Here is some advice that may save you money, and improve your energy efficiency rating.
This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
How to use less fuel and save money
Most households can save a substantial amount on fuel bills by using energy in an efficient way, and can be warmer and healthier as a result. Grants and discount schemes are available to help with fuel efficiency measures. Even if you have to meet some of the costs yourself, the savings on fuel bills can quickly repay the initial cost.
Lighting and Appliances
Energy saving light bulbs can last up to ten times longer than ordinary light bulbs. They work by using less electricity but give the same light output as other bulbs and therefore save money. You can save around £5 - £10 on each light over a year depending on usage.
If you are buying a new appliance such as a washing machine, tumble dryer or fridge, you can find information on their energy efficiency by checking the energy label. All appliances must now display this information. ‘A’ rated appliances are the most energy efficient and although these appliances may cost more, will give savings in both energy and cash.
Another practical measure you can take to save energy would be to wait until you have a full load before operating the washing machine, and use a 40-degree wash. This will help to you to make considerable savings.
Heating
If your house has central heating, you can make the heating more efficient and less expensive by upgrading your heating controls. A time switch or programmer allows you to set heating and hot water to come on only at times when needed. Room thermostats that automatically switch the heating off at a certain temperature will also save energy. Similarly, individual radiator thermostats can be fitted which allow you to control each room's temperature separately.
One of the biggest causes of high fuel bills and energy inefficiency comes from old boilers, generally those over 15 years old. All modern boiler systems are more energy efficient and use less fuel to run. The most efficient boilers in terms of saving money are called condensing boilers which use 30-40% less fuel.
You or your landlord may be eligible for a grant to install a condensing boiler. Fitting a new boiler is expensive and you could first contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre for information on what grants are available in your area and a list of approved contractors. You should also check that the installer carrying out your work is an approved member of either CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers), for gas appliances, or OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association for the petroleum industry), for oil fired appliances.
Reducing the amount of fuel you use for heating can often be achieved by insulating your home. Good insulation will keep the heat in the building and drafts and cold out. A lot of heat escapes through doors, windows, walls and the roof of a house.
There are a number of cheap and easy measures that can make your home dryer and warmer. For example, if your home has wooden floors, you can fill gaps in floorboards and skirting with newspaper, beading or sealant, and you can eliminate draughts and wasted heat by fixing a brush or seal to your outer doors.
The most effective way to insulate your home is to insulate your loft. Most houses already have some loft insulation, but the energy savings will depend on how thick the insulation is. The recommended level of thickness for loft insulation is now a minimum of 100mm deep, but ideally should be between 200mm and 250mm. Loft insulation should be allowed to retain its natural thickness and not be compressed, as this will reduce its insulation value.
You can also put insulation or lagging around a hot water cylinder and pipes to retain heat. Again, your cylinder may already have a jacket fitted, but by fitting a new more efficient jacket you may improve your fuel savings.
If the outside walls of your house are cavity walls, insulation can be added in the cavity (the space between the inner and outer part of your exterior wall).
If your exterior walls are solid, you can protect the exterior with render or cladding which will also weatherproof your home.
It is possible to carry out many of the general insulating measures yourself with good advice from a local builders merchant or DIY store. Before you decide to go ahead with any home insulation, it may be useful to contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre. They can provide information about the best products for the job, and advice about where and how to insulate successfully. They will also give you important information about ventilation when installing insulation. The local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre can also provide you with a list of approved energy efficiency insulation installers if you would prefer to have the job done by a professional.
If you are a private tenant, your landlord may be prepared to insulate the property. If you are a housing trust, housing association or local authority tenant, you can ask your landlord what measures they are taking to promote energy efficiency in their housing stock. All local housing authorities are obliged by law to operate some sort of energy efficiency scheme. You should not undertake any major work on any property you rent without first obtaining the permission of your landlord.
Glazing
Double-glazing stops heat escaping and can reduce condensation on your windows. A lot of heat is lost through windows, so double glazing can be an effective way to make savings on fuel bills in the long term. It can also reduce outside noise considerably. Double-glazing is expensive so it is important to contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre for advice. If you have to replace windows anyway, it would be a good idea to choose double-glazing.
