Top jobs for Winter 2025

According to Energy Live News, certified heat pump installations rose sharply last year, with a 39% increase in the monthly installation rate compared to 2023. Government grants have also made heat pumps an attractive low-carbon solution, supporting the ongoing transition toward cleaner energy. Rising energy costs, and the push for decarbonisation, have contributed to a surge in demand.

The UK government has significantly increased support for heat pump installations, with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme aiming to make heat pumps more affordable for homeowners, potentially reducing upfront costs to below those of traditional gas boilers.

Heat pumps can reduce a household’s carbon emissions by 20% to 80% compared with gas boilers, and they are three to five times more energy efficient than natural gas boilers, which translates to lower energy bills over time. Globally, the heat pump market is projected to grow at about 9.3% annually, reflecting the rising demand for energy efficient and sustainable heating solutions.

Visit our heat pump buying guide for more information.

The Energy Saving Trust recognises that draught proofing is one of the most effective and cost efficient home improvements for UK households, especially during the winter months. They have stated that draught proofing windows and doors can save approximately £40 annually in Great Britain and £50 in Northern Ireland, and that draught-proofing an open chimney when not in use can save around £55 per year in Great Britain and £70 in Northern Ireland. Draught-proofing can reduce air infiltration through a sash window in good condition by as much as 86%, also reducing noise and dust.

According to gov.uk, the most popular energy efficient upgrades are heating controls (accounting for 53% of all installations in 2023), insulation, and solar photovoltaic panels (PV).

Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that properties built after 2012 have a higher median EPC score (84) compared to older homes, reflecting a nationwide push towards energy efficient housing.

The UK government has allocated £3.4 billion over the next three years to enhance household energy efficiency. This funding supports the Warm Homes Grant Scheme, offering landlords up to £30,000 for energy efficiency improvements in their first rental property and up to £15,000 for each additional property.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government grant that helps vulnerable, low-income families in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. Eligible households can receive free solar panels, new boilers, air source heat pumps, and insulation, leading to significant energy bill reductions.

Bathroom renovations have seen a notable increase in the UK, particularly during the winter months. The 2024 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study reports that the median spend on primary bathroom projects rose by 33%, from £5,250 in 2023 to £7,000 in 2024. 96% of homeowners updated wall finishes, 94% upgraded basins, and 92% replaced flooring during their bathroom renovations.

Bathroom renovations are among the most popular home improvement projects in the UK, particularly during the winter months. According to the 2024 UK Houzz & Home Renovation Trends Study, 48% of homeowners undertook renovation projects in 2023, with bathrooms being a focal point for many.

As Home Improvers look to more sustainable and greener home improvement options, we continue to see the most popular projects currently installed are loft insulation and energy efficient lighting.

Loft insulation is a highly effective home improvement for UK households, especially during the winter months. According to the Energy Saving Trust, an uninsulated home can lose up to 25% of its heat through the roof. Proper loft insulation can significantly reduce this heat loss, leading to substantial energy savings.

Financially, the benefits are notable. Insulating the loft of an average three-bedroom semi-detached house costs around £900. This investment can result in annual savings of approximately £230 on energy bills, allowing homeowners to recoup the initial cost in just under four years.

Government initiatives further emphasise the importance of loft insulation. The Great British Insulation Scheme, launched in March 2023, aims to assist households in improving energy efficiency. As of August 2024, loft insulation accounted for 27% of the measures installed under this scheme, highlighting its prominence among energy saving improvements.


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