A survey of over 2,000 people by the PR agency Unhooked Communications found the number of people interested in making energy efficiency improvements to their homes had fallen by over a third since a similar poll in 2023/24. 

However, the Homes Unhooked 2025-2026 report showed that interest in heat pump installation was steady, with 5% of respondents planning this home upgrade; interest in new insulation had fallen 7% since the agency’s previous report. 

Despite the apparent fall in interest, Claire Gamble, managing director for Unhooked Communications, said lots of homeowners were still interested in upgrades.

“To see lots of homeowners still thoroughly invested in making energy efficiency upgrades to their home is great news for installers and engineers keen to explore the latest heating and energy technologies on the market, and the brands developing them,” she said.

The report follows the Government’s plans to upgrade its Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which was revealed earlier this month, as applications reach record levels.

A new consultation asked for views on amending the grant scheme to include heat pump alternatives such as air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries and third-party ownership models. 

Unhooked’s research, which explores consumer trends in home and garden improvements, found 54% of people were planning upgrades this year. Of these, 6% sought government funding or incentives for energy efficiency upgrades. 

“Only 5% of consumers prioritise environmental credentials, down from 7%,” read the report,  “indicating that while still relevant, cost and practicality outweigh sustainability for most consumers in the current economic climate”.

Proposed amendments to the BUS included allowing hire-purchase and leasing agreements to be included, saying that more than two-thirds of scheme applicants had used savings or personal income for upfront installation costs. 

Fifty-six percent of respondents to Unhooked’s poll said they wanted to buy sustainable products and materials but felt they were a more expensive option. A similar number were also worried about the sustainability claims made by brands. 

This year’s research found that 7% of those surveyed were considering smart home automation for energy management, while 6% are interested in water conservation systems.