How to make your home more eco-friendly this autumn

Homeowners are being urged to make their homes eco-friendlier this autumn, with simple changes potentially helping to cut household bills while also reducing energy waste.

As temperatures begin to fall, home insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are encouraging homeowners to look at both quick, low-cost changes and longer-term improvements that could make their properties cheaper to run.

The tips come after Ofgem announced a 4% increase to the energy price cap from October, set to push household energy bills to a three-year high.*

Simple energy-saving changes could help households offset some of the increase, with Energy Saving Trust estimates suggesting that draught-proofing windows, doors and floors could save around £55 a year on energy bills.**

Autumn can be an ideal time to assess how efficiently a property is performing before winter temperatures arrive, particularly as heating is typically one of the biggest household expenses.

For some simple money-saving tips on heating costs, homeowners could service the boiler, prevent heat from escaping through gaps around doors and windows and even some basic measures such as thicker curtains can be a real help.

Even small changes such as turning down the thermostat by just one degree, could save a typical household around £120 a year.**

Homeowners can also make savings by tackling everyday energy habits, including switching appliances off rather than leaving them on standby and washing clothes at lower temperatures.

For those able to make bigger investments, improving loft or wall insulation or upgrading to more energy-efficient heating systems can help improve a property’s energy performance over the longer term.

Some changes may also make a home more attractive to prospective buyers, with energy efficiency becoming an increasingly important consideration for people looking to reduce the cost of running a property.

Research found that almost half (49%) of younger buyers aged 25 to 34 said energy efficiency was ‘very important’ when choosing a property to buy.***

However, homeowners planning larger energy-efficiency improvements are being reminded to consider their home insurance before work begins, as renovations may need to be declared to their insurer and could affect their cover.

Helen Rolph, home insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Autumn is the perfect opportunity for homeowners to take a closer look at how efficiently their property is running before the colder weather arrives.

“Making a home more eco-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean spending thousands of pounds on major renovations.

“There are plenty of simple and affordable changes homeowners can make straight away, from stopping draughts and reducing heat loss to making small adjustments to everyday habits like switching off appliances on standby.

“Homeowners should also check their home insurance and speak to their provider before any major work or improvements begin, to make sure they have the right cover in place to protect their home and their finances.”

Eight ways to make your home eco-friendlier this autumn:

1. Draught-proof gaps

Draught-proofing gaps around doors, windows and floorboards can be a relatively inexpensive way to make a home feel warmer and reduce unnecessary heat loss. Homeowners should check for gaps around external doors, letterboxes, loft hatches and windows, while draught excluders can also help prevent cold air from entering the property.

2. Make the most of curtains and blinds

Closing curtains as temperatures fall can help retain warmth inside the home, particularly in older properties with less efficient windows. Opening curtains during the day can also allow natural sunlight to help warm rooms, before closing them again in the evening to reduce heat loss. Opting for thicker materials and being wary that the length doesn’t cover radiators could help maximise existing heat. 

3. Check your thermostat

Turning down the thermostat slightly can help reduce energy use without necessarily having a major impact on comfort. Homeowners could also adjust for unused rooms, turning heat down low to prevent damp rather than heating to the same levels as the rest of the house.

4. Cut down on energy wasted by appliances

Many household appliances continue to use electricity when left on standby. Switching appliances off when they are not being used and choosing energy-efficient appliances when replacements are needed can help reduce unnecessary electricity consumption, with households saving around £45 a year simply by switching appliances off.****

5. Wash smarter

Lowering washing temperatures and air-drying clothes where possible can help reduce the amount of energy used by washing machines and tumble driers – which can be some of the more energy-intensive appliances in the home.

6. Improve your insulation

For homeowners looking to make a longer-term improvement, insulation can be one of the most effective ways to reduce heat loss. The roof, walls and floors can all be areas where warmth escapes, so improving insulation could help make a property more energy efficient and comfortable during colder weather.

7. Consider upgrading inefficient heating

Older or inefficient heating systems may use more energy than necessary. Homeowners planning a major upgrade could consider whether a newer, more efficient boiler or alternative low-carbon heating system would be suitable for their property. As with any significant home improvement, it is important to research the costs and expected benefits before work begins.

8. Think before replacing household appliances

When an old appliance reaches the end of its life, choosing a more energy-efficient replacement could help reduce electricity use over the long term. Homeowners should also avoid replacing appliances unnecessarily, as extending the life of existing products where safe and practical can help reduce waste.

Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of customers compare prices on a range of household essentials, including home insurance, helping homeowners find cover suited to their individual needs and circumstances. 

References:
*https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/press-release/energy-price-cap-will-rise-4-october-2026
**https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/draught-proofing/
***https://www.nationwide.co.uk/media/hpi/reports/energy-efficiency-ratings-have-limited-impact-on-owner-occupied-house-prices-despite-increased-interest-in-going-green
****https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/hub/quick-tips-to-save-energy/

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.

Photo – iStock.com AleksandarNakic