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.

The Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust gives free and impartial advice to help you become more energy efficient.

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

Ofgem Energy Aware Campaign and winter guidance  

Ofgem’s Energy Aware campaign aims to champion consumer rights and give positive, actionable advice.

Visit Ofgem’s website for the latest energy advice, support and information.

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 most 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 and 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, you can 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.

You can 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.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The government provides grants to encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps.

Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Energy Company Obligation

Under Energy Company Obligation (ECO), medium and larger energy suppliers pay to install energy efficient measures in British households.

Suppliers can provide:

  • wall insulation
  • loft insulation
  • boiler repairs or replacement
  • heating measures such as a smart thermostat

Who can apply for ECO funding

To apply for ECO funding you must own your property or get permission from your landlord to apply.

Please check the other criteria before you apply.

You can also use the Ofgem postcode checker to check if your address can get help from the ECO.

How to apply for ECO funding

To ask for ECO funding you can: