Energy saving tips for a greener bank holiday

Quick and easy DIY home improvements to save energy 

Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs 

If you’re still using traditional light bulbs, it’s worth switching them out. Replacing all your halogen bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs will reduce your lighting costs by around 50% and could save you around £45 a year*. Additionally, since LED bulbs can last over ten years, those savings really add up.

Draught proof your windows, doors and floors 

Draught-proofing is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to save energy and money in your home. Your home needs ventilation to prevent condensation, but by blocking up unwanted gaps around windows, doors and floors you can stop heat escaping and make your home feel more comfortable. 

For windows that open, stick draught-proofing strips around the window frame and fill the gap between the window and the frame. 

Draught-proofing your front and back doors can stop a lot of heat from escaping - don’t forget the keyhole, letterbox and gap at the bottom. You only need to draught-proof internal doors if they lead to a room you don’t usually heat in winter. Keep those doors shut to stop cold air from spreading through the house.

If there’s a gap under a door, you can block it with a draught excluder - you can make your own using old plastic bags or spare bits of fabric. If you’re a keen knitter, why not have a go at knitting your own Kat and Doug draught excluders? 

Add radiator reflector panels

Radiator reflector panels fit behind your radiators and help keep heat in your home, especially if they’re placed on external walls. They work by reflecting heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall.

They’re cheap to buy and free to install - and could save you around £25 a year on your heating bills, according to Energy Saving Trust.

Install tap aerators in your kitchen and bathroom 

Tap aerators are a low-cost way to save water. They screw onto your existing taps and mix air into the water, so you use less water without noticing a difference in the flow. Using less water means you use less energy to heat it, which helps cut your energy bills.

Install a hot water jacket 

If you have a hot water tank and it isn’t insulated, you’re losing a lot of energy because the water cools down before you even use it. Even if your tank has a little insulation, you could save energy by adding more. 

Have a sustainable summer holiday 
Use public transport 

If you’re not travelling too far from home, consider whether you can travel by train or bus instead of flying. When you’ve reached your destination, choose public transport to get around. Use apps like Citymapper to help plan your journey easily and find the quickest public transport routes. Walking and cycling are great ways to explore too!

Pack light 

The heavier your luggage, the more fuel is used to transport it by train, plane or car. Packing light not only makes your trip easier but reduces fuel use, which is better for the environment. Pack clothes that are lightweight and versatile and can be worn in different ways. Choose eco toiletries such as biodegradable soaps and toothpaste. Avoid single-use plastics by bringing your own water bottle.

Respect nature, recycle, and support local businesses 

Be kind to nature by staying on marked paths while exploring outdoors. Avoid littering and any activities that may harm local wildlife. Support the places you visit by eating at local restaurants, buying from local shops, and joining community-run activities. It’s a great way to enjoy your trip and help the local economy.

Want more advice on saving energy? 

Home Energy Scotland is here to help. Our friendly advisors offer free, expert and impartial advice to help you save energy and money at home. Call us on 0808 808 2282  or, if you’d rather speak to someone over email or WhatsApp, get in touch via our website contact form today.

*Based on replacing a 50W incandescent bulb with an LED, and an average standard electricity price of 26p/kWh. Correct as of July 2025.