Ever glance at your energy bills and think, “How much? This can’t go on!”
You’re not alone. Families across the UK are fed up giving so much money to energy companies and are looking for ways to cut down on their bills.
The trouble is, knowing what’s best for your home (and your wallet) isn’t as simple as it seems.
Let’s journey through some of the most impactful home energy upgrades, without getting lost in acronyms or jargon. We’ll give it to you straight, simple, and budget-savvy.
Here is a countdown of our top 7 home energy upgrades…
Heat pumps are a highly efficient, low-carbon heat source that are widely regarded as the future of heating and hot water.
The trouble is, they can be relatively expensive to operate because electricity in the UK costs roughly four times as much as gas—especially in homes with poor insulation. Therefore, it’s best to improve insulation first, so the heat pump can run efficiently and cost-effectively.
The most common type of heat pump is an air source heat pump, which can cost anywhere from £10,000 to £15,000, significantly more than a new gas-boiler (~£4,000). Grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can shave off up to £7,500, and further savings can be achieved by switching to a heat pump specific energy tariff, like the Cosy Octopus tariff from Octopus Energy.
By swapping out a G-rated gas boiler, a household could save around £290 yearly and potentially cut 2.9 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. However, before considering switching to a heat pump, BHESCo always encourages our clients to make their home as energy efficient as possible.
Smart thermostats and radiator valves let you control your heating from your phone and set schedules to match your lifestyle.
Installing a smart system costs around £200–£800, with typical annual savings of £75–£200.
That’s a payback period of 3–5 years, plus you can cut heat consumption by up to 16% while keeping your home cosy.
Examples include Nest by Google and Hive by British Gas.
A typical 4kW solar panel system typically costs £9,000–£12,000, with an added battery costing £2,000–£4,000. Households can save around £700–£950 per year on electricity, with greater savings if using battery storage.
The payback period is usually 6–10 years, and panels can last up to 25 years, offering long-term energy independence and potential income from exporting surplus energy.
Additional expenses include scaffolding (£200–£500) and updating home insurance (£50–£100/year) to cover the system. Solar panels combined with battery storage are a smart, long-term investment for lower bills and a greener home.
Swap your old bulbs for LEDs and watch your energy use for lighting plummet by up to 85%.
For a whole home, the switch might cost roughly £100–£500 but could save £50–£100 per year.
It’s one of the quickest and simplest energy upgrades you can make. Bright, efficient, and instantly satisfying, your wallet and your planet will thank you.
LEDs also last up to 20 times longer than traditional bulbs, meaning fewer replacements and less waste. And with a wide range of styles and colour tones, you don’t have to compromise on ambience to save money.
Seal gaps around doors, windows, and chimneys to keep warm air in and cold air out.
Simple fixes like weatherstripping or draught excluders typically cost £5–£20, depending on your home.
You could save up to £85 per year on energy bills and reduce heat loss by 10–15%. Quick, affordable, and instantly effective.
Cavity wall insulation keeps heat in and energy bills down, reduces carbon emissions and makes your home more energy efficient.
Properly installed, it can save up to £405 per year for detached homes, with semi-detached homes saving around £235. The cost is typically £1,000–£1,500, with a payback period of 4–11 years.
This only works for homes with an uninsulated cavity. Installation involves pumping insulation into the wall cavity through small exterior holes, so it’s important to use a professional installer.
In exposed coastal or windy areas, insulation can trap moisture and cause damp; therefore, expert assessment is essential.
Warm air trapped inside your home, winter chills held at bay, and a proud smile when you open your heating bill.
Properly insulating your loft can save up to £340 per year for detached homes and around £235 for semi-detached homes.
Typical cost ranges from £1,000–£1,500, with payback in 4–8 years.
There are different types of loft insulation, with varying costs and effectiveness. Blanket insulation (like mineral wool rolls) is common and easy to install, while loft boards or rigid foam boards can give higher thermal performance.
Loose-fill insulation can fill awkward spaces and gaps. Choosing the right type depends on your loft structure, budget, and how much energy you want to save.
Proper insulation also boosts comfort, improves your EPC rating, and reduces your carbon footprint. Professional installation is recommended for the best results.
Compare your options at a glance:
Which of these upgrades will make the most difference to your bills?
That’s the million-pound question or, more accurately, the energy bill question. Every home is different, and what works wonders for one household might be just “meh” for another. That’s why BHESCo is here.
From your first home energy survey to the final switch-on, we handle every detail and keep you informed every step of the way. Whether it’s insulation, solar panels, or smart energy systems, we make the process simple, stress-free, and tailored to your home.
Big energy upgrades can feel overwhelming, but we turn that stress into action. No guesswork, no hassle, just expert advice, personalised for your home, with a team that takes care of the tricky bits so you can enjoy the results.
If going solar seems daunting, BHESCo’s community solar programmes make it easy. We install solar panels at no upfront cost with our unique Pay As You Save finance model. While this model isn’t available for individual households, we work with neighbourhoods and groups of 10 homes or more. This way, you and your neighbours can enjoy greener energy, lower bills, and shared benefits, effortlessly and stress-free.
Count on us to help you make the right choice!
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