Top 10 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient in 2025

With energy prices remaining high and climate change driving government action, 2025 is the year to make your home more energy efficient. From cutting monthly bills to lowering your carbon footprint, investing in efficiency upgrades can transform both your home and your finances.

The good news? Many improvements are supported by government schemes like ECO4, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and local council grants, meaning homeowners can access upgrades at little or no cost.

Here are the top 10 ways to make your home more energy efficient in 2025 — plus how much you could save, which grants are available, and which upgrades make the biggest difference.

1. Upgrade to Solar Panels

Solar panels remain one of the most effective ways to cut household electricity costs. By generating your own renewable energy, you reduce reliance on the grid and protect yourself against price hikes.

  • Average Cost (2025): £5,000–£8,000 for a typical 4kW system.

  • Average Savings: £500–£900 per year on bills; more with a battery (£1,000+).

  • Government Support: ECO4 funding for eligible households; Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for selling excess power back to the grid.

  • Lifespan: 25–30 years, with very little maintenance.

Solar panels are a long-term investment, often paying for themselves in under 10 years while adding value to your home.

2. Install a Heat Pump

Heating accounts for more than 60% of the average UK household’s energy bills. A heat pump is one of the most efficient ways to heat your home and water.

  • Types: Air source (most common, £7,000–£12,000) and ground source (£15,000–£25,000).

  • Savings: Switching from electric heating can save £900+ annually; switching from oil saves £500+.

  • Grants: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers up to £7,500 off installation; ECO4 may fund heat pumps entirely for low-income households.

  • Best For: Well-insulated homes, particularly in off-gas areas.

Pairing a heat pump with solar panels makes your home even more efficient, cutting both heating and electricity costs.

3. Replace Your Old Boiler

If your boiler is over 10–15 years old, replacing it with an A-rated condensing boiler can massively reduce fuel use.

  • Cost: £2,500–£4,000 on average.

  • Savings: Up to £300–£600 annually.

  • Schemes: Under ECO4, qualifying households can get a free boiler upgrade.

  • Extra Benefit: Modern boilers work better with smart thermostats and heating controls.

Even households not eligible for grants find that a boiler upgrade pays for itself within a few years thanks to energy savings.

4. Improve Your Loft Insulation

Around 25% of a home’s heat is lost through the roof if it’s not insulated. Loft insulation is one of the cheapest and quickest upgrades available.

  • Cost: £500–£1,500 depending on loft size and type.

  • Savings: £300–£400 annually.

  • Funding: ECO4 covers loft insulation for many households.

  • Lifespan: 40+ years.

It’s often said that loft insulation “pays for itself in two years” — and it’s true.

5. Install Cavity or Solid Wall Insulation

Walls can account for 35% of heat loss in a poorly insulated home.

  • Cavity Wall Insulation: £1,200–£2,000, saving £200–£250 per year.

  • Solid Wall Insulation: £8,000–£12,000, saving £400–£500 per year.

  • Grants: ECO4 and Home Upgrade Grant schemes support wall insulation.

While more expensive than loft insulation, wall insulation is one of the most effective ways to increase your home’s EPC rating.

6. Invest in Smart Heating Controls

Smart thermostats and heating controls give you full control over your home’s heating schedule, ensuring you never waste energy heating empty rooms.

  • Cost: £200–£400 for a smart thermostat and additional controls.

  • Savings: Around £100–£150 annually.

  • Benefits: Remote control via apps, learning your heating patterns, and zoning features for multi-room efficiency.

Combining smart heating controls with a new boiler or heat pump maximises energy savings.

7. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Single-glazed or older double-glazed windows allow significant heat loss. Upgrading to modern double or triple glazing improves comfort and efficiency.

  • Cost: £3,000–£7,000 depending on property size.

  • Savings: £150–£300 annually.

  • Extra Benefit: Reduces draughts, improves security, and adds value to your property.

Even small upgrades like draught-proofing and secondary glazing make a noticeable difference.

8. Switch to LED Lighting

Lighting accounts for up to 15% of household electricity use. Replacing halogen and incandescent bulbs with LEDs is a low-cost, high-impact change.

  • Cost: £2–£10 per bulb.

  • Savings: Up to £80–£100 annually for a typical household.

  • Lifespan: LEDs last up to 25 years.

LED lighting is one of the simplest, cheapest ways to cut energy waste instantly.

9. Consider Solar Water Heating

While solar PV panels generate electricity, solar thermal panels can be used to heat water.

  • Cost: £4,000–£6,000.

  • Savings: £150–£200 annually.

  • Best For: Homes with high hot water usage (families, shared households).

While less popular than PV systems, solar water heating can be a smart add-on if your roof is suitable.

10. Make Lifestyle Changes and Adopt Energy Habits

Not every efficiency improvement requires major investment. Simple lifestyle changes can also make a big difference.

  • Turn down the thermostat by 1°C: saves around £100 per year.

  • Wash clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C.

  • Use energy-efficient appliances (look for A-rated models).

  • Switch off standby devices and use smart plugs.

  • Reduce shower times and fit water-saving showerheads.

These habits don’t cost much — but when combined with bigger upgrades, they compound into serious savings.

Bonus Tip: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Integration

If you own an EV or are planning to buy one, integrating a home charging system with solar panels can maximise efficiency. Solar energy can power your car directly, reducing running costs and your reliance on public chargers.

Conclusion

Making your home more energy efficient in 2025 is no longer just about reducing bills — it’s about future-proofing your property, increasing comfort, and reducing carbon emissions.

The top 10 upgrades range from simple, low-cost fixes like LED lighting to major investments like solar panels and heat pumps. With government schemes such as ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, many UK households can access these improvements for free or heavily discounted.

👉 Check your eligibility today to see which energy-saving upgrades you qualify for — and start reducing your bills immediately.