As UK households brace for another rise in energy costs — with Ofgem increasing the price cap by 2% from October 2025, pushing average bills to £1,755 a year — energy-saving home improvements are no longer optional luxuries. They’re essential. Especially with winter around the corner, families across the country are searching for ways to reduce energy use, stay warm, and keep costs manageable.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your home more energy efficient. With the right combination of smart DIY projects and targeted investments, you can cut your bills and increase comfort — without turning your life upside down.
Here’s how.
Why Are Energy-Saving Upgrades So Important in 2025?
According to Ofgem, the average UK household will now pay around £1,755 per year on gas and electricity. And while this is a small increase compared to previous years, the long-term trend remains worrying — particularly for low-income families, pensioners, and disabled people.
A key driver of this cost is the UK’s ongoing reliance on fossil fuels, which remain volatile due to global events like the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, many older UK homes are poorly insulated, drafty, or reliant on outdated heating systems — meaning more energy is wasted, and bills creep higher.
The solution? A smarter, more energy-efficient home.
Quick Wins: Low-Cost Energy-Saving Improvements Anyone Can Do
If you’re just starting out, focus on small DIY upgrades that make a noticeable difference.
- Draught-proof windows and doors: Use adhesive foam strips, silicone sealant or draft excluders. A properly sealed door can reduce heat loss by up to 15%.
- Seal floorboards and skirting boards: Gaps around skirting and wooden floors are common culprits for heat loss. Use a flexible filler to seal them.
- Install thermal curtains or blinds: Thick, lined curtains can trap heat and prevent cold air from sneaking in.
- Switch to LED bulbs: They use up to 80% less energy than incandescent ones and last 10x longer.
- Use radiator reflector panels: These reflect heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through the walls.
Together, these small changes can reduce energy waste and make your home feel warmer — without touching your boiler.
Bigger Impact Upgrades (Still Worth the Cost)
If you have the budget to invest in longer-term changes, these upgrades offer strong returns:
- Loft insulation: An uninsulated loft can lose 25% of your home’s heat. Installing 270mm of insulation can save up to £400 per year depending on your home type. Read our loft storage guide for dual-purpose ideas.
- Cavity wall insulation: If your home was built after the 1920s, you likely have cavity walls. Filling them could save up to £300 a year.
- Upgrade your boiler: Replacing an old G-rated boiler with a modern condensing one can save up to £500 annually, especially in larger homes.
- Install a smart thermostat: Devices like Hive or Nest allow better temperature control, learning your habits and reducing waste.
- Double or triple glazing: While pricey, replacing single-glazed windows can reduce drafts and noise, making your home more energy efficient and comfortable.
These investments pay off over time — both in savings and in property value.
Energy-Efficient DIY Projects That Save You Money
Not all upgrades need a builder. These simple weekend projects can help you take control:
- Paint radiators with reflective paint: Helps bounce more heat into the room.
- Create thermal blind inserts: A layer of thermal fabric inside Roman blinds adds insulation and looks stylish too.
- Insulate your loft hatch: Easy to overlook, but that hatch can leak heat fast. Add a foam seal or insulation board.
- Insulate exposed pipes: Foam lagging on hot water pipes conserves heat and prevents freezing in colder months.
And while you’re at it, clear out the clutter to improve airflow around radiators and heating sources.
How Self Storage Can Help During Home Improvements
Here’s something most people forget: energy-saving upgrades usually require space. Whether you’re replacing a boiler, fitting insulation, or simply sealing around floorboards, moving furniture out of the way helps you (or your tradesperson) work faster and safer.
- That’s where temporary storage comes in handy.
- Store bulky furniture during loft insulation or room refits
- Free up the loft or spare room to actually carry out improvements
- Keep clutter out of the way so you can work more efficiently
Space Centre Self Storage offers clean, dry, affordable units with flexible short-term options. Perfect for DIYers or anyone updating their home. Explore storage options near you and make sure you avoid making these common storage mistakes.
How Can I Make My Home More Energy Efficient Without Spending a Fortune?
Great question. Focus on:
- Sealing gaps and drafts
- Adding insulation where it matters most (loft, hot water pipes)
- Using heating more intelligently with programmable thermostats
- Removing clutter from radiators and heating vents
- Replacing lighting with efficient LED options
Most of these changes cost under £100 — and many can be done in a single afternoon.
Do Energy-Saving Home Improvements Really Cut Bills?
Yes. Even modest upgrades make a difference. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average UK home can cut its energy use by 20–30% through basic efficiency improvements.
That’s hundreds of pounds saved per year — not to mention the comfort benefits. Plus, more energy-efficient homes often command higher resale values, making them more attractive to future buyers or renters.
Final Thoughts: Energy-Saving Home Improvements
The earlier you act, the more you’ll save — especially as colder months approach and demand for insulation, tradespeople, and energy-efficient tech increases.
Don’t wait until your heating bills spike. Start with small, manageable improvements and build from there. And if space is tight during your updates, consider self storage to simplify the process. Got questions about self storage? Here are 10 questions many people ask.
It’s not about living with less — it’s about living smarter, warmer, and cheaper with simple but effective energy-saving home improvements.