Last updated: April 2026
Practical energy efficiency improvements for every room in your home, from the kitchen to the loft.
The kitchen is one of the most energy-intensive rooms. Use your dishwasher on eco mode (uses less water and energy than hand washing). Cover pots with lids when cooking (uses 30% less energy). Use the right size ring for your pan. Defrost food in the fridge overnight instead of using the microwave. Keep fridge temperature at 3-5°C and freezer at -18°C. Do not overfill your fridge or block air vents.
Use radiator reflector panels behind radiators on external walls to reduce heat loss. Close curtains at dusk and consider thermal-lined curtains for single-glazed windows. Switch off the TV and games console at the wall when not in use. Use a smart plug to cut standby power. If you have a fireplace you do not use, fit a chimney balloon to prevent warm air escaping.
Reduce shower time by 1 minute (saves ~£12/year per person). Fix dripping taps — a dripping hot water tap wastes enough energy to fill a bath every week. Install a water-efficient shower head (saves water heating costs without reducing water pressure). Do not leave the heated towel rail on 24/7 — use a timer.
Use an electric blanket instead of heating the whole room at night (costs around 2p per night). Set radiator thermostatic valves lower in bedrooms than living areas (16-18°C is comfortable for sleeping). Close bedroom doors to prevent heat migrating to unused rooms. Use LED bedside lamps instead of overhead lights.
Check your loft insulation depth — it should be at least 270mm (about 10 inches). Top up insulation for around £5 per roll from DIY stores. Insulate the loft hatch with a draught strip and insulation board. If you have a hot water cylinder in the loft, ensure it has an insulating jacket (saves ~£35/year). Lag hot water pipes in unheated areas.
The kitchen typically uses the most electricity due to the fridge-freezer (running 24/7), oven, dishwasher, and kettle. However, the living room often contributes most to heating costs as it is usually heated to the highest temperature for the longest periods.
If you spend most of your time in one or two rooms, it is cheaper to use radiator thermostatic valves to lower heating in unused rooms rather than heating the whole house to the same temperature. However, you should maintain a minimum temperature of 12-15°C in all rooms to prevent damp and condensation.
Smart thermostats like Hive, Nest, or tado° can save £75-£150 per year by learning your routine, adjusting heating based on whether you are home, and allowing remote control via your phone. The savings come from not heating an empty house and more precise temperature control.
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Information sourced from Ofgem, Citizens Advice, and DESNZ. Last updated April 2026.
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