Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t always require professional contractors or enormous budgets. With some strategic DIY projects, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption while improving comfort and saving money on monthly bills. These practical improvements can be tackled by homeowners with basic tools and moderate skills, making energy efficiency accessible to everyone.
Simple insulation projects to cut energy bills
Insulation and draught prevention are fundamental aspects of creating an energy-efficient home. According to Kamerolli Home Energy Experts, homes can lose up to a quarter of their heat through the roof and a third through uninsulated walls. Tackling these areas first can yield impressive savings with relatively straightforward DIY work.
Draught-proofing windows and doors
One of the most cost-effective energy improvements you can make is sealing gaps around windows and doors where warm air escapes. Professional draught-proofing can cost around £250 but could save approximately £85 per year in Great Britain and £95 annually in Northern Ireland. For a DIY approach, self-adhesive foam strips work well for movable parts like windows and doors, while silicone sealant is better for fixing gaps between frames and walls. Remember to cover keyholes and letterboxes too, as these often overlooked areas can let in surprising amounts of cold air. Installing draught excluders at the bottom of doors provides another layer of protection against heat loss.
Loft insulation techniques for beginners
Loft insulation represents excellent value for money in terms of energy savings. Topping up existing loft insulation from 120mm to the recommended 270mm thickness can save around £20 per year in Great Britain and £25 per year in Northern Ireland. For a basic DIY loft insulation project, you’ll need mineral wool insulation rolls, a board to kneel on as you work, protective clothing, gloves, and a dust mask. When laying insulation, ensure you cover the entire loft space evenly, including areas between joists, but avoid blocking eaves ventilation. For additional energy retention, consider insulating your hot water cylinder with a specially designed jacket costing about £18, which could save approximately £40 per year in Great Britain and £45 annually in Northern Ireland.
Low-cost lighting and appliance upgrades
While structural improvements offer significant energy savings, smaller changes to lighting and appliances can also make a substantial difference to your home’s overall efficiency with minimal investment and technical skill required.
Installing energy-efficient LED lighting systems
Replacing all household bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs represents one of the simplest yet most effective energy upgrades. This change can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 35kg annually while saving approximately £45 per year in Great Britain and £50 per year in Northern Ireland. When selecting LEDs, check the lumens for brightness rather than wattage, and choose appropriate colour temperatures for different rooms. For kitchens and bathrooms, specialist waterproof fittings may be necessary. Energy-saving lighting can be particularly effective in areas where lights remain on for extended periods, such as hallways or living rooms. Consider installing dimmer switches compatible with LED bulbs to further reduce energy usage when full brightness isn’t needed.
Smart power strips and energy monitoring gadgets
Many household appliances continue drawing power even when not in active use. Simply turning off devices from standby mode could save around £45 annually in Great Britain and £55 per year in Northern Ireland. Smart power strips make this easier by automatically cutting power to peripheral devices when the main device is turned off. For instance, when you switch off your television, the strip will also cut power to connected DVD players, game consoles, and sound systems. Energy monitoring gadgets provide visibility into your consumption patterns, helping identify energy-hungry appliances. Some smart monitors can track individual device usage, allowing for more targeted energy-saving strategies. When purchasing new appliances, prioritise energy efficiency ratings, particularly for frequently used items like refrigerators and washing machines. Remember that laptops use approximately 85% less electricity than desktop computers, making them a more energy-efficient choice for home computing needs.