Blog Layout

Energy Efficiency Home Improvements: Where to Start & How to Save on Your Energy Bills

SFP Contracts

Enhancing your home's energy efficiency is both an eco-conscious decision and a financially savvy one, especially in the current climate of high energy prices. But embarking on this journey might feel like navigating uncharted territory. This all-inclusive guide serves as your reliable roadmap toward achieving an energy-efficient home. Whether your goal is shrinking your energy bills, reducing your ecological footprint or heightening your living space's overall comfort, we've got you covered.


Insulation: The Foundation of Energy Efficiency


Loft Insulation: Ensuring optimal insulation in your loft is essential for maintaining year-round comfort and reaping substantial energy savings. When it comes to loft insulation, there's a lot more to consider than merely piling on layers. At SFP Contracts, our professional loft insulation services go beyond the basics. We provide a comprehensive solution that begins with a thorough assessment of your loft's current insulation status. After that, we install the recommended minimum of 270mm insulation. Our process ensures that your loft is adequately insulated, meeting or even exceeding the standards. The result? You'll enjoy a cosy, well-insulated home, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer while significantly reducing your energy bills.


house with external render


Wall Insulation: External Wall Insulation (EWI) offers a two-fold benefit that goes beyond mere insulation. EWI not only significantly reduces heat loss but also rejuvenates your property's exterior, enhancing its curb appeal. Professional installation is the key to successful EWI, and our team of experts handles this seamlessly. We focus not only on improving your property's insulation but also on providing it with a fresh, updated look. The exterior finish can be customised to match your aesthetic preferences. Choose from smooth render, brick effect or a combination of both.


Smart Heating Controls

Smart heating control systems grant homeowners and tenants unprecedented control over their heating and hot water. However, the landscape of smart heating controls can be intricate and sometimes overwhelming. At SFP Contracts, we demystify this world for you. We provide the expertise you need to navigate the diverse range of smart thermostats and heating control systems on the market. Our energy efficiency experts guide you through the process of selecting the right smart heating control system for your specific needs. We take the complexity out of the equation, making the transition to a more energy-efficient home as easy as possible. Our professional installation services ensure that your smart heating controls are optimised for maximum efficiency and convenience.


woman setting smart heating controls

Energy-Efficient Boilers


Investing in an energy-efficient boiler is not merely a home upgrade; it's a decision with far-reaching implications. New boilers are considerably more efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing energy consumption and emissions. We understand that boiler installation is a technical process that requires expertise. Our experienced team of energy efficiency experts and installers is well-prepared to assist you with these critical upgrades. We provide a hassle-free experience from the moment you select the right boiler for your home to the final installation. Our professionals ensure that your new energy-efficient boiler operates at peak efficiency, guaranteeing that you reap the maximum benefits in terms of cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

energy efficiency home improvements

DIY Energy Saving Home Improvements 


For those who are inclined toward DIY energy-efficiency home improvements, here are several simple energy-saving tips you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency.


  1. Sealing Drafts: An easy and effective way to improve your home's energy efficiency is by sealing drafts around windows and doors. The simple application of weatherstripping or caulk can help prevent warm air from escaping during the winter and keep the heat out during the summer.
  2. Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs: Swap out your traditional incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient alternatives like LED bulbs. These bulbs consume significantly less electricity and last much longer, reducing your energy bills and the frequency of bulb replacements. Doing this can save you up to £60 a year.
  3. Switch off Standby: Remember to turn your appliances off standby mode. This simple action can save you around £55 a year. To make this even more convenient, consider getting a standby saver or smart plug. These devices allow you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go, making it easier to conserve energy.
  4. Lighting: Turn off lights when you're not using them or when you leave a room. This practice can save you around £20 a year.
  5. Fit Radiator Reflector Panels: Consider fitting reflector panels behind your radiators on any uninsulated external walls in your rented property. These panels reflect heat from the radiator back into the room, rather than letting the heat escape through an uninsulated wall. This small adjustment can save you approximately £25 a year on your energy bills.


keep house warm with home improvements

Government Funding: Making Efficiency Affordable


Many homeowners and tenants are keen to make their homes more energy-efficient, but they may worry about the costs involved. The good news is that various government schemes and grants exist to ease this financial burden and promote the adoption of energy-efficient home improvements.



