How to be energy efficient at home
Where to get advice to become more energy efficient, how to get a free smart meter, and help for private tenants and property owners to save energy, including possible grants.
Ways to save energy
Keep your boiler efficient
Looking after your central heating and hot water boiler is an important way to save energy.
As a general rule:
- boilers that get checked regularly are more efficient
- boilers over 10 years old are normally only 50 to 65% efficient
- new boilers are up to 95% more efficient
- wall-mounted boilers are more efficient than floor-mounted boilers
Find out how to improve boiler efficiency on the British Gas website.
Smart meters
Smart meters show:
- how much gas and electricity your home is using
- how much your energy bill will be each month
They're more accurate and easier to read than older energy meters.
If you don't have a smart meter, ask your energy supplier for a free upgrade.
Efficient home appliances
When you buy a new household appliance, like a fridge or dishwasher, look for the energy label on the appliance.
The label will show the energy rating of the appliance, from A to G.
A is the highest and most energy efficient rating. G is the lowest and least energy-efficient rating.
If they're the same size, an A-rated appliance will use less than half the energy of a G-rated appliance.
Find information about energy labels and how to choose energy efficient appliances on the Energy Saving Trust website.
Help to save energy for private tenants and property owners
If you own your property or get permission from your landlord, energy suppliers can help to make your home more energy efficient.
Rented properties need to comply with the national minimum energy efficiency standards.
Contact your energy supplier to find out what they can do to help.
Schemes and grants to save energy for private tenants and property owners
Warmer Homes Programme
The Warmer Homes Programme delivers fully funded energy efficiency improvements for your home to save you money on your energy bills.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The government provides grants to encourage property owners to install low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps.
Energy Company Obligation
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government scheme which require some energy suppliers to help with the cost of improving a home’s energy efficiency.
More energy saving advice
The Energy Saving Trust
By being energy efficient you can:
- use less energy
- save money
- still keep your home warm
- produce less carbon dioxide, which helps slow down climate change
The Energy Saving Trust gives free and impartial advice to help you become more energy efficient.
Ofgem Energy Aware campaign and winter guidance
Ofgem’s Energy Aware campaign aims to champion consumer rights and give positive, actionable advice.
View the latest energy advice, support and information on Ofgem's website.