How to make your home more energy efficient

Improving the energy efficiency of your home can mean either making changes to the building, or simply changing your behaviour to save energy. Energy Performance Certificates will give you advice on both of these areas.

Installing energy-efficient measures

Here is a list of some of the measures that the certificate might recommend:

• Low-energy lightbulbs. These last up to 12 times longer and use around 80 per cent less energy than traditional filament bulbs
• Hot water tank jackets. These cost from around £10, and can cut heat loss by around 75 per cent
• Loft insulation. Fitting insulation that's at least 250mm thick could cut heat loss by around 30 per cent.
• Cavity wall insulation. If you have unfilled cavity walls, installing insulation could cut heat loss by over 30 per cent.

The cost of the measures recommended will vary, but the certificate will distinguish between those that cost under £500 (such as those above) and those that could cost more, such as double glazing or new heating systems. The certificate will also list further measures that will help achieve the highest possible ratings for the home, but which could be expensive and will take more than seven years to repay their cost in energy savings.

Behaviour changes

There are also simple ways that you can improve your energy efficiency, simply by changing how you use your home:

• Check that your heating system thermostat isn't set too high (21 degrees C in the living room is suggested), and use the timer or programmer so you only heat your home when necessary.
• Make sure your hot water isn't too hot. Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60 degrees C/140 degrees F.
• Turn off lights when they aren't needed, and don't leave appliances on standby. Remember not to leave chargers (eg for mobile phones) turned on when you aren't using them.
• Sample Energy Performance Certificate.

The exact form of the Energy Performance Certificate will vary according to the sector use and size of the building. The detailed design of the certificate to be used for marketed sale of dwellings is still being finalised.

Other organisations that can help

The Energy Saving Trust
Advice on saving energy, improving your home and accessing grants.

Climate Challenge
Information on the Government's Climate Change Communication Initiative.

The European Commission
Information on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.