There is a disconnect between the upgrades homeowners are investing in, the improvements recommended by tradespeople, and those that actually deliver the biggest savings, new research from energy comparison experts at Uswitch indicates.
The survey of 500 UK tradespeople explores the most commonly requested energy-efficient upgrades by homeowners compared with those most frequently recommended by tradespeople.
Homeowners prioritise heat pumps and solar despite long payback periods
Homeowners are prioritising long-term, high-ticket energy upgrades, with heat pumps (32%) and solar panels (28%) the most commonly requested installations[1]. This is despite upfront cost remaining the biggest barrier for retrofitting, with over two-thirds (66%) of homeowners citing it as a concern[2].
Larger upgrades such as solar panels can take around 10 years to pay back, though returns can vary significantly depending on factors such as Smart Export Guarantee payments, property type, location, installation costs, and household energy usage[3]. Based on average figures, solar panels cost around £9,000 to install and could save households approximately £973 per year on energy bills. For a tailored solar cost breakdown, visit Uswitch.
Air source heat pumps can be cheaper to install and less disruptive, but ground source heat pumps perform better for energy efficiency despite the significant cost outlay of around £29,000[3].
Quick-win upgrades overlooked, with draught-proofing requested by just 5%[1]
The least commonly requested upgrade from tradespeople was draught-proofing (5%), likely due to the ease of self-installation, which doesn’t always require professional help[1]. However, only 8% of tradespeople recommend draught-proofing[1], despite a potential annual saving of £85 to £95 a year[3].
Smart heating controls (14%) were the second least-requested option despite being a more cost-effective solution to reduce energy consumption[1]. The estimated installation costs of smart thermostats and heating controls are between £410 and £550, with homeowners likely to recoup savings within the first four to five years[2].
Less than a quarter (22%) of homeowners request boiler upgrades, while only one in nine (11%) tradespeople recommend them as an energy-saving measure[1]. Installation costs range from £1,500 to £5,000, and financial support such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme[4] may help offset costs, yet awareness and uptake remain low[2].
Double glazing demand outpaces trade recommendations
Double and triple glazing are requested by a quarter (25%) of homeowners, but recommended by just 16% of tradespeople, suggesting demand is higher than professional advice[1].
With installation costs for window glazing at around £12,000 for a semi-detached house, potential savings only amount to between £2,800 and £3,200 over a projected 20-year lifespan, suggesting that they do not provide enough return for homeowners to prioritise investment at the rate they currently do[3].
Nearly a quarter (24%) of tradespeople say insulation is being overlooked[1]
Despite being one of the most recommended improvements, the research shows insulation may be overlooked by tradespeople. Nearly a quarter (24%) of tradespeople believe insulation is the most overlooked energy-saving improvement by homeowners, with 23% specifically pointing to loft or wall insulation[1]. While a quarter (25%) of tradespeople say homeowners request insulation, demand is higher for heat pumps (32%) and solar panels (28%)[1].
Two-thirds of tradespeople say homeowners don’t always follow their energy-saving advice[1]
Less than a third (28%) of tradespeople said homeowners always follow their advice on energy-saving upgrades[1]. Over two-thirds (72%) said their advice is followed often or sometimes, while 5% said it is rarely or never taken on board[1].
Ben Gallizzi, energy comparison expert at Uswitch, shares tips for homeowners to identify the right energy-saving measures:
- Don’t overlook low-cost, quick wins
“Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to involve a huge budget or disruptive work that affects your home life. Start small with quick fixes that help keep your home more comfortable and cheaper to heat, such as draught-proofing, plugging gaps in floorboards and investing in thermal curtains and blinds. While small, these low-cost solutions add up to real savings on your energy bills and can lay the foundation for larger future improvements.
- Focus on payback time, not payback myths
“Some upgrades deliver savings more quickly than others. Take the time to understand how long you can expect to recoup the costs to help prioritise which home improvements are right for you and make sure you’ve considered upgrades which require subsidies like underfloor heating, window replacements and heat pumps.
- Take a phased approach
“Plan out your energy-efficient home improvements over time, starting with foundational changes that can scale up, and think about how these improvements can work together. For example, heat pumps (which also use electricity) can have a much higher return on investment when combined with solar panels or solar battery setups to reduce day-to-day running costs.
- Consult a professional for tailored advice
“Energy savings can vary greatly depending on your property type, location and existing setup, so it’s important to factor all of this in when investing in updates to your home. Seek advice from a trusted installer or energy expert to help identify which improvements will have the biggest impact based on your individual circumstances.”
For more advice on energy savings, visit Uswitch.
