A Friendly Guide to a DIY Home Energy Audit in the UK
Many people are surprised to learn that nearly a third of the UK’s carbon emissions come from our homes. Heating, hot water, cooking and lighting use huge amounts of energy every single day. New builds are usually better insulated and more efficient than older homes. Still, overall progress has been slow, and many homes lose energy through small issues we can fix ourselves.
The great news is that you do not need expensive equipment or a professional consultant. You can carry out a simple DIY home energy audit that highlights waste, cuts bills and improves comfort. And with energy prices still rising, there is no better time to start.
This friendly guide takes you through the whole process step-by-step.
What’s a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit is a health check for your house. The aim is to find where energy is being wasted. You also check your bills, inspect your heating system and review insulation. Once you understand how your home uses energy, you can make simple changes that bring real savings.
Most households can reduce their energy use by 10–30% with low-cost tweaks. Even better, many improvements make your home warmer during winter and cooler during summer. Because of this, an audit remains one of the most useful DIY tasks you can do.
How to Do Your Own Energy Audit
You do not need special tools. You only need time, attention and a willingness to look at your home in a new way. Follow the steps below to get a clear picture of your energy use.
1. Review Your Energy Bills
Start with your energy bills. Compare costs over the past year. Are they rising without reason? If so, something in your home may be using more power.
A home energy monitor can help. These small devices show real-time usage. You can see which appliances use the most electricity. When you switch items on and off, you can instantly see the impact. This makes waste far easier to spot.
2. Check Heating, Cooling and Hot Water
Heating uses the largest share of household energy. Therefore, small issues here cause big spikes in bills.
If your bills rise suddenly, your boiler might need a service. Older boilers often lose efficiency. Cleaning filters or updating parts can help. If your boiler is very old, upgrading may save money long-term.
Radiators work better when bled regularly. Dust also reduces heat flow, so clean behind them often.
If you have air conditioning, replace or clean filters often. Dirty filters force systems to work harder. Because of this, they use more power.
3. Look at Insulation
Insulation stops heat escaping. Without it, heating bills rise fast. Older homes often lack proper insulation. Yet even newer homes sometimes fall short of recommended levels.
Start with your loft. The recommended depth in the UK is 270mm. If your insulation is thin or uneven, heat will escape quickly.
Cavity wall insulation helps many homes. Still, some walls do not allow easy access. You can check behind plaster in a discreet spot. If in doubt, ask a professional for advice.
Floor insulation helps too. Cold floors often mean heat is escaping downwards.
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4. Update Appliances
Old appliances can be expensive to run. Fridges, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, air conditioners and electric heaters all vary in efficiency.
Gradually upgrade appliances when you can. Energy-efficient models may cost more to buy, but they reduce monthly bills. Over time, they pay for themselves.
5. Hunt for Draughts
Draughts are a major cause of heat loss. Windows and doors are the usual suspects. Seals wear out, so check for gaps around frames.
A simple trick helps: hold a lit tealight near edges. If the flame flickers, air is leaking. Because of this, heat escapes faster and cold air enters easily.
You can fix small gaps yourself with caulk, draught excluders or sealant. If you spot major issues, call a handyman or contractor.
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6. Switch to Energy-Saving Bulbs
Lighting uses more electricity than people expect. However, switching to LED bulbs cuts usage dramatically. They last longer and use far less power.
You do not need to switch every bulb at once. Start with the rooms you use most.
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Change Everyday Habits
Once you complete your audit, move on to your habits. Small changes add up to large savings.
Appliances
Kettle: Only boil what you need. Do not fill it for one cup.
Dishwasher: Run full loads. Use eco-settings when possible.
Washing machine: Try washing at night if you have an off-peak tariff. Cooler washes also save energy.
Dryer: Dry clothes on racks when the weather allows.
Microwave and oven: Plan meals together to avoid reheating several portions later.
Lighting
Turn off lights when leaving a room. This simple habit saves a surprising amount. Outdoors, use motion-sensor or solar lights to reduce waste.
Electronic Devices
Switch off TVs, consoles and computers rather than leaving them on standby. Many gadgets draw power even when not in use. Chargers also use energy, so unplug them when finished.
Heating and Cooling
Use thermostats wisely. Lower settings in rooms you rarely use. Thick curtains keep heat inside during cold months. On sunny days, open curtains in south-facing rooms to let natural warmth flow in.
The Bottom Line
A DIY home energy audit is simple, but the benefits can be huge. By identifying waste and making small improvements, you can:
- Cut your energy bills
- Improve comfort
- Reduce your carbon footprint
If you want to go further, consider solar panels, heat pumps or smart home systems. Many homes also benefit from smart thermostats that adjust heating based on your routine.
Every small step helps. Your home becomes warmer, greener and more efficient. And the planet benefits too.
Why Choose Our Products for Your Application?
Experts at BHETA emphasise the importance of research when planning any DIY project. Careful planning leads to better results and safer homes. A DIY energy audit follows the same logic. By understanding your home’s energy use, you set yourself up for long-term savings.
Backed by Industry Experts
Research from organisations such as BHETA highlights how preparation improves every DIY outcome. Whether choosing insulation, upgrading appliances or sealing gaps, research matters.
SaverStreet supports this approach. We offer quality-tested products designed to perform well and last longer.
Trusted by SaverStreet Customers
SaverStreet aims to help families create efficient and comfortable homes. Every product we recommend is chosen with care. We focus on durability, value and ease of use.
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