Secondary glazing is cheaper than replacement double-glazing and can be bought from DIY shops. Savings are similar to those made by double-glazing.
A low cost temporary alternative to buying new glazing is to tape polythene across your existing windows. You can use cling film or buy special products from a DIY store.
Getting the best price for fuel
Apart from general energy saving measures, you may be able to reduce your fuel costs by changing your fuel provider. Many fuel companies now operate dual fuel schemes which can save you money if you buy both gas and electricity from that supplier. There may also be other schemes that operate locally or nationally. For more information about changing your fuel supplier, visit Ofgem's (The Office of Gas and Electricity markets) website at: Ofgem.
If you are having problems paying your fuel bills, you should contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB.
If you need information or advice about changing to a new fuel supplier, you can telephone energywatch on 08459 060708. The helpline will put you through to your local office who can provide general information and advice about a change of fuel supplier. You can also contact the General Consumer Council in Northern Ireland on 028 9067 2488, for similar advice.
Grants and Schemes
There are various energy efficiency schemes and grants that are available. These schemes vary from region to region and are run by a variety of organisations. The main scheme is a home energy efficiency scheme known as: Warm Front in England, Warm Deal in Scotland, the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in Wales and Warm Homes Scheme in Northern Ireland. The scheme is government funded and provides energy advice and grants to cover the costs of home insulation and to improve energy efficiency for certain groups of people including those on low incomes. The scheme covers both owner-occupiers and people renting accommodation. In some cases, the maximum grant available does not cover the full cost of the work and you have to pay something towards the costs. However, in England a hardship fund has been set up to help meet the extra payments that might be needed.
You may also be able to apply to the local authority for a grant, loan or other type of help for home improvements.
You can contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre for information on energy savings schemes and grants. You can find your local centre on freefone 0800 512 012 or the Energy Savings Trust website at www.est.co.uk. Many independent fuel companies and local authorities operate grants and schemes and also provide energy efficiency advice. Grants can be given for work connected to any energy saving measure, including, in some circumstances, the provision of gas or electric central heating. Grants can also be given for low-energy light bulbs. In some circumstances and in areas of high risk of crime, security improvements like door and window locks may also be provided.
Who can get a grant under a Home Energy Efficiency Scheme?
In England - Warm Front Scheme
In England you are eligible for a Warm Front grant if you:
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Have children under 16 and are getting Child Benefit or have a maternity certificate, and are getting one of more of the following - Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit
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Are getting one or more of the following - Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (which includes Constant Attendance Allowance), or War Disablement Pension (which must include the mobility or Constant Attendance Allowance)
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Are getting one or more of the following - Income Support, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, when they include a disability premium
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Are 60 or over, and getting Income Support, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit.
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If you are getting Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, contact your local Energy Efficiency Centre to find out whether you qualify for a Warm Front grant.
Wales - Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
In Wales, you are eligible for a Home Energy Efficiency Scheme grant if you are in a household with a child under 16 and getting Child Benefit, have a maternity certificate, or are getting one or more of the following - Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
You may also be able to get a grant if you are on a low income and are getting tax credits or Child Benefit for a child under 16.
An enhanced grant, called Home Energy Efficiency Scheme Plus is also available if you are:
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80 years old or over, or live with someone aged 80 or over
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60 years old or over, or live with someone aged 60 or over and get Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit
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In a household in which someone is getting certain disability related benefits, or a benefit such as Income Support or Housing Benefit which includes a disability premium or element
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A single parent getting Child Benefit and Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
All owner-occupiers over 60 in Wales may be able to get a grant to contribute towards the cost of home energy efficiency work. This is called a partial grant.
In Scotland – Warm Deal Scheme
In Scotland, there are a range of grants available to improve the heat efficiency of your home. The grants are provided under the Warm Deal Scheme and you can find out more about them on the website of the Scottish Executive at www.scotland.gov.uk.
