10 Easy DIY Projects to Save on Energy Bills
With winter comes shorter days, colder nights and often rising energy bills. But the good news is that there are plenty of easy DIY projects you can do to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency, all year round.
If you’re wondering how to save money and create a more energy efficient household, these 10 simple DIY jobs are a great place to start.
1. Draught-proof doors and windows
Even the tiniest gaps around windows, doors and letterboxes can make your home feel colder by letting warm out and cold air in. This forces your heating to work harder to keep rooms comfortable. Self-adhesive draught strips, brush excluders and letterbox flaps are inexpensive ways to seal those gaps and save on heating bills.
2. Insulate your loft hatch
A poorly sealed loft hatch can allow warm air to escape, even if you have loft insulation. Try adding insulation to the hatch and fitting draught-proof strips around the edge to keep your home warmer.
To do this, cut a piece of insulation board or foam to size and attach it to the back of the hatch. Next, apply self-adhesive draught-proof strips around the edges of the frame so it closes snugly.
3. Use radiator reflector foil
Radiators mounted on external walls can lose heat through the brickwork. Fitting radiator reflector panels behind them bounces heat back into the room. You can buy reflector foil from your local DIY shop and cut it to size yourself. It really is that simple.
4. Bleed your radiators
If your radiators are cold to touch in parts, air pockets are likely to blame. Using a radiator bleed key, you can quickly release trapped air, allowing hot water to circulate properly. This improves performance and helps you save on your energy bill.
Read our guide on how to bleed your radiator properly .
5. Insulate exposed pipes
Insulating hot water pipes is one of the quickest payback DIY jobs to save energy and comes with small upfront costs. Foam pipe lagging is cheap, easy to fit and reduces heat loss from exposed hot water pipes. It keeps the heat in water as it travels from your boiler to taps and radiators, meaning you’ll have hotter water for longer – without needing to reheat it.
You can buy foam pipe lagging from a DIY shop. Simply cut it to size and it should fit snugly around your hot water pipes.
6. Install secondary glazing film
If double glazing isn’t an option for you, secondary glazing film is a easy DIY fix. It can be applied to your windows with tape and tightened with a hairdryer, adding an insulating layer to windows and removes some draughts.
7. Upgrade your lighting to LEDs
Switching to LED bulbs is one of the quickest and most cost-effective energy-saving wins. LED light bulbs are energy efficient because they use up to 80% less electricity than old incandescent or halogen bulbs. That means lower running costs every time you switch on the light.
They also last significantly longer, often up to 15-20 years, so you’ll spend less on replacements too.
8. Fit thermal curtains or blinds
Windows typically account for 10–15% of heat loss in the average home, so improving insulation here makes a big difference. Heavy lined curtains or thermal blinds act as an extra barrier, keeping warmth in when they’re closed at night. This simple step helps rooms feel cosier and reduces the demand on your heating system, directly helping you save on your energy bills.
For a budget-friendly DIY option, you can sew a thermal lining to your existing curtains.
9. Seal floorboards and skirting gaps
Old wooden floors often develop small gaps between boards and around skirting, which allow cold draughts to creep in. By using flexible filler or specialist sealant, you can block these gaps and stop heat escaping. Adding rugs is another effective way to provide a little extra insulation and comfort.
10. Choose energy-efficient household appliances
When replacing old appliances, always look for the most energy-efficient household appliances available. Modern fridges, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers can dramatically cut the average electricity usage in your home compared to older models. We recommend A and B rated appliances for the best energy-efficient results.
Bigger upgrades to save long-term
By tackling a few of these simple DIY jobs, you can enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home, reduce your average electricity usage, and make a real difference to your energy bills all year round.
While these DIY jobs can help in the short term, there are a few bigger investments that can bring even greater savings:
- New boiler: A modern A-rated boiler runs far more efficiently than older models. Learn more.
- Underfloor heating: Provides even heat distribution and can reduce wasted energy. Find out more.
- Heat pumps: Renewable and highly efficient, heat pumps can significantly reduce running costs. You might even be eligible for a heat pump grant. See our heat pump options.
These upgrades do involve a larger upfront cost, but they can make your home far more efficient and help you save more money in the long run. If you’d like to learn more, get in touch with us.
FAQs
Is electricity cheaper on weekends?
In the UK, most households are on a standard tariff, so electricity costs the same at all times. However, some time-of-use tariffs (like Economy 7 or smart tariffs) may offer cheaper electricity at night or during off-peak hours. Chat with your energy provider if you’re unsure.
How much can solar panels save?
Solar savings vary depending on roof size, location and energy use, but installing solar panels can reduce your bills by hundreds of pounds a year on average. Plus, you may earn money back through export tariffs for the electricity you generate and don’t use.
Does radiator reflector foil work?
Absolutely! It’s a simple yet proven way to make your radiators more efficient, and it’s ideal for older homes that might be losing a lot of heat through