If you’re planning major home improvements, it’s a great opportunity to make your property more energy efficient at the same time. Rather than focusing on small changes, this approach looks at bigger upgrades that can significantly reduce both energy bills and carbon emissions. By combining energy improvements with existing work, you can often save on costs and minimise disruption.
Ideally, energy upgrades should be part of a longer-term “whole-house” plan, where each improvement supports the next. However, if that’s not possible, there are still smart “while you’re there” options to consider during renovations.
For example, if you’re already working on your roof and have scaffolding in place, it could be an ideal time to install solar panels. This can lower your energy bills and even generate income through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee. Adding battery storage can further increase the benefits.
If you’re replacing floors, installing insulation at the same time is a simple way to improve warmth and efficiency, helping to cut heating costs and reduce heat loss. Similarly, if you’re renovating a room, adding wall insulation can make a big difference, as a large proportion of heat escapes through uninsulated walls.
Upgrading your heating system also presents an opportunity. If you’re installing underfloor heating, it may be worth considering a heat pump, which works efficiently at lower temperatures and can significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
Whatever improvements you choose, it’s important to use qualified installers and compare quotes to ensure good quality work. Overall, planning energy upgrades alongside other home improvements can make your home more comfortable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long term.
There’s much more on all these topics in an extended version of this article on the Energy Saving Trust’s website.