  1. Free Insulation and Cost Coverage: Household members can often get free or heavily subsidised insulation installation through these government grants. This is a fantastic opportunity to boost your home's energy efficiency without incurring significant expenses.
  2. Help with Applications: Navigating the sometimes complex world of government grants can be daunting. Our expert team is here to help you with the application process. We can guide you through the paperwork, ensuring that you have the best chance of receiving funding.
  3. Professional Installation: Not only do we assist with grant applications, but we will also take care of the installation. We will ensure that the installation process goes smoothly, and all work is completed to the highest standards.


Your journey towards an energy-efficient home is a dual benefit – for your pocket and the planet. You've learned the importance of key upgrades like insulation, smart heating controls and energy-efficient boilers, all of which we, at SFP Contracts, are ready to assist you with.


However, don't overlook the power of small changes. Simple DIY improvements like switching off standby appliances, optimising your lighting and fitting radiator reflector panels can make a significant difference.


By taking these steps, you're not only saving on energy bills but also contributing to a more sustainable future. It's a win-win.


If you're ready to make your home more energy-efficient, contact us at SFP Contracts. We're here to guide you, provide professional installations and offer tailored solutions to create a comfortable and eco-friendly living space.

Loft Insulation House
26 September 2023
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the details of how loft insulation works to ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient throughout the year.
by Jub Systems 2 August 2023
Selecting the ideal external render for your house is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your property's appearance, durability and energy efficiency. With a wide range of options available, it's essential to make an informed choice that aligns with your aesthetic preferences, budget and long-term maintenance requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the key factors to consider when selecting the right external render for your house, helping you create a stunning and long-lasting facade that enhances the overall value and comfort of your home. Assessing Your Property's Needs Before exploring render options, start by evaluating your property's unique requirements. Consider the local climate, weather exposure and the condition of your walls. Properties in regions with frequent rain or extreme temperature fluctuations may need a render with enhanced water resistance and thermal protection. Identifying areas that need extra protection or insulation will help you choose a render that offers optimal performance and longevity. Evaluating Longevity and Durability Investing in a durable render ensures that your property remains protected and visually appealing for years to come. Research the expected lifespan of different render types and consider factors such as resistance to weather conditions, cracking, fading and maintenance requirements. While some renders may require periodic repainting or touch-ups, others offer longer-lasting protection and reduced maintenance needs.
by Jub Systems 4 July 2023
Discover the ultimate guide to the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) – an extensive government initiative aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in homes across the UK.
17 May 2023
Discover the benefits of ECO Flex, a government initiative that extends funding opportunities for home upgrades to a wider range of households in the UK.
12 April 2023
Explore the latest updates and insights on ECO4, learn about the eligibility criteria, funding opportunities and the various measures available to improve your home's energy efficiency.
1 March 2023
Discover the benefits of external wall insulation for your property. Learn how this energy-efficient measure can enhance your home's kerb appeal, reduce heat loss and your energy bills.
by Jub Systems 22 February 2023
Three factors will determine if you would need planning permission to render your house or to have external wall insulation installed. These are the area your house is based in, the origin of the building and additional changes you might want to make, for example, changing the materials used in the construction of the house.
8 February 2023
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme that offers grant funding to support energy-inefficient homes, which in turn aims to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions. In this blog article, we’ll take you through all the details you need to know about the ECO funding scheme, what are the differences between ECO4, ECO+ and ECO4 Flex and do you qualify for free insulation grants. ECO: A Brief Overview ECO was developed for energy suppliers to financially support households across the UK with the aim of boosting the property’s energy efficiency and EPC rating. There are three sets of insulation grants available under the Energy Company Obligation: ECO4, ECO+ and ECO4 Flex. Each grant has its specific eligibility criteria but all of them offer the main types of energy-efficiency measures. These include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation and boiler replacement or repair. Can I Get Free Insulation? To qualify for the ECO insulation grants, you need to be the homeowner or have a signed document from your landlord granting you permission to apply. Eligibility criteria for each of the three grants vary and will depend on several factors. Here are some of the factors that if you meet, you will most likely be eligible for the grant to insulate your home: If you receive the Warm Home Discount in the 'core' group, get eligible benefits and fit the income requirements Live in social housing that has an EPC rating of E or lower (check your energy performance certificate, ask your landlord or social housing association or get in touch with an approved installer to find out ) You meet the criteria set by your Local Authority
Share by: