Annual energy bills in the UK have surged by more than £100 for a typical household since the latest energy price cap came into effect in April – climbing from £1,738 to £1,849 per year. In fact, nearly three-quarters (73%) of Brits say they now struggle with energy costs more than last year.
It’s crucial to know that you don’t have to break the bank to keep your home cool and energy-efficient this summer.
By making a few smart, low-cost upgrades, you can save up to £100s this season. Here are five expert-recommended, budget-friendly solutions from Hillarys that are easy to implement and won’t cost you a fortune.
1. Upgrade to a high-efficiency shower head
When the weather heats up, it’s natural to shower more often. Traditional shower heads use 12-15 litres of water per minute, adding up to a staggering 30,000 litres a year for a family of four – roughly the volume of a small swimming pool. Upgrading to a low-flow shower head, for instance, could save the average household £60 – £100 a year on water bills, along with an additional £50 – £80 on energy costs by using less hot water.
Pro tip: Before you buy a new shower head, check if a water-saving model will benefit you. Take a measuring jug, unscrew your existing shower head, and place the end of the hose into the jug. Let the water flow for one minute, then measure how many litres of water you’ve collected. If you collect more than 9 litres of water in 60 seconds, it’s time for an upgrade.
2. Use blackout lining or Venetian blinds for windows
Blackout lining on curtains or Roman blinds does more than just block out light, it acts as a thermal barrier, helping to regulate the temperature inside your home. In warmer weather, it reflects heat away while trapping cool air indoors, reducing the need for air conditioning. This makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and any space where comfort matters most.
Pro tip: If you have Venetian blinds, tilt the slats upward during the day to keep the room cooler, and angle them down in the evening to retain warmth.
3. Seal gaps around letterboxes and pet flaps
While most homeowners focus on sealing windows and doors to prevent heat loss, often overlooked areas like letterboxes, pet flaps and loft hatches can contribute to heat escape. Small gaps and cracks around these areas can allow cool air to leak out and warm air to creep in, making it hard to regulate your home’s temperature. Sealing these gaps with draught-proofing tape or sealant is a low-cost solution to improve your home’s energy efficiency, reducing your reliance on heating or cooling systems.
Pro tip: Use an incense stick or candle near suspected gaps and observe if the smoke flickers, which indicates an air leak.
4. Install a motion sensor or timed outdoor lighting
Leaving outdoor lights on all night might feel like a safety net, but it’s also a silent energy drain. Switch to motion-sensor LED lights or solar-powered versions that charge in the sun and cost nothing to run. They offer both security and convenience while using far less energy – perfect for summer BBQs or relaxed garden evenings.
Pro tip: Set a timer so lights only run during peak evening hours.
5. Use light-coloured or reflective roof paint
Your roof can absorb huge amounts of solar heat, especially on older homes with dark or traditional roofing. Applying a light-coloured or reflective cool roof coating reflects sunlight and can slash attic and top-floor temperatures by up to 15°C. This means less reliance on fans or air conditioning, translating to lower electricity bills.
Pro tip: Focus on converted lofts or top-floor flats, where the heat exposure is highest. Reflective roof paint is UV-resistant and weatherproof, making it a long-lasting investment.
Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys weighed in on the current state of home energy efficiency in the UK:
“Many people are surprised to learn just how much heat enters or escapes the home through windows, especially if they’re left bare or fitted with the wrong coverings. In fact, fewer than half of Brits (42%) believe their home is energy efficient, and a striking 74% admit they struggle to tell how much energy they’re wasting.
“With the UK home to some of the oldest housing stock in Europe, it’s no surprise that more homeowners are searching for ways to boost energy efficiency and cut costs. Fortunately, a few simple, clever tweaks can improve your indoor climate – while quietly trimming down your bills.
“Whether you rent or own, there are always affordable ways to take control of your space, reduce your bills, and stay comfortable every season. Something as simple as switching up your window dressings doesn’t just make your home more efficient – it makes it a better place to live all year round.”
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