Energy Efficiency · 7 min read · Beginner

Home Energy Efficiency Checklist: What to Improve First

Work through fabric, insulation, heating, controls, lighting and renewable-energy opportunities in a sensible order.

Key points & steps

Start with obvious heat-loss and comfort issues: draughts, poorly sealed doors or windows, missing insulation and uncontrolled heating.
Check the loft insulation depth and condition, making sure ventilation routes and eaves are not blocked.
Review walls, floors, windows and doors to understand which parts of the building fabric are likely to be losing the most heat.
Check the heating system, boiler or heat-pump controls, thermostat settings and heating schedule before assuming the whole appliance needs replacing.
Replace inefficient lamps with suitable LED lighting and avoid leaving unnecessary lighting or equipment running.
Review hot-water controls, cylinder insulation where relevant and excessive hot-water temperatures or schedules.
Once demand has been reduced, assess larger measures such as heat pumps, solar PV, battery storage and smart EV charging.

Fabric improvements can reduce the heating demand that future heating equipment has to meet.
Prioritise repairs and moisture problems before covering them with insulation or decorative finishes.
Use the property’s EPC recommendations as one source of information, but assess actual condition and professional advice where required.