In Northern Ireland – Warm Homes Grant
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Householders with a child under 16 and getting one or more of these benefits: Income Support, Housing Benefit, Rate Rebate or Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Householders with a child under 16 in receipt of a maternity certificate and one or more of these benefits: Housing Benefit, Rate Rebate, Income Support or Income based Job Seeker’s Allowance
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Householders getting one or more of these benefits, when they include a disability premium: Income Support, Housing Benefit or Rate Rebate
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Householders getting one or more of these benefits: Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit which must include constant care allowance or a war disablement pension with either Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement.
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An enhanced grant, called Warm Front Plus, is available to householders aged 60 or over, who receive one or more of the following - Housing Benefit, Income Support, Rate Rebate or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
How much is a home energy efficiency grant?
The maximum individual grant that can be made under these home energy efficiency schemes are: England, £2,700 (or £4,000 if oil-fired central heating is to be installed). Wales £2,000, Scotland £500 and Northern Ireland £750. The maximum enhanced grant is £3,600 in Wales (or £5,000 if oil-fired central heating is to be installed). In Northern Ireland, it is £2,700. In Wales, a partial grant of £500 can be awarded.
In England, you might get an extra payment from the Warm Front Scheme hardship fund to help cover costs if they are more than the maximum grant. For more information about the Warm Front hardship fund, visit the EAGA website at www.eaga.co.uk or phone 0800 408 0694.
Details about home energy efficiency schemes, and how to apply, are available by calling your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012. For other grants, contact your local authority or energy supplier and find out if they have information. You can also phone the Energy Saving Trust on 0845 727 7200 to ask about grants and schemes in your area.
In Northern Ireland, visit the EAGA website at www.eaga.co.uk.
In Scotland, you may be able to benefit from free central heating and home insulation under the Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme. This covers owner occupiers, tenants of private landlords and public sector tenants.
If you are a tenant of a local authority or housing association, you can get free central heating if your house has no central heating. Insulation may also be installed. Priority is given to those tenants who are aged 75 or over, live alone or are disabled or are long term sick. The landlord will identify which properties qualify and will contact any tenant who is able to benefit.
Local authority tenants who have a partially centrally heated house may have the system replaced or upgraded to whole house central heating. Priority will be given to householders or their partners who are disabled or over 75.
In Scotland, to find out more about the central heating programme, go to the website of the Scottish Executive at www.scotland.gov.uk.
Who can help?
You can get comprehensive advice from any local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre. The energy centres will be able to help assess your needs and offer advice on all aspects of energy efficiency. You can get details of your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) by telephoning Freephone 0800 512 012 or looking at www.saveenergy.org.uk EEACs offer free and independent advice.
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) can advise you on grants or schemes available in your area. Grant eligibility is dependent on a number of factors - your age, local authority and energy supplier. For more information, see under heading Grants and schemes. You can contact the EST energy efficiency helpline on 0845 727 7200.
Energywatch (the gas and electricity consumer council) is an independent organisation which represents and protects the interests of electricity and gas consumers. It can help with complaints about the supply of electricity and gas.
Tel: 0845 906 0708 (gas)
0845 601 3131 (electricity).
Minicom: 0845 7581 401 (gas)
0845 7697 128 (electricity)
Website: www.energywatch.org.uk
E-mail: enquiry@energywatch.org.uk
Ofgem's (The Office of Gas and Electricity markets) website has useful information about how to save money on your energy bills at: Ofgem.
Age Concern produce a number of useful factsheets including 'Help with heating' and can offer telephone advice for older people. In England, you can contact them on freephone number 0800 00 99 66 or by visiting their website at www.ageconcern.org.uk. In Scotland, contact them on 0131 467 7118 or at www.ageconcernscotland.org.uk.
The Home Heat Helpline offers advice on energy efficiency and fuel debts to low income consumers. The Helpline's advisers can help identify where free energy efficiency measures might be available and can also ensure that vulnerable customers are not at risk of fuel supply disconnection. You can contact the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.
All suppliers of gas and electricity have to provide information on energy saving measures as a condition of trading. For more information, contact your fuel supplier and ask them about the energy advice offered.
For more information about gas companies, see Gas supply.
For more information about electricity companies, see Electricity supply.
