A survey promoted by campaigners for smart meters claims most renters don’t believe their properties to be as energy efficient as they could be, while nearly half are confused about improvements they could make even as tenants. 

The poll of 2,000 private tenants has found that many plan to keep their energy bills down this winter by having a shower in the gym, charging devices in the office and keeping warm by staying longer in cafes. Some 23 per cent even say they will take the opportunity to visit friends and family members, while their own heating stays off.

Perhaps more significantly, 14 per cent admitting they have no idea how much their next energy bill will be.

Under a third believe their current rental property is as energy efficient as it could be with renters typically listing double glazing, better insulation and new boilers as the improvements they would like agents or landlords to make. 

Victoria Bacon of Smart Energy GB – the campaign behind the survey – says: “With energy bills increasing, many people are making plans to beat the rising cost of living. But for renters, not knowing what energy efficiency changes they’re allowed to make can be an extra worry.”

Smart Energy GB has produced an energy efficiency guide for renters to help them identify areas where they can take action. Advice includes speaking to a landlord about loft or cavity wall insulation, checking radiators for thermostatic valves, installing temporary reflective panels behind radiators and requesting a smart meter from the energy supplier. 

The campaign has recruited property expert Kate Faulkner, who says: “Whether you’re looking to rent a new flat, or you want to make improvements in your existing home, there are several simple steps you can take to help keep your energy bills down this winter. Understand how much energy you are using at what times by asking your energy supplier to fit a smart meter. Once you have one, this will make it much easier to focus on what’s costing you the most. 

“An easy way to cut your bills is to switch your bulbs to LEDs. If your property is difficult to keep warm, talk to your landlord about loft or cavity wall insulation and turn your thermostat down by 1 degree. 

“Your smart meter’s portable in-home display shows how much energy you’re using in pounds and pence, in near-real time. Your meter reading will also be sent to your energy supplier automatically, which means one less thing on your to-do list.”