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Unsure of what’s available to you to help offset the cost of energy and gas bills? There are many local and national options you may be eligible for.
Find out more about your options using our Support Calculator below. Access our full suite of information about support available via our Cost of Living Hub.
Saving carbon emissions, energy and money at home
Our Climate Emergency Resident Action Pack was launched to show residents the actions they can take to reduce carbon emissions, save money on their energy bills and how to respond to the impacts of climate change.
Energy efficiency
You can search for your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating which provides recommendations based on the most recent certificate available.
EcoFurb also allows you to enter a property postcode and search for solutions based on three priority scenarios:
- To cut carbon emissions
- To lower energy bills
- To aim for zero carbon
Top tips
Reduce your combi boiler flow temperature
Most boilers are set too high, increasing the cost of heating your home. Try turning down the temperature to 60°C and see if you notice a difference – if you do, you can always turn it back up again. Find step-by-step guidance from Nesta
Set your thermostat lower
Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature for your needs. For most people, this is between 18°C and 21°C. One caveat: if you’re over 65, have health conditions, or have children under 5, take extra care to make sure your home is warm enough.
Keep your boiler or heat pump serviced
We recommend getting your boiler or heat pump serviced every year to make sure it’s running properly. This will help make sure your system is running at its most economical.
Install a smart meter
Did you know that energy suppliers install smart meters at no extra cost? Smart meters provide automatic readings to your supplier, making budgeting easier.
If you have a smart meter, you could also make the most of tariffs that offer cheaper electricity, for example, by offering off-peak rates. When you contact your supplier, check your tariff and ask whether there are cheaper or more appropriate tariffs for your lifestyle.
Contact your energy supplier to see if you can get a smart meter installed.
Get more heat out of your radiator
Radiator foil, also sometimes known as heat reflector foil, is a reflective sheet typically made from aluminium and backed by insulating material (different from kitchen foil). It’s designed for positioning directly behind your radiator, to bounce heat back into the room. Remember to bleed your radiators for better heat circulation.
Fix draughts around the home
Watch to see if your curtains are moving when the window is closed, or if you can hear noise on windy days. Look for gaps around windows, doors, pipes and floors.
Different material may be required depending on the gaps – like foam strips, which are cheaper, or metal or plastic strips with brushes or wipers attached, which last longer but cost a little more.
Find out more about draught proofing at Energy Saving Trust.
Don’t forget to air your home
It might seem counterintuitive, but good ventilation is vital for a healthy home. Try to open windows every day when you are home and let air through to help prevent mould and damp.
However, after your shower, don’t automatically open the bathroom door to the rest of the house. Steam from the bathroom can, over time, cause mould to build up. If you have good bathroom ventilation, keep the bathroom door shut, the window open, and the extractor fan on for 10-15 min or until the steam has dissipated.
Financial support for you
Further steps
In addition to home retrofitting and other energy saving methods, we recommend:
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