Winter Energy Efficiency: Practical Tips to Keep Your Home Warm and Your Bills Low

Brooke Williams -

As the chill of winter sets in, many of us instinctively reach for extra blankets and crank up the thermostat, in the hopes of fending off the creeping cold that settles into our homes. But with energy prices still stubbornly high and environmental concerns becoming an ever-growing priority, this time of year isn’t just about keeping warm - it’s about keeping smart.

Creating a warm, comfortable home shouldn’t come at the expense of skyrocketing bills or excessive energy use. Yet for many households across the UK, heating remains one of the biggest expenses during the colder months. According to Ofgem, the average household spends more than half of its energy costs on heating and hot water. This means even small changes in how your home retains heat can make a big difference to both your comfort and your wallet.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency isn’t just about saving money, it’s also one of the most practical ways to lower your carbon footprint. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that the average UK home could save around £300–£500 per year through basic insulation, draught-proofing, and heating upgrades, while significantly cutting CO₂ emissions.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to make long-term improvements or a private tenant searching for quick, low-cost fixes, there are plenty of actionable steps you can take. From simple DIY solutions like sealing draughts and insulating pipes, to larger upgrades such as wall or loft insulation, these changes can make your home warmer, greener, and far more cost-efficient.

1. Draught-Proof Your Home

One of the most simple and most cost-effective ways to keep your home warm is by sealing draughts. According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing can save you up to £50 a year on heating bills. Common areas where draughts occur include:

  • Windows and doors: Use draught excluders or sealant strips to fill gaps.
  • Chimneys: Install a chimney balloon to prevent heat loss when the fireplace isn't in use.
  • Floorboards: Apply sealant or use rugs to cover gaps.

For tenants, it's advisable to discuss draught-proofing with your landlord, as they may be responsible for making improvements to the property's insulation and heating systems.

2. Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes

Insulating your hot water pipes is a quick and inexpensive DIY project that can yield significant energy savings. According to the Energy Saving Trust, insulating your hot water pipes can reduce heat loss and allow you to lower your water temperature setting. This not only conserves energy but also ensures you have hot water more quickly, reducing the time your boiler needs to run.

Benefits of Pipe Insulation

  • Reduced Heat Loss: Insulating your pipes helps maintain the temperature of the hot water as it travels from your boiler to your taps and radiators, ensuring that less heat escapes along the way.
  • Lower Energy Bills: By reducing heat loss, your heating system doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature, leading to potential savings on your energy bills.
  • Faster Hot Water: Insulated pipes can deliver hot water to your taps more quickly, improving comfort and convenience.

How to Insulate Your Pipes
The most common method of pipe insulation is foam tubing, primarily because it is inexpensive and very easy to install. Foam tubing is available in various thicknesses and comes with a layer of two-sided tape for easy application. This type of insulation is suitable for both hot and cold water pipes and can be purchased from most DIY stores.

Where to Insulate
Focus on insulating pipes in areas where heat loss is most significant, such as:

  • Lofts
  • Unheated garages
  • Underfloor spaces
  • Exposed external walls

Additionally, ensure that pipes connected to your hot water tank are insulated, as this can further reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

3. Bleed Your Radiators

Over time, air can become trapped in your radiators, leading to cold spots and reduced heating efficiency. Bleeding your radiators releases this trapped air, allowing hot water to circulate more effectively. According to Best Heating, bleeding your radiators can improve system efficiency and reduce energy consumption. This simple task can save you money by ensuring your heating system operates at its best.

4. Upgrade Your Heating Controls

Modern heating controls can help you manage your home's temperature more efficiently. Installing a room thermostat, a programmer, and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) allows you to:

  • Set specific temperatures for different rooms.
  • Program heating times to match your schedule.
  • Avoid heating unused spaces.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that installing and using a full set of heating controls can save you around £110 a year in Great Britain. Additionally, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants for low-carbon heating systems, which can further enhance energy efficiency.

5. Insulate Your Hot Water Cylinder

If your home has a hot water cylinder, ensuring it's properly insulated can prevent heat loss and reduce energy consumption. The Energy Saving Trust recommends topping up your hot water cylinder insulation to at least 80mm to maximize efficiency. This simple upgrade can save you money and ensure you have hot water when you need it.

6. Insulate Your Loft

A significant amount of heat can escape through an inadequately insulated loft. The Energy Saving Trust highlights that installing or upgrading loft insulation can save you up to £250 a year on heating bills. Proper insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and reduces the workload on your heating system.

7. Upgrade Your Boiler

If your boiler is over 10 years old, it may be operating at significantly lower efficiency than modern models. Older boilers, particularly those rated G or F, can waste a substantial amount of energy, leading to higher heating bills. Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency condensing boiler can reduce your energy consumption and lower your annual heating costs.

In addition to upgrading, regular servicing is essential. Annual boiler maintenance ensures that your system is operating safely, prevents the build-up of sludge and debris, and maintains optimal efficiency. The Boiler Guide recommends a yearly service for all domestic boilers to prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your boiler.

By upgrading an old boiler and keeping it well-maintained, you can enjoy a warmer home, lower energy bills, and greater peace of mind throughout the colder months.

8. Insulate Your Walls

Wall insulation is a more substantial investment but can lead to significant long-term savings. There are two main types of wall insulation:

  • Cavity wall insulation: Suitable for homes built after 1920 with a gap between the inner and outer walls.
  • Solid wall insulation: Necessary for older homes without a cavity.

It's important to ensure that any insulation work is carried out to a high standard to avoid issues like damp or mould.

Additional Tips for Energy Savings

  • Use thermal curtains: Closing thermal curtains at night can help retain heat.
  • Switch to LED bulbs: LED bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
  • Unplug unused appliances: Appliances left on standby can still consume energy.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances: Look for appliances with high energy ratings to reduce consumption.

Financial Assistance and Grants

If you're a tenant living in a cold home, your landlord may be legally required to make improvements to bring the property up to at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 'E' rating. There are also various grants and schemes available to help with the cost of energy efficiency improvements:

It's advisable to check your eligibility for these schemes and discuss potential improvements with your landlord.

By implementing these practical measures, you can enhance your home's energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Remember, even small changes can make a significant difference in your comfort and your wallet.