Walk into any DIY store and you’ll be bombarded with products promising to slash your energy bills and save the planet. Solar panels! Smart thermostats! Heat pumps! Triple glazing! All with impressive-sounding efficiency ratings and environmental credentials.
The problem is working out what’s actually worth your money versus what’s just expensive marketing. Some improvements genuinely deliver on their promises, cutting your bills while reducing your environmental impact. Others look impressive on paper but barely make a dent in either your costs or carbon footprint.
Unless you’re the kind of person who gets excited about comparing heat pump coefficients of performance (and let’s face it, most of us aren’t), navigating this minefield can feel overwhelming. Here’s what actually works and what’s worth considering.
The improvements that typically deliver
Insulation remains one of the most reliable investments. Whether it’s loft insulation, cavity walls, or solid wall insulation, stopping heat from escaping almost always pays for itself over time. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Boiler upgrades to modern condensing boilers or heat pumps can significantly reduce running costs, particularly if you’re replacing a very old system. Heat pumps work especially well in well-insulated homes.
Solar panels make financial sense again with current energy prices. They’re particularly effective if you use electricity during the day or have a battery storage system.
Double or triple glazing reduces heat loss while cutting noise and adding property value. It’s a bigger upfront cost but delivers long-term benefits.
The more questionable investments
Smart home technology often promises more than it delivers. While smart thermostats can help optimise heating, they won’t magically transform an inefficient home.
Expensive heating controls might look impressive but won’t solve fundamental problems with heat loss or an inefficient boiler.
Small-scale renewables like micro wind turbines rarely generate enough energy to justify their cost in most residential settings.
Getting expert advice
Before committing to major improvements, it’s often worth investing in independent advice. Energy assessors and building surveyors can identify where your home loses most heat and recommend the most effective solutions for your specific property.
The key word is “independent” — someone who isn’t trying to sell you a particular system or product. A good energy consultant might cost a few hundred pounds, but they can save you thousands by steering you toward improvements that actually work for your home rather than whatever happens to be on offer.
Grants and financial support
Various grants are available for energy efficiency improvements, though eligibility varies by location and circumstances.
The government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants for heat pumps. The Great British Insulation Scheme can help with insulation costs for eligible households.
Many councils also offer local grants or low-interest loans for energy improvements. It’s worth checking your council’s website or calling them directly, as these schemes change regularly and aren’t always well publicised.
Financing your improvements
Major home improvements often require substantial upfront investment, but the right financing can make worthwhile projects affordable.
London Mutual’s Home Owner Loan allows you to borrow up to £25,000 for home improvements. For members whose employers offer payroll deduction — common among NHS trusts, councils, and other organisations across London — repayments can come directly from your salary, removing the monthly admin entirely.
If you’re considering more extensive improvements or have significant equity in your property, our remortgage options might be worth exploring. These allow you to remortgage and access a further advance that could be put towards improvements, often at even more competitive rates than personal loans.
Whether you choose a personal loan or remortgage approach, spreading the cost can make financial sense — especially when monthly energy savings help offset the repayments.
Making the right choices
Understanding where your home loses most energy can help guide your priorities. Many energy suppliers offer free assessments, and independent surveyors can provide more detailed analysis of the biggest opportunities.
Different properties need different solutions — what works for a Victorian terrace might not be the best approach for a 1980s semi-detached house.
When planning projects, it’s worth considering the total cost including any financing. Sometimes tackling several improvements together can offer economies of scale and minimise disruption.
Getting started
You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Starting with smaller improvements like draught-proofing can help you understand how your home responds before committing to major investments.
The most successful home improvement strategies tend to combine practical planning with realistic financing. When you find improvements that suit your property and budget, having access to competitive financing can help turn plans into reality.
