Save money and the planet: Tips for making your home more energy efficient

With energy bills remaining high, many of us are looking for ways to power our homes and keep them warm and cosy in the most cost effective way.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has a number of schemes currently running that can help eligible homeowners to make energy efficient improvements to their homes. These include:

• Home Upgrade Grant - This grant is available for residents living in properties that don't have mains gas heating and have a low energy efficiency rating (Energy Performance Certificate Band D, E, F or G). The grant can help cover the cost of improvements like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or even a new heating system.
• Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme – This is a national Government scheme aimed at improving the energy efficiency of eligible domestic properties to help reduce fuel poverty and lower carbon emissions. Those classed as living on a low household income, people vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home or those in receipt of qualifying benefits can apply.
• Home Safety Grants – These are available to homeowners to carry out urgent repairs where there is a serious risk of harm to the occupier.
• Decent Homes Loan – This loan can help with essential repairs such as roof work, used to fund heating systems, insulation measures or to update kitchen and bathroom facilities. This is a means-tested equity loan for homeowners on low income who need to improve their home and bring it up the government’s ‘Decent Home Standard’.

For full details on all of these schemes visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/homeenergyhelp

If you don't qualify for any of the grants or loans, or simply want to start with some easier changes, there are plenty of things you can do to make your home more energy efficient without a major investment.

Simple steps to be more energy efficient this winter

Be a heat detective: Feel around your windows and doors for draughts. Even small gaps can let a lot of heat escape. Seal them up with draught excluders or weather stripping. Visit the Get Energy Savvy website to find out the best way to find a draught and how to insulate.

Turn down the thermostat: If you are in good health, consider lowering your heating by 1 degree which can make a big difference to your energy bill. Aim for a comfortable temperature around 18-21°C.

Layer up: Instead of cranking up the heat, put on a jumper and slippers. Cosy throws can also help you feel warmer without relying on the heating.

Embrace natural light: Open your curtains during the day to let the sunshine in. This will naturally warm your home and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Don’t forget to close your curtains at dusk to help retain heat.

Switch it off: Don't leave appliances on standby – turn them off completely when not in use. Even phone chargers and TVs use energy when left plugged in. The Get Energy Savvy website has some useful information on kitchen and washing appliances that might help.

Shower power: Opt for a shower instead of a bath. Showers typically use less hot water, saving you energy and money. Groundwork’s Green Doctors have some tips on their website for changing your bath and shower habits.

Washing wisdom: Wash clothes at 30°C instead of higher temperatures. It's just as effective for most loads and uses less energy. Read the Which? washing machine temperature guide.

Light bulb switch-up: Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs. They last longer and use much less energy. Read Get Energy Savvy’s website post about LED light bulbs to find out how much you could save.

Kitchen efficiency: Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle. Use lids for pots and pans while cooking to trap heat.

Extra energy efficient steps to take

If you're ready to take things a step further, consider these options:

Loft insulation: A quarter of heat can be lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. A properly insulated loft is essential for keeping heat in your home. The Energy Saving Trust has a guide on roof and loft insulation which includes things to consider before installing.

Wall insulation: Adding cavity wall insulation can significantly reduce heat loss through your walls. Read the Energy Saving Trusts guide to installing wall insulation.

Energy-efficient appliances: When replacing old appliances, choose models with high energy efficiency ratings. Find out more about the UK’s energy ratings and what they mean on the Energy Saving Trusts website.

Details of a range of retrofitting options can be found on the Energy for Everyone hub.

Cost of living support

With the cost of living increasing many people can find this time of year particularly tough. The Council has a Cost of Living webpage that sign posts residents to the help available to them in the borough. Visit the Cost of Living page.

The Inspiring change together platform also provides residents with a safe space to share stories, advice and tips that will support and inspire others through the rising cost of living. Visit the Inspiring change together platform.

Further reading

For more information and advice on making your home energy efficient, check out these resources:

Energy Saving Trust: https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

Get Energy Savvy - https://www.getenergysavvy.info/

Groundwork’s Green Doctor service - https://www.groundwork.org.uk/greendoctor/

Energy Projects Plus - https://www.epplus.org.uk/