For most homes, space heating is the biggest energy consumer – but it’s not the only one. From hot water to lighting and appliances, every part of your home plays a role in your energy use. The good news? By focusing on the largest energy users and making simple changes, you can start saving today.

As you can see, heating takes up more than half of your energy use. But addressing smaller areas like lighting and appliances can also make a big difference over time.

Tackle heating – your home’s biggest energy user

Most of your energy is spent keeping your home warm. To make a real impact:

• Insulate: Start with loft and wall insulation to prevent heat escaping.
• Seal draughts: Draught-proof doors and windows to stop the cold getting in.
• Upgrade heating systems: Modern condensing boilers are far more efficient than older models, but for even greater savings, consider switching to a heat pump. These systems use renewable energy to heat your home and are a great way to future-proof your property.
• Use smart controls: Smart thermostats allow you to control your heating more precisely, ensuring you only heat your home when and where it’s needed.

Quick win: Lower your thermostat by just 1°C – you’ll feel the savings on your energy bill while staying cosy.

Hot water – small steps to big savings

Water heating is another significant energy user, but there are easy ways to cut back without compromising comfort:

• Turn down the heat: Many boilers heat water to 60°C or higher by default – often hotter than you need. Lowering the temperature to 50–55°C can save energy while still keeping your water warm enough for daily use.
• Install water-saving showerheads: These reduce the amount of water used without affecting pressure, meaning less water to heat.
• Use timers wisely: Only heat water when you need it, such as during peak morning or evening use. A timer on your boiler or immersion heater ensures hot water is ready when required but avoids wasting energy throughout the day.
• Insulate your hot water tank and pipes: By keeping stored water hotter for longer, insulation reduces the need for reheating and helps cut heat loss.

Quick tip: If your water feels scalding hot from the tap, it’s likely too high – adjust your boiler settings for an immediate energy-saving win!

Appliances – choose energy-efficient options

Your appliances are essential for daily life, but older models can be energy guzzlers. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances when it’s time to replace them can lead to significant savings:

• Fridge-freezers: Modern, insulated models are far more efficient, using a fraction of the energy of older units.
• Dishwashers: Energy-efficient dishwashers use less water and energy per cycle. For maximum savings, always run full loads and use eco modes when available.
• Tumble dryers: These are one of the most energy-intensive appliances. Switching to a heat-pump dryer can drastically reduce energy use. Better yet, air-dry clothes whenever possible.
• Washing machines: Look for models that use less water and have high spin speeds, as these reduce the drying time required. Washing at 30°C or lower also saves energy.
• Cooking: Induction hobs heat faster and are more efficient than traditional ceramic or halogen ones. Pair them with high-quality cookware for the best results.

Top tip: Many appliances use power even when on standby. Unplug devices or use smart plugs to cut off power when they’re not in use. Small changes like this can add up over time!

Switch to LEDs – lighting that lasts

Replacing traditional bulbs with LED equivalents is one of the simplest, most cost-effective changes you can make. They use up to 80% less energy and last much longer.

Simple habits, big results

Sometimes, the easiest changes make the biggest difference. For example:

• Close doors to keep heat where it’s needed.
• Switch off lights and appliances when you’re not using them.
• Install a smart meter to see your energy use in real time and adjust accordingly.

Ready to take action?

Curious about how much energy your home uses – and how you can save?

Try our free Plan Builder tool. It’s a quick and easy way to discover the best energy-saving measures for your home, complete with cost estimates.

By understanding your energy use and making thoughtful changes, you can enjoy a warmer, greener, and more efficient home – now and for years to come.

Image source: The Devon Retrofit Guide [PDF]