The regulator raised the energy price cap by 1% for domestic gas and electricity, nudging the average household bill up from £1,717 to £1,738.
With bills climbing more steadily than the cost of a pint in central London, energy-saving home improvements have gone from optional to essential. Not only can upgrades help lower your bills, but they’ll also make your home more comfortable.
Ready to take control of your energy spend? Here’s what you can do to change your home (and bills) for the better in 2025:
Living with draughty windows is the equivalent of leaving your wallet open on a windy day. Replace them with double or triple-glazed models to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
A smart thermostat keeps your home warm without you lifting a finger. Models by manufacturers like Ecobee, Google and Honeywell learn your routine and adjust automatically – perfect for those who’d rather not wrestle with the heating dial before bed.
Insulation pulls double duty, keeping the heat in during winter and blocking it out in summer. It’s by far one of the best energy-saving upgrades you can make in 2025.
There are lots of different options out there, including fibreglass, mineral wool and spray foam. But our personal favourite? Sprayed cork. Natural, durable and great for repelling damp, sprayed cork delivers excellent thermal performance. You’ll notice the difference in both warmth and energy bills.
Solar panels let you harness that rare British sunshine. Even on cloudy days, they pull their weight. They’re not just a smart investment; they also make you feel smug every time the sun makes an appearance.
LEDs use less power, last longer and give your home a modern glow. They’re quick, easy and brilliant in every sense.
That old washing machine may still work, but it’s guzzling energy like a kettle on a constant boil. Newer models work better and use less power. They’ll also spare you from those awkward clunks and bangs during the spin cycle.
Heat pumps are the multi-taskers of home heating and cooling. They pull warmth from the air or ground and use it to control the indoor temperature of your home.
Draughts are the unwelcome but ever-present guests of winter. Seal gaps around windows and doors to stop heat sneaking out.
A green roof isn’t just a way to embrace biophilic design. It can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your home by reducing heat flux from the roof to indoor spaces. Not to mention reducing stormwater runoff, increasing biodiversity and improving air quality. Green roofs are great for the environment and even better for showing off to the neighbours!
Tankless water heaters give you hot water on demand. No more heating a full tank just for one quick shower. They save energy and free up cupboard space.
Why not let the sun do the heavy lifting in 2025? Passive solar design uses sunlight to warm your home naturally. It basically allows you to tap into a free heat source and keep those energy bills as low as possible. About time you got some payback from the British weather!
Cool roofs reflect heat rather than absorbing it. They keep your home comfortable during those rare summer scorchers.
An energy management system is like a personal trainer for your home. It identifies waste and keeps everything running efficiently. No shouting involved, just solid savings.
Planting trees provides natural shade and wind protection to your home. Plus, your garden will look the part.
Underfloor heating keeps your feet toasty without blasting the radiators. So, even in the depths of winter when you haven’t seen blue sky for weeks, you’ll feel like you’re walking on sunshine.
Low-flow fixtures save water and reduce energy use. Showers stay powerful, and bills stay low.
Timers make sure appliances run only when needed. No more outdoor lights left on overnight or forgotten heaters blasting all day while you’re at work. Your bills will thank you.
Storm doors and windows add an extra layer of protection against the cold. They help keep warmth inside and rain outside. Less fuss, more comfort.
An energy audit reveals where your home wastes heat. Experts can provide a clear, customised plan for improvements.
Yes, most energy-saving upgrades come with a price tag. But when you consider the long-term savings and added comfort, they’re a worthwhile investment. Spending a little now can save you a lot down the line, especially with energy prices showing no signs of dropping. Consultants warn there’s more belt-tightening to come, predicting averages could climb to £1,785 by April.
Unfortunately, the hit on British pockets doesn’t stop with the 1% energy price cap increase. It was accompanied by a general rise in the price of electricity from 24.50p per kWh to 24.86p. The increase will affect millions of households across Great Britain and comes just in time for a series of gloomy weather warnings for widespread rain, wind and snow.
Of all the energy-saving upgrades mentioned, cork insulation is the real star. It’s like a woolly jumper for your home – warm, breathable and perfect for tackling that pesky British damp. Best of all, it helps keep those energy bills as low as possible.
At Total Trades, we specialise in cork insulation for homes, residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Our promise to you? A hassle-free installation with a finish that lasts. Ready to see the difference? Give us a ring for expert advice or request a free online quote.