This piece by heating and plumbing supplier Plumb2U.
As UK households brace for winter energy bills, new analysis of government data reveals the nation’s most common energy efficiency upgrade is not insulation or new windows, but modern heating controls.
Official statistics show that in 2024, the installation of heating controls – such as thermostats, programmers, and radiator valves – accounted for 45% of all measures installed under the UK’s flagship energy efficiency scheme, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
This makes them the single most-installed measure, outpacing more widely discussed upgrades like loft and cavity wall insulation.
This finding challenges the common perception that major fabric-first improvements are the primary focus of energy efficiency efforts. While insulation remains critical, the data indicates that upgrading a heating system’s ‘brain’ is the most frequent action taken by households seeking to reduce energy consumption and cut costs.
Industry data from specialist heating suppliers supports this trend.
Analysis by Plumb2U, a heating and plumbing supplier, shows a significant uptick in heating control sales as winter approaches, with three brands dominating consumer demand: Honeywell Home, Salus, and EPH Controls.
This commercial data aligns with the government statistics, demonstrating real market demand for accessible heating efficiency solutions.
With the Ofgem energy price cap set at £1,755 for a typical household this winter, the focus on affordable and effective measures is more critical than ever. According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing a full suite of heating controls can reduce a typical gas bill by up to £110 per year.
A Plumb2U spokesperson says: “The data points to a significant, yet quiet, revolution in how UK homes are becoming more efficient. This data is a classic example of how official statistics can reveal market dynamics that are otherwise invisible. For businesses in the heating and plumbing sector, it’s a clear signal that the volume market is in smart, accessible upgrades, not just big-ticket installations. This is actionable insight for any company’s digital strategy.”
A comparison of common energy efficiency upgrades highlights the cost-effectiveness of heating controls as a first step for many households.
| Measure | Typical Installation Cost | Typical Annual Savings | Source |
| Full Heating Controls | £550 | £110 | Energy Saving Trust [3] |
| Loft Insulation | £480 | £215 | Energy Saving Trust [4] |
| Cavity Wall Insulation | £1,000 | £235 | Energy Saving Trust [5] |
The data suggests that while insulation offers higher potential savings, the lower upfront cost and ease of installation for heating controls make them a more accessible starting point for millions of properties.
Under the broader umbrella of government-supported schemes, over 420,600 energy efficiency measures were installed in 2024, a 27% increase on the previous year, demonstrating a clear acceleration in the pace of home upgrades. The prevalence of heating controls within this figure underscores their role as a foundational element in the UK’s journey towards more energy-efficient housing stock.
For homeowners, landlords, and facilities managers, this trend highlights the importance of assessing and upgrading heating control systems as a primary strategy for managing energy costs ahead of the winter season.
