Energy efficiency means getting the result you need while using less energy. So, you can cut waste without simply going without heating, lighting or other things you need.
What Is Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency is about how well energy is used.
For example, two homes may be kept at the same temperature. However, one may need much more energy because it loses heat faster.
The same idea applies to appliances.
Two products may do the same job, but one may use less electricity.
So, energy efficiency is not simply about using less.
It is about using energy better.
Efficiency and Energy Saving
These ideas are closely linked, but they are not quite the same.
You can save energy by doing something less.
For example:
Using a tumble dryer less often → energy saving
You can also save energy by making something more efficient.
For example:
Improving insulation → less energy needed to keep the home warm
Both can lower energy use.
However, the second example improves how well the home uses the energy in the first place.
Start With Heat Loss
Heating can be a major part of home energy use.
However, once heat enters your home, it starts to escape.
Heat can leave through:
- the roof
- walls
- windows
- doors
- floors
- gaps and draughts
So, a home that loses heat quickly needs more heating to stay warm.
Reducing that heat loss can make the home easier to keep comfortable.
Learn more: Insulation and Heat Loss →
Stop Unwanted Draughts
Some ventilation is needed to help manage moisture and keep indoor air healthy.
However, uncontrolled draughts can let warm air escape and cold air enter.
Common problem areas include:
- gaps around windows
- gaps around doors
- letterboxes
- unused chimneys
- gaps around floors or pipes
So, sealing unwanted gaps can help.
However, don’t block vents or other openings that are needed for safe ventilation.
Learn more: Draught Proofing and Ventilation →
Windows, Doors and Floors
Heat can also escape through windows, doors and floors.
There are several ways to reduce this.
For example:
- better glazing
- well-fitting doors
- suitable floor insulation
- curtains or blinds
- sealing unwanted gaps
Some changes cost very little. Others can be expensive.
So, start with the problems that are most likely to make a useful difference in your home.
Learn more: Windows, Doors and Floors →
Use Heating Well
A well-insulated home can still waste energy if the heating is poorly controlled.
So, also look at:
- heating times
- room temperature
- radiator controls
- rooms you rarely use
- hot-water settings
The aim is simple:
Heat the home when and where you need it.
Learn more: Boiler and Heating Controls →
Appliances Matter Too
Heating is only one part of energy use.
Your home also uses electricity for things such as:
- fridges and freezers
- washing machines
- tumble dryers
- dishwashers
- televisions
- computers
- cooking
- lighting
Some appliances use much more energy than others.
Also, how long you use an appliance can matter as much as its power.
Learn more: Appliance Electricity Use →
Check Energy Labels
Many new appliances have an energy label.
This can help you compare similar products.
However, don’t look only at the letter on the label.
Also, check the stated energy use.
A larger appliance may use more energy overall even if it has a good efficiency rating.
So, compare products that meet the same need.
Does Newer Always Mean Better?
No.
A newer product may be more efficient. However, replacing something that still works also costs money.
So, don’t replace an appliance simply because a newer model uses less energy.
Instead, consider:
- how much the old appliance uses
- how much the new one would use
- how often you use it
- the purchase price
- how much money you could actually save
Then you can decide whether replacing it makes sense.
Small Changes or Big Changes?
Energy improvements range from very small changes to major building work.
For example:
Smaller changes
- adjust heating times
- stop unwanted draughts
- use appliance settings well
- switch things off when not needed
Larger changes
- add insulation
- replace windows
- improve the heating system
- install a heat pump
- add solar panels
A large project is not automatically the best first step.
Instead, look at the cost, likely saving and effect on comfort.
Look at Your Own Home
General advice can help. However, every home is different.
For example, one home may have poor loft insulation.
Another may have good insulation but old heating controls.
A third may use a lot of electricity through appliances.
So, try to find where your energy is going.
Your bills, meter readings and smart-meter data can all help.
Your EPC Can Help
An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, gives information about the energy performance of a property.
It can also suggest possible improvements.
However, an EPC is a model of the property. It is not a record of exactly how much energy you personally use.
So, use it as one source of information rather than treating it as your actual energy bill.
Learn more: Understanding Your EPC →
Start With the Easy Wins
Before spending a lot of money, check the basics.
Ask:
- Am I heating rooms when I don’t need to?
- Is heat escaping through obvious gaps?
- Could insulation be improved?
- Which appliances use the most electricity?
- Am I paying attention to both energy use and energy price?
Then, start with changes that offer a useful benefit for a sensible cost.
Key Points
- Energy efficiency means getting the result you need while using less energy.
- Energy saving and energy efficiency are not quite the same. You can save energy by using something less, or by making it work more efficiently.
- Reducing heat loss can cut the amount of energy needed for heating. Insulation, draught proofing and other improvements can all help.
- Stop unwanted draughts, but keep the ventilation your home needs.
- Use your heating controls well. Heat your home when and where you need it rather than wasting heat.
- Appliances matter too. Look at how much energy they use and how often you use them.
- Check energy labels when buying appliances, but compare the actual energy use as well as the rating.
- Don’t replace something just because a newer model is more efficient. Compare the cost of replacement with the energy and money you are likely to save.
- Start with simple changes. Small, low-cost improvements can sometimes offer better value than expensive work.
- Look at your own home. Your bills, meter readings, smart-meter data and EPC can help you find where energy is being used.
- Compare cost with benefit. Think about energy savings, bill savings and comfort before paying for major improvements.
- Most importantly, find where energy is being wasted, then deal with the problems that matter most.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
Next: Insulation and Heat Loss →
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