To mark Energy Savers Week 2026, Yorkshire lettings experts at Linley & Simpson are providing guidance for tenants and landlords to help save on their energy bills

This week is Energy Savers Week 2026 and Yorkshire lettings experts at Linley & Simpson are issuing advice for tenants and landlords to help reduce energy bills and take charge of their energy efficiency.

Energy Savers Week is an annual week-long campaign that aims to address the issues of fuel poverty and energy inefficiency, supporting participants to reduce energy waste and learn habits that will fuel long-term savings on their energy bills.

With energy costs still high and sustainability at the top of everyone’s minds, here are practical ways Yorkshire renters and landlords can cut bills and carbon emissions this winter, helping to save money and the planet.

Tips for tenants:

Switch to LED lighting: Upgrading to energy efficient LED bulbs – which are just as powerful as halogen lights but use 80% less electricity to do so – is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to help lower electricity bills and improve your carbon footprint. Also using lamps rather than relying on the ‘big light’ can also help to save on bills.

Renter-friendly draught-proofing: Draughts are one of the main reasons homes feel cold in the winter and can amplify the need for heating and portable heaters. Some quick, tenant-friendly fixes include sealing gaps around window frames and doors with foam and rubber strips or draught excluders and placing covers over letterboxes.

Embrace smart heating: Smart meters allow tenants to have more control and understanding over energy usage, thus reducing energy consumption and bill cost.

Don’t rely on portable heaters: While portable / plug-in heaters can provide extra heat during the colder months, they can be expensive to run, as they can only heat up one room at a time, and the electricity they use costs more per unit of heat compared to main heating systems.

Add radiator reflectors: These strips of foil can be easily tucked in behind radiators to bounce heat back into the room. They can be purchased from most DIY shops and are easy to install but be sure to check with the landlord first.

Tips for landlords:

Upgrade insulation: This is essential for improving energy efficiency, which is a top priority for tenants when looking for their next home. Also, energy efficiency can improve property value over time. There are Government grants available to help fund energy efficiency improvements, such as upgrading insulation.

Invest in efficient appliances: Energy efficient appliances can not only increase rent but also reduce long-term operating costs for landlords. It’s recommended switching to A-rated or higher appliances.

Be aware of EPC changes: Changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be introduced by the government in the second half of this year. The changes currently proposed include a move from a single metric to multiple metrics that can provide a comprehensive representation of building energy performance, such as fabric performance and smart readiness. Last year, the government confirmed that private landlords must achieve an EPC rating of C on their homes by 2030. The higher standard applies to new tenancies from as soon as 2028.

Explore the potential of heat pumps: Heat pumps are a low-carbon alternative to gas boilers. They are more energy efficient, help meet tightening EPC standards, and appeal to tenants. Landlords can look into heat pump grants to help with the initial installation costs – but first, the property needs decent insulation.

Tap into local grants: Landlords can explore the potential of free energy saving improvements via local grants. You can check eligibility on the GOV.UK website.

2026 is a significant year for the private rented sector, with the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) coming into effect, and further government announcements such as the Warm Homes Plan on the horizon. It’s more important than ever that tenants have the required support in the changing rental environment, and for landlords, good property maintenance is essential for keeping tenancies stable, and managing agents can take the stress out of protecting investments.