Energy efficiency at home

More an more people are now recognising the need to look at how they can make their homes more energy efficient.

Why be energy efficient?

Having an energy efficient home means that you (or your tenants) will be causing less damage to the environment and will be rewarded with cheaper energy bills.

The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), into the atmosphere, causing climate change. The UK is already experiencing the effects of climate change, which include more extreme weather events like strong winds and flooding.

Over a quarter of the UK's annual CO₂ emissions come from the energy we use in our homes.

By being energy efficient, you can:

• save energy and reduce your contribution to climate change (the average household could save around two tonnes of CO₂ a year by making their home energy efficient),
• increase the comfort of your home
• save yourself money.

What can I do as a private homeowner or tenant

• No-cost and low-cost ways to save energy and money in the home
• Other ways to save energy in the home
• Home energy efficiency grants, loans and discounts
• Buying your energy
• Useful contacts

What can I do as a council or housing association tenant

• Energy efficiency improvements under the Decent Homes programme
• No-cost and low-cost ways to save energy and money in the home
• Buying your energy
• Useful contacts

What can I do as a council leaseholder

• Energy efficiency improvements under the Decent Homes programme
• No-cost and low-cost ways to save energy and money in the home
• Home energy efficiency grants, loans and discounts
• Buying your energy
• Useful contacts

Other energy efficiency measures

There are a wide range of additional energy efficiency incentives, from cheaper tariffs, to money for replacing old fridges and freezers, to discounts on energy saving boilers and insulation. For more information on what is available, please call the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512 012.