, an EPC is your energy-saving guide, helping you prioritise changes that offer the best returns.
To learn more about EPCs, read our guide ‘What Do EPC Ratings Mean?‘.
How Falcon Energy can help
As one of the UK’s trusted energy consultants, Falcon Energy provides:
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Certified domestic and commercial EPCs
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Efficient, reliable service across the UK
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Clear, actionable advice to make your home energy efficient
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Support with compliance and improving your property’s energy rating
With a team of experienced assessors, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your energy use and to assist with improvements and installations, such as solar panels, air source heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and thermodynamic technology.
Book your EPC assessment today
Improving energy efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. By making wise choices, such as upgrading to LED lights and sealing draughts, you can significantly lower your gas and electricity bills, reduce energy waste, and potentially even increase your property value.
For the most accurate and personalised advice, start with an Energy Performance Certificate. It’s the best way to understand your current energy usage and create a roadmap for savings.
Ready to make your home more energy efficient? Contact Falcon Energy today to book your EPC and take the first step toward lower energy bills and a greener home.