• Homeowners prioritise heat pumps (32%) and solar panels (28%) for energy-saving, according to tradespeople.

• Insulation is the most overlooked upgrade, with nearly a quarter (24%) of tradespeople saying homeowners are not prioritising it, despite it being one of the most recommended upgrades.

• Lower-cost, quick-win improvements are being underutilised, with draught-proofing requested by just 5% and recommended by only 8% of tradespeople.

• Two-thirds of tradespeople say homeowners don’t always follow their advice on energy-saving upgrades.

• Energy comparison experts at Uswitch explore the real-life return on investment on home energy improvements.

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. This is despite upfront cost remaining the biggest barrier for retrofitting, with over two-thirds (66%) of homeowners citing it as a concern.

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. 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.

Quick-win upgrades overlooked, with draught-proofing requested by just 5%

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. However, only 8% of tradespeople recommend draught-proofing, despite a potential annual saving of £85 to £95 a year.

Smart heating controls (14%) were the second least-requested option despite being a more cost-effective solution to reduce energy consumption. 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.

Less than a quarter (22%) of homeowners request boiler upgrades, while only one in nine (11%) tradespeople recommend them as an energy-saving measure. Installation costs range from £1,500 to £5,000, and financial support such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme may help offset costs, yet awareness and uptake remain low.

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.

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.

Nearly a quarter (24%) of tradespeople say insulation is being overlooked

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. While a quarter (25%) of tradespeople say homeowners request insulation, demand is higher for heat pumps (32%) and solar panels (28%).

Two-thirds of tradespeople say homeowners don’t always follow their energy-saving advice

Less than a third (28%) of tradespeople said homeowners always follow their advice on energy-saving upgrades. Over two-thirds (72%) said their advice is followed often or sometimes, while 5% said it is rarely or never taken on board.

Ben Gallizzi, energy comparison expert at Uswitch, adds:

“There can be a mismatch between what homeowners expect from certain upgrades and what they actually deliver. Savings are sometimes based on ideal conditions or peak energy prices, which don’t always reflect real-world conditions.

“We are seeing a higher demand for visible or long-term upgrades, while more fundamental improvements like insulation are still being overlooked. Getting the basics right first is what ultimately delivers the best long-term results for homeowners.

“Taking a more balanced approach to upgrades can help homeowners avoid unnecessary costs and get more value from the changes they make.”

For more advice on energy savings, visit Uswitch.