USEFUL IDEA↗
Smart thermostats
Better scheduling and remote control can reduce wasted heating when used well.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →HOME EFFICIENCY ESSENTIALS
Small upgrades. Smarter home.
Dozens of practical ways to measure waste, improve comfort and tackle the easy jobs before you spend serious money on a major upgrade.
✓ DIY-friendly ideas✓ Problem-first guidance✓ Bigger-upgrade signposts
Explore home-efficiency products on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →Start with the problem
Don't buy gadgets for the sake of it.
The best efficiency purchase is the one that solves a real problem. HomeBenchmark groups useful product types by the job they can do—and tells you when a professional upgrade is the more sensible next step.
The HomeBenchmark rule1 Measure or identify the problem2 Try sensible low-cost improvements3 Compare a professional solution when the fabric or system needs it
01
Take control of heating
Small controls can make a home easier to run. Start by understanding where heat is going and only buy controls that are compatible with your heating system.
USEFUL IDEA↗
Smart radiator controls
Useful for room-by-room control where the heating system and valves are compatible.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Radiator reflector panels
A simple option for radiators on external walls; benefits vary by property.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Radiator keys & maintenance
Low-cost tools for basic radiator care; persistent cold spots may need professional diagnosis.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →02
Stop draughts & heat escaping
Cheap draught measures can be worthwhile around obvious gaps. Do not block purpose-built ventilation, air bricks or combustion ventilation.
USEFUL IDEA↗
Door draught excluders
For noticeable gaps around suitable internal or external doors.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Window sealing strips
For appropriate opening windows with worn or missing seals.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Thermal curtains
Can improve comfort around cold windows, particularly at night.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Letterbox & keyhole seals
Tiny openings can create surprisingly noticeable cold draughts.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →03
See where electricity goes
Measurement is often the best first purchase: it helps separate real energy hogs from assumptions.
USEFUL IDEA↗
Plug-in energy monitors
Measure individual plug-in appliances before deciding what is worth replacing.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Smart plugs with monitoring
Useful for schedules and understanding selected appliance consumption.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
LED bulbs
A straightforward efficiency upgrade where older incandescent or halogen lamps remain.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Power strips & timers
Useful for equipment that genuinely benefits from scheduled shut-off.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →WHEN DIY STOPS MAKING SENSE
Compare home upgrades →Some problems need more than a product in a box.
If you're dealing with failing windows, an old boiler, major heat loss, persistent damp, solar, a heat pump or a fixed EV charger, use HomeBenchmark to understand the bigger upgrade and compare available professional options.
04
Moisture, condensation & ventilation
Measure first. Condensation, leaks, penetrating damp and rising damp are different problems; buying a gadget is not a substitute for diagnosing the cause.
USEFUL IDEA↗
Digital hygrometers
Track indoor relative humidity and temperature before reacting to condensation.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Dehumidifiers
Can help manage excess airborne moisture, but they do not repair leaks or structural damp.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Window condensation tools
Useful for removing surface water while the underlying moisture source is addressed.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Extractor fan accessories
For researching ventilation improvements; electrical installation may require a competent installer.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →05
Use hot water more carefully
Hot-water savings depend on the household and system. Avoid products that compromise hygiene, pressure requirements or appliance compatibility.
USEFUL IDEA↗
Efficient shower heads
Can reduce hot-water demand where suitable for the shower system.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Tap aerators
A low-cost way to reduce flow at compatible taps.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Pipe insulation
Useful on accessible hot-water and heating pipework where correctly sized and safely fitted.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Hot-water cylinder jackets
Relevant to suitable older cylinders that need additional insulation.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →06
DIY insulation & weatherproofing
Small accessible jobs can improve comfort, but major insulation work needs the right materials, ventilation strategy and moisture detailing.
USEFUL IDEA↗
Loft hatch insulation
The loft hatch is an easy-to-miss part of the thermal envelope.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Pipe lagging
Protect and insulate suitable pipework with the correct diameter and material.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Weatherproof sealants
For appropriate minor sealing jobs—not a substitute for repairing failed windows or masonry.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Thermal imaging tools
For keen DIY investigation; interpret patterns carefully because weather and moisture affect readings.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →07
EV & smart-home essentials
Accessories can improve convenience, but fixed EV charging equipment and electrical alterations should be correctly specified and installed.
USEFUL IDEA↗
EV charging cables
Choose only the correct connector, current rating and length for the vehicle and chargepoint.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Cable storage
Keeps charging equipment tidy and reduces trip hazards.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Smart-home sensors
Useful for spotting room-to-room temperature and humidity differences.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Smart displays & hubs
A convenient way to bring compatible controls and household information together.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →08
Home efficiency toolkit
For homeowners who want evidence before spending thousands: measure temperature, humidity, power and obvious air leakage first.
USEFUL IDEA↗
Infrared thermometers
Quick surface-temperature checks can reveal patterns worth investigating.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Thermometers
Compare rooms and heating schedules rather than judging comfort by one thermostat.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Socket testers
Basic indication tools only; they are not a substitute for electrical inspection.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →USEFUL IDEA↗
Seal & insulation tool kits
Useful consumables and hand tools for straightforward DIY efficiency jobs.
Browse on Amazon.co.uk (paid link) →MORE FROM AMAZON
And when the jobs are finished…
Home improvement isn't the only thing worth exploring. These Amazon services have their own tracked offers on HomeBenchmark.
Affiliate disclosure
HomeBenchmark uses affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product availability, specifications and prices can change; check the current information on Amazon before buying. HomeBenchmark's editorial guidance is designed to help you decide what type of product may be useful—it is not a claim that every product shown in Amazon search results will suit every home.