Applying for ECO4, GBIS, or FLEX funding is an important step towards making your home more energy efficient and affordable to run. These government-backed schemes can provide valuable support in the form of insulation, solar panels, heat pumps, and more. However, while your application is being processed or you’re awaiting installation, you may still be facing high energy bills and uncomfortable indoor temperatures.
The good news is that there are several simple, cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption in your home in the meantime. This guide shares practical tips to help you save energy and keep your home comfortable while you wait for your grant to be approved and work to be carried out.
Understanding Your Current Energy Use
Before making changes, it’s helpful to understand where energy is being used (and potentially wasted) in your home. In most UK households, the largest portion of energy is used for:
- Heating (space and water)
- Lighting and appliances
- Cooking
By focusing on improvements in these key areas, you can often make noticeable savings.
1. Manage Your Heating Use Efficiently
Heating typically accounts for over 50% of the average household energy bill. Until insulation or renewable technologies are installed through your grant, it’s important to heat your home smartly.
Try the following:
- Lower your thermostat by 1°C – this can cut heating bills by around 10% without much difference in comfort.
- Use radiator thermostats (TRVs) to control the temperature room by room, avoiding wasted heat in unused spaces.
- Heat only the rooms you use – close doors to keep warmth in and avoid heating hallways or storage spaces unnecessarily.
- Keep radiators clear – avoid placing furniture directly in front of them so heat can circulate effectively.
- Use curtains and blinds – open during the day to let in natural heat, and close at dusk to retain warmth.
2. Improve Draught-Proofing
Homes that are waiting for insulation can lose a lot of heat through small gaps and cracks.
Low-cost draught-proofing options:
- Seal gaps around windows and doors with self-adhesive foam or brush strips.
- Use draught excluders on letterboxes and under doors.
- Close unused chimneys with chimney balloons or covers (but ensure ventilation remains adequate).
- Use thick curtains or thermal linings to reduce heat loss through older windows.
Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to reduce heat loss while waiting for larger works like wall or loft insulation.
3. Use Hot Water Wisely
Water heating is another large contributor to energy bills. Until your system is upgraded, focus on reducing usage without compromising hygiene or comfort.
- Take shorter showers – reducing shower time by 1–2 minutes can save both water and energy.
- Fit a water-efficient showerhead – these can reduce hot water use while maintaining pressure.
- Only boil the water you need in the kettle.
- Wash clothes at lower temperatures – most detergents clean effectively at 30°C.
4. Control Appliance and Lighting Use
Even small appliances can add up over time. Efficient use of household electronics is key to controlling daily energy use.
Simple changes that make a difference:
- Turn off appliances at the plug – standby mode still consumes energy.
- Use LED bulbs – they use up to 90% less electricity than halogen or incandescent bulbs.
- Avoid tumble drying – air dry clothes where possible, especially on milder days.
- Fill your washing machine and dishwasher fully – fewer loads mean less energy and water consumption.
- Switch off lights when leaving a room, and make the most of daylight hours.
5. Smart Use of Cooking Equipment
Energy-efficient cooking habits can reduce your electricity and gas usage, particularly if your home has an older oven or hob.
- Use lids on pots and pans to retain heat and reduce cooking times.
- Boil water in the kettle, then transfer to the pan rather than heating from cold on the hob.
- Batch cook and freeze portions – more efficient than cooking individual meals.
- Use a microwave for reheating rather than the oven, which takes longer and uses more power.
- Consider slow cookers – they use very low amounts of electricity and can be ideal for hearty meals.
6. Use Timers and Thermostats Where Possible
If you have a programmable thermostat or plug timers, use them to your advantage.
- Set heating schedules that match your actual use of the home.
- Avoid heating overnight unless medically necessary – use warm bedding and layered sleepwear instead.
- Use plug-in timers for electric heaters or immersion systems to limit usage to peak hours.
Even small scheduling changes can lead to noticeable savings over the course of a month.
7. Dress and Layer Your Home for Comfort
While you’re waiting for insulation or solar panels to be installed, managing heat retention becomes even more important.
- Layer clothing indoors – thermal tops, socks, and slippers can make a big difference.
- Use hot water bottles or microwaveable heat packs as personal heating aids.
- Invest in thermal curtains, throws, and rugs to help trap warmth in frequently used rooms.
- Close internal doors to contain heat in smaller living areas.
These measures are especially important in older properties with solid walls, where heat loss is more significant.
8. Stay Informed About Your Grant Application
While managing your energy use is essential, don’t lose sight of your upcoming upgrades. Keep in touch with your installer or energy provider, and ensure all necessary documents have been submitted.
If you’re unsure about your status, contact your ECO4 provider to:
- Confirm your application is complete
- Ask for an estimated timeframe
- Request updates on any property assessment appointments
9. Explore Additional Support If Needed
If you are experiencing financial hardship while waiting for work to begin, you may be entitled to further help through:
- Your local authority’s emergency support fund
- Energy supplier hardship funds
- The Warm Home Discount Scheme
- Fuel vouchers from recognised advice organisations
These resources can help you manage energy costs until your ECO4-funded improvements are in place.
Conclusion: Small Changes While You Wait, Big Savings to Come
Waiting for ECO4 or GBIS-funded upgrades may feel frustrating, especially when energy bills are high. However, by applying even a few of the tips above, you can make your home warmer, more efficient, and more manageable in the short term.
Remember, the improvements you’ve applied for, such as insulation, solar panels, or heating upgrades, will offer long-term savings and comfort. Until then, managing your energy wisely can help bridge the gap.
If you’ve not yet applied for energy-saving improvements, now is a great time to get started. Government-backed support may be available to help you reduce your energy bills and make your home more efficient. Even while waiting for an assessment or installation, simple changes around the home can have a positive impact.
Apply now to check if your household qualifies for funded energy-saving upgrades.