Energy efficiency isn't just for homeowners. As a renter, you can benefit in several ways:
Lower bills: The typical UK household spends about £1,200 to £1,500 on energy bills each
year.
Energy-efficient practices could save you up to £300 annually.
Cosier home: An energy-efficient home is warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Smaller carbon footprint: The average UK household produces 4.5 tonnes of CO2 per year. By
being more energy-efficient, you can help reduce this.
How Can
Renters Improve Energy Efficiency Without Permanent Changes?
Don't let your tenancy agreement stop you from being energy-efficient. Here are some non-permanent
solutions:
Temporary Insulation Solutions
Draft excluders: Pop these under doors to keep the warm air in. You can save about £25 a year
just by draught-proofing doors and windows.
Thermal curtains: These can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25%.
Radiator reflectors: Place these behind radiators on external walls. They can save you £25 a
year on your heating bill.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting accounts for 15% of a typical household's electricity bill. Here's how to cut that
down:
Switch to LED bulbs: They use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer.
Use smart plugs: These let you control your lights with your phone, ensuring you never leave
them on unnecessarily.
Tip: Replacing all bulbs in your home with LEDs could save you about £40 a year on your
electricity bill.
Efficient Heating Practices
Heating makes up about 55% of your energy bill. Here's how to heat smarter:
Adjust your thermostat: Turning it down by just 1°C can save you £75 a year.
Use timers: Heat your home only when you need it.
Close curtains at night: This can reduce heat loss by up to 17%.
Water Conservation
Hot water is the second-largest energy expense in most homes. Try these tips:
Install a water-saving showerhead: This can save a typical household £70 a year on energy bills.
Fix dripping taps: A dripping hot water tap can waste enough energy in a week to fill half a
bath.
How to Work with
Your Landlord on Energy Efficiency Improvements?
Sometimes, bigger changes are needed. Here's how to approach your landlord:
Know your rights: In England and Wales, rental properties must have an Energy Performance
Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E.
Highlight the benefits: Explain how energy improvements can increase the property's value
and attract future tenants.
Mention incentives: The UK government offers various schemes to help landlords improve energy
efficiency.
Tip: The Green Homes Grant scheme offers landlords up to £5,000 to make energy improvements.
What Are the Best Energy
Efficiency Tips for Renters?
Small changes can make a big difference. Try these everyday practices:
Unplug devices: Appliances on standby mode can add £35 to your annual electricity bill.
Use appliances efficiently: A full washing machine uses less energy than two half-loads. This
could save you £20 a year.
Choose energy-efficient appliances: An A+++ rated fridge freezer could save you £320 in energy bills
over
its lifetime compared to an A+ model.
Seasonal Tips
Summer: Use fans instead of air conditioning. They use just 1/40th of the energy.
Winter: Use hot water bottles or electric blankets instead of heating an entire room.
Are
There Any Government Incentives for Renters to Improve Energy Efficiency?
While most incentives target landlords, renters can benefit from schemes like the Warm Home Discount and Energy
Company Obligation (ECO). These offer electricity bill discounts and subsidised home improvements. Check your
local
authority and the government website for current schemes, as they may change periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can renters improve energy
efficiency without making permanent changes?
Use temporary solutions like draft excluders, thermal curtains, and smart plugs. These can make a big difference
without altering the property.
What are the
benefits of energy efficiency for renters?
Lower energy
bills, a more comfortable home, and a reduced carbon footprint are the main benefits.
How can renters
work with landlords on energy efficiency?
Approach your landlord with clear benefits, including increased property value and government incentives. Be
prepared with specific suggestions and information.
What are some
everyday energy efficiency tips for renters?
Unplug devices when not in use, use appliances efficiently, and choose energy-efficient models when replacing old
ones.
Are there any government
incentives for renters to improve energy efficiency?
While most incentives are for landlords, renters can benefit from schemes like the Warm Home Discount and Energy
Company Obligation.
How much can I
save by being energy-efficient as a renter?
Depending on your current usage and the measures you take, you could save up to £300 a year on your energy bills.
What should
I look for in an energy-efficient rental property?
Check the EPC rating, ask about insulation and glazing, and look for energy-efficient appliances.
How can I reduce my hot water usage?
Install a water-saving showerhead, fix dripping taps, and use cold water for washing clothes when possible.
We use cookies to provide the best possible user experience and maintain a secure environment. Some cookies are essential for the proper functioning and security of our website, enabling core features like processing your comparison queries and accessing your rewards. We also employ optional cookies for advanced analytics, tracking, advertising, testing, and performance optimisation.
By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of all cookies. If you click 'Reject All', we will only use the necessary cookies required for the site to function securely. For more control over your cookie preferences, click 'Let Me Choose' to customise which optional cookies you're comfortable with. To learn more about the specific types of cookies we use, please visit our comprehensive
Cookie Policy.
Manage your cookies preferences.
Please select and accept your cookie preferences:
These essential cookies ensure the proper functioning and security of the website and app. They enable core features and services without collecting personal information for tracking or advertising purposes.
These cookies provide insights into how customers interact with our website and app. The aggregated and anonymous data collected helps us understand the usage of our products and services, enabling us to identify areas for improvement and optimise your browsing experience.
These cookies help us present products, services and offers that are most relevant to you. We may use the data collected by these cookies to personalise the advertisements you see on our website and other platforms, ensuring a more tailored browsing experience.
These cookies allow our website and app to remember your preferences, such as your region, country, language, accessibility options, and other settings. By enabling these cookies, we can provide you with a more personalised and convenient browsing experience tailored to your specific needs.
These cookies are used when we advertise on social media platforms. They allow these platforms to recognise you as one of our users and display relevant ads to you on our behalf. When you use your social media account to log in to our services, these cookies may also be used by the platforms to collect information about your behaviour for personalised advertising purposes.