Home Energy Guide for Tenants: 5 Things You Should Check Today - Energy Angels
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Home Energy Guide for Tenants: 5 Things You Should Check Today

Tags: Boiler Safety, Draught Proofing, Energy Angels, Energy Efficiency, Heating Tips, Home Energy, Home Safety, Hot Water Temperature, Reduce Energy Bills, Smart Meters, Tenant Energy Guide

Have you ever wondered what’s really happening behind the scenes when you turn on the heating or flick a switch?

Energy powers your home every single day, keeping you warm, lighting your rooms, heating your water, but most of it works quietly in the background.

Today, we’re taking a quick 5-stop tour of your home’s energy system. Think of it as a walk-through that helps you feel more in control, more comfortable, and more confident.

Stop 1: The Heating Zone

Your radiator, heater, or storage heater is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to warmth.

But heating works best when it works with you.

Quick Check:

  • Can you see a thermostat on the wall?
  • Do your radiators have small, numbered dials (thermostatic radiator valves)?
  • Is there a timer you can adjust?

Did you know?

Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can reduce energy use, without you even noticing a big difference in comfort. According to the Energy Saving Trust, small adjustments like this can make a meaningful difference over time.

Try setting heating so main rooms are warm when you’re home and cooler overnight or when you’re out.

Stop 2: Hot Water Central

Your boiler or hot water tank keeps showers warm and washing up easy.

But temperature matters.

Quick Check:

Turn on a hot tap carefully.

  • Does it feel extremely hot very quickly?
  • Does it take a long time to warm up?

Safety tip:

Around 60°C is typically recommended for stored hot water to prevent bacteria, but taps should not feel scalding. If you’re unsure about safe temperatures, guidance from the Gas Safe Register explains what safety checks landlords are responsible for.

Stop 3: Appliance Alley

Phones, TVs, microwaves, game consoles, even when ‘off,’ some still use small amounts of electricity.

This is called standby power.

Quick Check:

Look around your living room or kitchen.

  • How many red or blue standby lights can you see?
  • Are chargers plugged in with nothing attached?

Small change, big impact:

Using a switchable extension lead makes it easy to turn off multiple items at once. The Energy Saving Trust’s advice on home energy use highlights how small everyday habits can reduce unnecessary electricity use.

Invisible energy use adds up, but it’s easy to manage.

You can find more ways to reduce your energy bills in our Tenants & Residents section.

Stop 4: The Meter Point

Your energy meter is like your home’s dashboard.

It shows how much gas or electricity is being used and smart meters can show this in real time via an in-home display unit, particularly if the meter itself isn’t easy to access.

If you’re unsure how smart meters work, Smart Energy GB explains how they help households understand energy use more clearly.

Quick Check:

  • Do you know where your meter is?
  • When was the last time you looked at it?
  • Do you know where your in-home display is?

Take a reading today. Check again next week.

If you notice a sudden jump that doesn’t make sense, report it, unusual spikes can sometimes signal faults or issues.

Knowing where your meter is = knowing your home better.

Stop 5: Draughts & Airflow

Energy moves through your home constantly.

Cold air sneaks in. Warm air escapes. Blocked vents can make heating systems work harder.

Quick Check:

  • Feel around doors and windows for draughts.
  • Are air vents clear and unblocked?
  • Are curtains covering radiators?

Simple fixes:

  • A draught excluder or rolled towel at the bottom of a door helps.
  • Keep vents clear as they’re there for safety and air quality.
  • Make sure radiators aren’t covered by furniture.

The Energy Saving Trust’s draught-proofing guide offers practical tips on improving comfort safely.

Why This Matters

Energy isn’t just about bills.

It’s about:

  • Comfort
  • Safety
  • Air quality
  • Feeling in control of your home

When you understand how your home works, you’re more likely to spot issues early and feel confident raising concerns.

For broader government-backed advice on improving home energy efficiency, you can also visit Simple Energy Advice.

Need Support?

Your housing provider can help with:

  • Guides on using heating systems
  • Energy advice
  • Safety checks
  • Reporting faults

Don’t hesitate to ask – support is there for you.