With winter approaching and energy costs a primary concern for households across the country, a property expert has revealed a series of home improvements that can be obtained for free, potentially slashing annual energy bills by up to £2,000.
Expert Tips for a Warmer, Cheaper Home
Saif Derzi, an expert from Property Buyers Today, has shared his top recommendations to help UK residents stay warm while making significant savings. The key lies in leveraging government and energy supplier schemes, such as the ECO4 initiative, which can cover the cost of these vital upgrades for qualifying households.
The potential savings are substantial, and the improvements target the most common areas of energy loss in British homes.
Key Improvements and Their Savings
Derzi highlights five key areas where households can take action:
Cavity Wall Insulation: A surprisingly common issue, inadequate insulation can be a major drain on your finances. Having cavity wall insulation properly installed can save you around £300 per year on your energy bills.
Loft Insulation: According to data cited from the UK Parliament, approximately 7.9 million homes in Britain suffer from insufficient loft insulation, allowing precious heat to escape through the roof. Saif Derzi advises that installing insulation to a depth of at least 270mm creates a powerful thermal barrier. This simple fix could put £340 back in your pocket annually.
Boiler Upgrade: An old, inefficient boiler is a huge source of wasted energy and money. Derzi points out that a tired boiler could be costing you an extra £580 every year. He adds, “This upgrade alone can reduce heating costs by 30% or more.” Through schemes like ECO4, eligible families can receive a completely new heating system at no cost.
Solar Panels: Once excluded from government support, solar technology now offers one of the most rewarding upgrades available. By generating your own electricity, households could achieve savings of around £350 per year.
How to Access These Free Upgrades
These improvements are accessible through the UK government's Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, specifically its fourth iteration, known as ECO4. This programme is designed to help reduce energy bills, keep homes warmer, and lower overall energy consumption.
Energy giant OVO, a participant in the scheme, explained its purpose: “All large UK energy suppliers take part in the scheme, which aims to improve your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). As part of it, we at OVO can help you install energy efficiency measures such as insulation and heating upgrades.”
Since its inception in 2012, the ECO scheme has facilitated over 600,000 energy efficiency improvements across the country. Households that qualify can have the work carried out by trusted partners appointed by their energy supplier.
For UK homeowners and tenants struggling with high energy costs, these free improvements represent a tangible way to increase comfort and achieve significant financial relief, especially during the colder months.
