Practical Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency in Your Home

Why Energy Efficiency Matters for UK Homes

Improving your home’s energy efficiency isn’t just about saving on bills — it can make your space more comfortable, reduce environmental impact, and increase the value of your property. For landlords and investors, it’s also becoming a legal necessity, with proposals in place for rental properties to meet an EPC rating of C by 2030.

Whether you’re upgrading your own home or working on a rental property, focusing on energy efficiency helps you future-proof your investment. You can also learn more about the implications of EPC changes in our EPC requirements for landlords by 2030 blog or explore how we support property investment across Yorkshire and beyond.

Start with an Energy Assessment or EPC Check

The best place to begin is by understanding your home’s current performance. If you own a rental property, you should already have an EPC certificate. These are valid for 10 years and include practical suggestions for improving energy efficiency.

If you don’t have an up-to-date EPC or want more detailed advice, you can book a professional home energy assessment. This helps identify which improvements will have the biggest impact — from insulation upgrades to new heating controls.

Visit the UK Government website to find an accredited assessor or speak to an advisor about your options.

Insulation Upgrades That Make the Most Impact

One of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency is through insulation. A “fabric first” approach means tackling the structure of the building — starting with roof, wall, and floor insulation.

In our own projects, we typically:

• Add mineral wool insulation in lofts to retain heat affordably

• Install internal wall insulation on any walls that are exposed to the outside

• Avoid spray foam due to complications with breathability and future mortgageability

Insulating properly not only helps you retain warmth but also reduces strain on your heating system. The Which? guide on home insulation offers a useful breakdown of your options.

If you're working with an older home or a Victorian terrace, it's especially important to consider breathable materials and proper ventilation.

Improve Windows, Doors and Airtightness

Heat loss often happens around the edges — through draughts, gaps, and poorly sealed fittings. Upgrading to double-glazed windows and modern doors can have a major impact, especially when combined with insulation.

We always recommend sealing gaps around skirting boards and windows, using draught-proofing strips or caulk. These small changes add up, especially in winter months.

If you're planning a full refurbishment, replacing windows and doors should be part of your home renovation scope from the outset.

Smarter Heating and Hot Water Systems

Upgrading heating systems is another high-impact change. You don’t always need to replace the boiler — though this can be beneficial if it’s old and inefficient. Sometimes the biggest improvements come from:

• Installing programmable thermostats

• Using thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)

• Setting heating zones with smart controls

In more ambitious projects, we’ve supported clients exploring heat pumps as an alternative to gas heating. While not right for every home, these can offer strong long-term savings and better efficiency.

For more government-led guidance on heating systems and technology options, the Energy Efficient Home website is a helpful starting point.

Renewable Energy for Residential Homes

For homeowners thinking long-term, renewable energy options such as solar panels are worth considering. While the upfront cost can be significant, they reduce your reliance on the grid and can help stabilise bills over time.

Many of our clients explore solar when planning a larger refurbishment or re-roofing project. If you’re already opening up the fabric of the building, it can make sense to integrate renewable technology at the same time.

If you’re looking at this route, we can help explore how it fits into your wider property renovation or investment strategy.

Tips for Landlords and Buy-to-Let Properties

For landlords, improving energy efficiency isn’t just about comfort — it’s a key factor in staying compliant. As discussed in our guide to EPC changes for landlords and rental properties, new government proposals aim for a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030.

Energy efficiency upgrades to consider in buy-to-let properties include:

• Loft or roof insulation

• Double glazing and insulated doors

• Modern electric heaters or smart thermostats

• Low-energy lighting and appliance choices

These improvements also help attract better tenants and reduce maintenance issues.

We work with investors across Yorkshire to support high-performing, compliant homes — whether for HMO properties, standard buy-to-lets, or holiday lets.

Final Thoughts on Improving Your Home's Energy Rating

Improving your home’s energy performance is one of the smartest upgrades you can make — whether you live there yourself or rent it out.

The right improvements not only boost your EPC score, they also reduce running costs and make your property more attractive to buyers and tenants alike. If you're already planning a renovation, this is the perfect time to build in the improvements that will futureproof your home.

Want tailored advice on your own project? Contact us to discuss your goals, and let’s explore the most effective ways to make your property more energy efficient.