TEN TOP TIPS
to help you keep a warm and healthy home
| 1. Insulate and draught-proof your home Insulating your loft and walls where possible will reduce your energy needs and save you money. Draughtproofing reduces unwanted ventilation. If your home has draughty windows, doors or a letterbox then seals can be easily fitted to reduce unwanted ventilation. Avoid blocking air vents. | 2. Check your eligibility for insulation and heating improvements Households in receipt of certain welfare benefits may be eligible for free assistance for heating and/or insulation improvements; all other households may be eligible for reduced cost measures. Also consider having a benefit entitlement check as it may help with eligibility for services. | 3. Change your behaviour Make simple behavioural changes that will help you to save energy and save money. Switch lights off when not in use. Keep your curtains shut at night to keep the heat in and open in the daytime to allow radiant sunlight in. Have a shower instead of a bath. When cooking, choose the right size of pan and lid and use a slow cooker where possible. |
| 4. Seek fuel debt advice If you are having difficulty paying your energy bills, then get advice. Energy suppliers should agree an affordable repayment plan with you. The “ability to pay” under this plan refers to what you can afford not what the supplier suggests. | 5. Register for priority services Energy suppliers and network operators keep a Priority Services Register for householders with special medical or communication needs. Services may include special assistance during power cuts, talking fuel bills and special controls. | 6. Control your heating If you have heating controls and timers, make sure you can use them correctly. This includes using the timer so the system only heats the home when it is needed. Ask for help from friends, family or a local energy champion if you are unsure. |
| 7. Control your hot water If you have hot water controls then use them. Avoid leaving electric immersion heaters on for a long time as they are expensive to use. If your hot water cylinder doesn’t have a jacket, purchase one for around £10 and you can save up to £20 a year on your energy bills. | 8. Use appliances efficiently Turn off appliances when not in use and avoid using the stand-by facility as this wastes energy. Only boil what water is needed in your kettle. A microwave uses less energy than an electric oven on full power. Defrost your freezer regularly and keep containers filled with water in it if it is not filled with food. | 9. Condensation problems Warm air on a cold wall can lead to condensation mould growth. Ventilate your home as much as possible. And remember; try not to dry washing on radiators but on a rail in a room with a closed door and open window. Try not to use portable liquid propane gas (LPG) heaters – they produce a lot of moisture. |
| 10. Check your energy use and look for the best deal. Monitor your energy consumption and cost. Avoid estimated bills by supplying your own meter readings if necessary. Make sure you are getting the best deal on your gas and electricity costs. To help you do this, use a switching site displaying the Consumer Focus Confidence code. For solid fuel, bulk/bottled gas or oil, get a number of quotes and ask around for bulk buying cooperatives. These could help you secure a better price. Also be aware of the regulations protecting you. | ||
ADVICE AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
| · Home Heat Helpline – provides advice on benefits, information on schemes available for home heating and insulation and special payment options energy companies provide to help those struggling with their fuel bills. | Register for Priority Services If you are in receipt of certain benefits, are over 60, are chronically sick, disabled, or have hearing or visual impairments you can benefit from a range of free services from your energy supplier under their Priority Services Register, including free gas safety checks, regular meter readings, having your meter moved somewhere it is easier to access, and priority reconnection if your supply is interrupted. Each supplier has its own Priority Services Register, and you need to contact them directly to ask to be placed on this register. |
| Energy efficiency advice Energy Saving Advice Service provides impartial advice to all households · Tel: 0300 123 1234 (local rates apply) | Warm Home Discount People receiving age or income-related benefits may be eligible for a Warm Home Discount, either automatically or on application. Tel: 0845 603 9439 or visit https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme · |
| Best deal for energy costs  Consumer Focus publish a list of accredited switching agencies on their website: http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/get-advice/energy/confidence-code For advice on switching supplier call Citizens Advice Consumer Service on: 08454 040506 | Benefit entitlement checks · Your first point of contact should be your local authority benefits team or Citizens Advice Bureau. · · Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) may provide this service locally. · · Tel: 08444 111 444 · Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk · Other agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions (see local phonebook) or voluntary sector agencies such as Age UK (Tel: 0800 169 6565) may also provide advice for some households Off-grid consumer protection If you have a complaint about a supplier of heating oil or LPG your first contact should be with Citizens Advice Consumer Service on: 08454 040506 |
| Fuel debt advice · If you are having difficulty paying for electricity you should contact your supplier direct. You can also get advice and guidance from the Home Heat Helpline: 0800 336 699 Home Improvement Agencies These are locally-based organisations that assist vulnerable homeowners and private sector tenants to repair, improve, maintain or adapt their homes. They can offer a range of services such as helping to make a home more energy efficient. Call Foundations on 0845 8645210 or visit www.foundations.uk.com/hiasearch |
