5 Ways to Boost Energy Savings During a Renovation

Planning a renovation? Then now is actually the ideal moment to rethink how your home uses – and loses – energy. Whether you’re stripping back a kitchen, redoing the bathroom, or gutting an entire space, those upgrades could do more than just make your place look fresh. They could help it run better too.

By making a few smart decisions during the early stages, energy-saving renovations don’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, they often lead to lower bills, fewer draughts, and a home that feels warmer and more comfortable all year round.

So, if you’re hoping to renovate to save energy, here’s where to start. These five energy-efficient home improvements offer both quick wins and long-term gains—and they’re far easier to include mid-reno than once the dust settles.

1. Upgrade Appliances and Damp Proofing

Renovations are the perfect time to think beyond aesthetics. Swapping out older appliances for newer, energy-efficient models can seriously cut down your electricity use. But here’s the bit most people overlook – damp-proofing plays just as big a role in slashing energy waste.

Energy-efficient swaps worth making:

• Fridge-Freezer – Look for models rated A or B under the UK’s new energy label. They use far less electricity daily.
• Washing Machine – Opt for one with a lower water temperature setting and a shorter eco cycle.
• Dishwasher – Modern units adjust water and energy use depending on load size.
• Oven & Hob – Induction hobs heat faster and waste less compared to traditional electric or gas.

Now, about damp proofing for energy efficiency – a damp wall conducts heat up to twice as fast as a dry one. So if moisture’s creeping in, your heating’s basically slipping out. It’s not just about mould or musty smells – it’s about protecting your insulation from being compromised.

2. Install External Wall and Cavity Wall Insulation

Most of the heat escaping from your home goes straight through the walls. And if you’ve got uninsulated external or cavity walls, you’re probably losing more than you’d think. But there’s good news – tackling this during a renovation can really shift your home’s comfort levels, not to mention your energy bills.

Both external wall insulation and cavity wall insulation help lock warmth inside, making it easier – and cheaper – to keep things cosy year-round. Which one’s best? That depends on your property type, but here’s a quick look at how they compare:

*Savings vary depending on property size and existing insulation.

Either way, you’ll be investing in one of the most effective home energy upgrades available.

3. Choose Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Old, draughty windows and poorly sealed doors don’t just make your home feel colder – they also mess with your heating bills. So, while you’re mid-renovation, it’s a good time to upgrade them too. A well-fitted window or door doesn’t just improve insulation – it helps your entire heating system work less hard, saving you money over time.

Here’s what to look for if you’re after energy-efficient home improvements that make a real difference:

• Double or Triple Glazing – More panes mean less heat escapes. Triple glazing is best for colder spots or noisy areas.
• Low-E Glass (Low Emissivity) – It reflects heat back into the room while still letting sunlight through.
• Gas Fills – Look for argon or krypton between the panes – these slow down heat loss.
• Warm Edge Spacers – Reduce condensation and increase thermal performance.
• Airtight Frames – Timber, uPVC, or composite – whichever you choose, make sure it’s properly sealed and well-fitted.

Making these changes during a renovation helps to renovate to save energy without extra hassle later on.

4. Incorporate LED Lighting Throughout

Switching to LEDs might feel like a small thing during a big renovation – but it’s one of those energy-saving renovation tips that pays off quietly, month after month. LEDs use up to 90% less electricity than old-school bulbs and they last way longer too, often clocking in over 25,000 hours.

So, if you’re already rewiring or decorating, now’s the time to make the switch everywhere – not just in one or two rooms.

They’re ideal for:

• Kitchens and bathrooms where lights stay on longer
• Recessed ceiling spots and under-cabinet strips
• Outdoor lighting, especially with motion sensors

Better still, modern LED fittings come in all the right styles – from warm white ambient tones to bright daylight bulbs for task lighting. So they’re practical and good-looking.

For a quick win in your home energy upgrades, LED lighting’s hard to beat.

5. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Ventilation

Here’s where many homeowners go wrong: blocking draughts without thinking about airflow. Truth is, a well-sealed home still needs to breathe – just not in ways that let all your heat vanish out the window (or under the door).

So if you’re doing up your place, this bit’s worth a little extra attention. Ventilation for energy savings isn’t just about comfort – it keeps condensation, mould, and stale air at bay.

Start with sealing:

• Use draught excluders on doors and letterboxes
• Add foam strips or silicone sealant around window frames
• Seal gaps in floors and skirting boards
• Fit covers or flaps on keyholes and extractor fans

Then sort the ventilation:

A great option for many homes is a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) unit. It gently circulates fresh, filtered air from the loft into your home, keeping it dry, balanced, and energy-smart. 

Sorted properly, these tweaks do more than just improve airflow. They support all your other energy-saving renovations, working quietly in the background to keep your comfort levels up and your energy use down.