Switching energy suppliers is just one way to lower your monthly bills. There’s loads more you could be doing. Investing in green energy solutions for your home can go a long way to reducing your energy consumption, helping you to save on costs in the long run, as well as doing your bit for the environment.
Why go green?
As the UK moves towards net-zero, going green isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for your bank account too. Making your home more energy-efficient helps you be less wasteful, lower your carbon footprint, and protect yourself from rising energy costs. Whatever your motivations are, be it savings, sustainability, or both, green upgrades are a smart, future-proof investment.
Green home investments
There are many things you can do to improve the energy-efficiency of your home, from small and simple changes to major investments and upgrades. From solar panels and insulation to new doors and windows, upgrading your property with efficiency in mind can make your home more comfortable, more valuable, and far more eco-friendly.
Solar Panels
Domestic solar panels work by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity you can use in your home. Once installed, they reduce your reliance on the grid, especially during daylight hours. While there’s a significant upfront cost, you’ll see long-term savings – solar panels can typically save you between £300 and £500 per year on your household energy bills. It’s a clean, renewable source of energy that cuts your carbon footprint while helping you take control of rising electricity costs. Plus, under the Smart Export Guarantee, you can earn money by selling any excess electricity you generate back to the grid.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps extract heat from either the air or the ground, depending on the type, which is then used to heat your home and water. They’re incredibly efficient, using much less energy than traditional boilers and heating systems. While installation can be pricey, government grants from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can significantly reduce the cost, and once installed, a heat pump provides low-carbon heating, dramatically cutting both emissions and bills.
Air-source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump found in the UK and can save the average household up to £1,300 per year if replacing an old boiler. Meanwhile, ground source heat pumps could save your home up to £2,000 per year on its energy bills.
Energy-Efficient Boilers
If you’ve had your current boiler for ten years or more, it’s probably not working as efficiently as it should be. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient, A-rated model could save you up to £500 a year on your energy bills, depending on the state of your current boiler. They’re compatible with most radiators and hot water systems – even older ones – so it’s pretty easy to make the switch, installation included. New boilers result in lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to older models, making them a smart, energy-saving investment that pays off in the long run.
Insulation
Insulation keeps the heat in and the cold out, making your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Loft, wall, and floor insulation can all help to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to cut energy bills – loft insulation alone can save your household up to £380 per year.
Insulating your home also reduces draughts and improves your overall comfort, whilst also lowering your carbon footprint. It’s often a one-time investment with long-lasting benefits, and government grants or schemes can help to cover some of the costs, making it more affordable to many.
Double-Glazing
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with a gap in between, which helps to prevent heat loss. By retaining warmth during the colder months and keeping heat out during the summer, they can improve the energy efficiency of your home throughout the year. Generally, swapping single-glazed for double-glazed windows could save you up to £150 a year on your energy bills.
As well as their energy-saving benefits, they also help to reduce noise pollution, adding to your overall comfort. And while the initial cost can be high, the long-term savings and increased home value make it a worthy upgrade for many homeowners.
uPVC/Composite Doors
Modern uPVC and composite doors are a simple yet effective upgrade that can help to boost your home’s energy efficiency. These doors are built with insulating materials that help prevent heat from escaping – especially around common draught points like frames and letterboxes. Replacing a poorly fitted or outdated front or back door with a uPVC or composite option can make a noticeable difference to your heating costs. Unlike older wooden doors, they require little maintenance, and they also offer excellent soundproofing and security. Look for doors with high energy-efficiency ratings and proper seals to ensure maximum benefit without losing out on style or durability.
Conservatory Improvements
Conservatories can be a great extension to your home, but they’re often a major source of heat loss if not properly insulated. Installing energy-efficient glazing, roof insulation, and thermal blinds can help regulate the temperature year-round – keeping the space warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. A well-insulated conservatory reduces the strain on your heating system, helping to cut gas and electricity bills.
If you’re planning to build a new conservatory or upgrade an existing one, opt for energy-rated windows and insulated roofing panels. With the right design and materials, your conservatory can become a cosy, energy-smart space rather than an energy drain.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles, commonly referred to as EVs, run on electricity rather than petrol or diesel, making them much cleaner to operate than traditional cars. Charging an EV at home is far less expensive than fuelling a non-electric car, potentially saving drivers up to £700 a year. If you use domestic solar panels to charge your EV at home, those savings can climb even higher, while government grants, lower road taxes, and EV tariffs can further boost the cost-efficiency. As the UK moves toward a net-zero future, switching to an EV is both a money-saving and future-proof choice.
Are there grants available for green home improvements?
Yes, several government schemes are designed to support households in making green upgrades, and they can make a huge difference to the initial cost. For example, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing heat pumps, or £5,000 towards the installation of a biomass boiler.
There’s also support for insulation and energy-efficient heating systems through schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme, which are designed to help lower-income households. Depending on where you live, local councils may also offer funding or incentives.
These grants help reduce upfront costs, making energy-efficient improvements more accessible and affordable for more people.
Other ways to make your home more green
There’s no shortage of ways to make your home more eco-friendly beyond the big-ticket upgrades. Many smaller, affordable changes can still have a meaningful impact on your energy usage, your bills, and your carbon footprint. Here are some extra steps you can take to make your home more energy-efficient, without breaking the bank:
- LED Lights: Switching out traditional bulbs for LEDs is one of the simplest energy-saving swaps. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy and can last up to 30 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs, saving you money year after year.
- Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats learn your routine and let you heat your home only when it’s needed. This can reduce wasted energy and cut heating bills by up to 10%.
- Draught Proofing: Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and floors helps to stop heat from escaping and cold air from getting in. DIY draught-proofing can cost as little as £50 and could save around the same amount each year on your energy bills.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: When replacing household appliances like fridges, washing machines, or dishwashers, choose those with a high energy-efficiency rating (A-rated or above). They use less electricity and water, so the savings on your bills can really add up over time.
- Energy Monitors: These devices track how much energy you’re using in real-time, helping you to identify energy-intensive habits or appliances. Just being more aware of your usage can help you to be smarter with your energy usage and save money on your bills.
- Plants: While it may sound simple, adding indoor plants to your home helps purify the air and regulate indoor temperature. Meanwhile, planting large outdoor plants like shrubs and trees can offer shade in the summer and wind protection in winter, improving the overall energy efficiency of your home.