Energy saving DIY home improvements

As well as these DIY home improvements, we also have a page with information on no-cost energy-saving behaviour tips that can be used by everyone including renters.

DIY energy saving measures

Letterbox draught excluder

A letter box draught excluder is handy for preventing cold air from entering your home through the letterbox and warm air from escaping. Draught excluders can also have positive impacts in helping to reduce external noise. 

You can find handy explainer videos on YouTube.

DIY draughtproofing

Draught–proofing strips can be used to seal gaps around windows, doors, and floorboards to prevent draughts, reducing draughts. These strips are easy to apply and improve insulation, meaning that when you put your heating on you will notice the positive impacts of a warmer home quicker. Brush draught excluders can also be purchased and applied along the bottom edge of doors.

Find out more from the Energy Saving Trust.

Radiator foil

Reflective foil placed behind radiators helps to reflect heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through the walls, improving the efficiency of your heating.

Watch how to install foil behind your radiators on YouTube.

Temporary secondary glazing

A low-cost solution for single-glazed windows, adding a layer of transparent material to create a thermal barrier and improve insulation. Several types of temporary secondary glazing exist and can be removed once the winter period is over, to create a cooler home over summer.

Watch these two videos for guidance:

• How to do simple double glazing with window insulating film
• Magnetic secondary glazing.

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)

Allows you to control the temperature of individual radiators, reducing energy use in rooms that do not need constant heating. This helps lower your overall energy consumption. This video explains how radiator valves work, alongside handy tips.

Eco showerheads

Reduces water usage by mixing air with water, maintaining pressure while using less water. This can lead to lower energy bills, as less hot water is needed.

There's more information in this YouTube video about eco showerheads.

Tap aerator

Similar to eco showerheads, a tap aerator mixes air with water, reducing water flow while maintaining water pressure, therefore saving water and energy. This video shows you how to install a tap aerator.

LED lightbulbs

LEDs are far more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs, using a fraction of the energy. Switching to LED lightbulbs can save up to £65 a year.

you know that regular lightbulbs waste a significant amount of energy as heat? Swapping to LED’s next time your light blows can be a great way to reduce your energy usage.

Boiler jacket cover

Adding an insulation jacket to your hot water tank can help retain heat, reducing energy loss and saving you around £40 a year by reducing external heat loss. See how to do this with a handy video.

Pipe insulation

Insulating pipes help to prevent heat loss from hot water pipes, making your heating system more efficient and reducing energy costs.Get more advice by watching this pipe insulation video.

Chimney balloons

Inflatable balloon that blocks unused chimneys, preventing warm air from escaping and cold air from entering through the chimney. Find out how to install a chimney balloon.

Loft Insulation

Did you know that around a quarter of heat is lost through the roof of an uninsulated home? Topping up your loft insulation is a simple DIY task that can have an immediate impact, helping to keep your home warmer in winter and saving you money on energy bills. Be sure to follow the correct safety guidance, and if you’re unsure, always consult a professional.
For step-by-step instructions, check out Energy Saving Trust's Roof and loft insulation guide.

Line Your Curtains

Adding thermal linings to your curtains can significantly reduce heat loss through your windows, improving comfort and energy efficiency.

Watch How to Make Thermally Lined Curtains on Good Energy's YouTube channel.

Buy DIY items

DIY home energy improvements can be purchased from your local DIY shops or online. To find your local DIY shop visit our Construction Directory. Your local DIY and hardware shop can also offer advice on DIY and energy saving tips. 

Rent DIY tools cheaply 

Local lending libraries Things in Common and Library of Things provide DIY tools for Islington residents. Items can be rented for a fraction of the price compared with buying brand new and saves cluttering your home with tools you only need to use once or twice.   

Switching to Smart Energy Meters 

Smart meters help you take control of your energy use by showing how much electricity and gas you're using in real time. They come with an in-home display that shows your daily energy usage and costs, helping you identify which appliances or habits are using the most energy. 

Smart meters also ensure you're billed accurately, as they automatically send meter readings to your energy supplier, eliminating the need for estimated bills. 

Installation is free and is being rolled out by energy companies across the UK. To get one, contact your energy supplier directly. 

• Private renters: Check your tenancy agreement first, you may need your landlord’s permission. However, landlords should not unreasonably refuse a request for a smart meter. 
• Council tenants: Not all properties are suitable for smart meters, so check if you're unsure. 
• Landlords: Ofgem recommends that tenants inform their landlord before arranging a smart meter installation. However, landlords should not unreasonably prevent it. 

Additional advice and support

SHINE – Seasonal Health Intervention Network 

SHINE provides free, tailored advice to help you stay warm, reduce your energy bills, and access grants for energy-saving improvements. Services include home visits from an Energy Doctor and support with energy-related issues. 

SHINE

Adult Community Learning (ACL) courses 

ACL offers free courses focused on energy efficiency and practical ways to cut your energy bills. These sessions are ideal if you're looking to build your confidence in making small, impactful DIY home improvements.

Construction directory 

Islington's construction directory links you with local retrofit contractors and suppliers. You can also find your local DIY and Hardware Shop for purchasing DIY energy saving improvements. 

More resources

• Mencap, a charity for people with learning disabilities, has easy read guidance: Mencap easy read tips on gas, electric and water
• Check out the Ofgem webpages to understand your rights as an energy consumer: Energy advice for households | Ofgem
• Historic England how to save energy in an older home: Save Energy and Reduce Carbon Footprint in an Old House | Historic England.
• Power Up North London is a North London group who seek low carbon energy solutions. They also run free retrofit training course: Power Up North London.
• SHADE the UK, retrofitting doesn't just make a home warmer, if done correctly it can also help to support a cooler home in summer and prevent overheating. Overheating in cities is becoming increasingly common with climate change. Overheating Adaptation Guide for Homes — Shade the UK.
• The Centre for Sustainable Energy is a charity who works to tackle the climate crisis and end the suffering bought by cold homes: My home - Centre for Sustainable Energy.
• The Energy Saving Trust, are an organization who have a wide range of resources and tips for reducing energy bills, creating a low carbon home and a more comfortable home to live in: Energy Saving Trust.