Here are some affordable ways to make your home more energy-efficient:

For home-owners

  • Improve insulation in the attic, walls, and floors
  • Use LED light bulbs and install a programmable thermostat
  • Regularly service your boiler or replace it with a new, energy-efficient one
  • Check for gaps and cracks around your home's exterior and seal them
  • Install weatherstripping around doors and windows
  • Use a hot water tank jacket to insulate your hot water tank
  • Install a low-flow showerhead to reduce water usage and heating costs
  • Use curtains or blinds to block out the sun in the summer and retain heat in the winter
  • Unplug appliances when they're not in use to avoid standby energy consumption
  • Install low-emissivity (low-e) glass on windows to reduce heat loss
  • Consider installing solar panels or a solar water heating system to generate your own renewable energy
  • Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of a tumble dryer to save energy and money on laundry
  • Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models that have the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label
  • Install a chimney balloon to prevent drafts from entering your home through the chimney

By making these changes, you can reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint while making your home more comfortable. Remember, small changes can add up to big savings on your energy bills, and choosing to make your home more energy-efficient is also good for the environment.

For tenants 

  • Install draft excluders on doors and windows
  • Use thermal curtains or blinds to retain heat in the winter
  • Use LED light bulbs instead of traditional bulbs
  • Install a smart thermostat to control your heating more efficiently
  • Talk to your landlord about installing insulation in the attic, walls, and floors
  • Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping
  • Use a hot water tank jacket to insulate your hot water tank
  • Unplug appliances when not in use to avoid standby energy consumption
  • Consider using a portable space heater or fan instead of heating or cooling the entire home
  • Talk to your landlord about replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models

Remember, tenants can also play a role in making their homes more energy-efficient, and many of these improvements can be done at little or no cost. By making these changes, you can save money on your energy bills and help to reduce your carbon footprint.

For landlords

As a landlord, you have a responsibility to ensure that your rental properties are safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient for your tenants. Retrofitting your properties can not only improve the quality of life for your tenants, but it can also save you money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some retrofitting ideas for landlords to consider:

  • Insulate your rental properties Installing insulation in the attic, walls, and floors can help to keep your properties warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This can reduce your tenants' energy bills and make your properties more attractive to prospective tenants.
  • Upgrade your heating system Replacing an old, inefficient boiler with a new, energy-efficient one can save you money on energy bills and improve the comfort of your tenants. You may also want to consider installing a smart thermostat to help your tenants control their heating more efficiently.
  • Install double-glazed windows Double-glazed windows can help to reduce heat loss and noise pollution in your properties. They can also help to make your properties more attractive to prospective tenants.
  • Consider renewable energy options Installing solar panels or a solar water heating system can help you generate your own renewable energy and reduce your tenants' energy bills. You may also want to consider installing a small wind turbine or a heat pump.
  • Seal gaps and cracks Sealing gaps and cracks around windows and doors can help to prevent drafts and keep your properties warmer in the winter. This can also reduce your tenants' energy bills and improve their comfort.
  • Use energy-efficient lighting Replacing traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs can help to reduce your tenants' energy bills and improve the lighting in your properties.

Remember, making your rental properties more energy-efficient not only benefits your tenants, but it can also save you money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. By retrofitting your properties, you can create a more comfortable and attractive living environment for your tenants while also contributing to a sustainable future.