Helping you save money and energy
Groundwork and Northern Gas Networks have been working together for a number of years, addressing fuel poverty in Yorkshire, the North East and Cumbria.
Groundwork’s Green Doctors are energy efficiency experts who work with households in our regions to offer free support to individuals and households struggling to heat their homes.
They can provide advice over the phone or arrange a home visit to offer practical guidance on energy saving, draught proofing, help to understand bills and they can make referrals to other local support services, including debt advice and food banks.
"More people are suffering from the effects of rising energy prices and the cost of living, which is also having a knock-on effect on their wellbeing, including physical and mental health. People need support more than ever this winter."
Here, the team share their top quick tips to help you take control of your energy use, stay warm, and save money this winter
Installing draught proofing is a cheap, simple and quick way to reduce heat loss and cut your bills. You can then turn the thermostat down a little but stay just as warm.
A quick, cheap way to reduce energy use is to install thermostatic valves on your radiators. This helps control where the heat goes so that sitting areas stay warm and other areas still get enough heat to avoid damp problems. Combined with a well-set timer so you only heat when you are home, this can be a substantial saving.
Install radiator foils behind your radiators. If you place these behind the radiator, it reflects the heat back, so you get more heat out of the radiator into the room.
Use a radiator brush to get in the gaps of your radiator and brush away dust and debris. A small change to your cleaning regime will allow more heat into your home, get more heat from your radiators and save money.
Adjust the temperature of your hot water on your combi boiler, 50-55 degrees can be enough! It takes seconds and saves you money.
For a conventional boiler with hot water tank, keep to a minimum setting of 60 degrees.
Do you have furniture against external walls or blocking radiators? Moving furniture away by just a few inches will release more heat from radiators into the home. Moving furniture a few inches from external walls will help air circulation and reduce the risk of damp and mold.
If your home is damp, consider dehumidifiers, moisture absorbers and window vacs to remove moisture. When you finish cooking or bathing, open your kitchen and bathroom windows to allow moisture out and wipe your windows with a chamois leather.
If your house temperature drops below 18 degrees in colder weather, your home is at risk of damp or mold forming. Turning your temperature down by just one degree can save up to a hundred pounds every year but maintain this minimum temperature to keep your home warm and healthy.
You are not alone. Green Doctor can help to install energy saving measures such as radiator panels and insulation and provide equipment such as air fryers, dehumidifiers and food vouchers. For more information, visit www.groundwork.org.uk.
Cooking up small savings that make a big difference
Did you know there are many ways to save money whilst cooking?
- Putting a lid on your pan whilst cooking can save money on your energy bills each year. Water will boil fast, and the lid keeps the heat in the pan, rather than letting it escape. As well as speeding up cooking time, it also means you can turn down the heat, helping you use less energy.
- Cook slowly to save. Did you know that slow cookers are an extremely efficient way to cook? You can also batch cook extra portions for another day to save time as well as energy. Microwaves and air fryers are also great alternatives to using ovens.
- Only boil as much water as you need- overfilling your kettle wastes energy.
Home energy saving hacks
These home improvements can help reduce your energy usage and yearly spending on your bill.
- Swap your bulbs for energy-efficient ones. They help reduce your electric energy use and bill, as well as your carbon footprint.
- Installing good-quality loft insulation helps to keep heat in your home and can save hundreds of pounds on your energy bill each year.
- Hang thick curtains, they will keep the heat in and draughts out.
- Have you considered installing cavity wall installation? It can stop heat escaping from your home and can reduce your energy bill by hundreds of pounds each year.
Taking control of your central heating
There are many ways of reducing your energy usage with your central heating, saving you money.
- Do you have thermostatic radiator valves on all your radiators? These valves allow you to control the temperature of every radiator, so you can turn down the ones in the rooms you use less to save energy.
- Bleed your radiators before turning them on to make sure they work efficiently. Setting them between 2.5 and 3 allows you to use the energy more efficiently whilst still preventing damp and mould.
- Have a combi boiler? You can save hundreds of pounds each year by turning the flow temperature on it down to 60C or less.
Every drop counts
Did you know that using less water saves energy, and money, too?
- Use a bowl when washing up – it cuts down on water use.
- If you can, take a shower instead of a bath and take shorter showers – even cutting a minute saves heating gallons of water each week.
- Ditch the hose pipe and use a water butt to collect rainwater, then use it for watering plants and cleaning outdoor areas.
- If you can, wait until your dishwasher or washing machine is full before switching on. Running half loads uses the same amount of water and energy, so filling them up means you’ll get more value from every wash.
Your water company will have lots more water saving tips as well as information about the help and support that is available to manage your water use at home.
Struggling to pay your bills?
If you are finding it difficult to pay your gas or electricity bills, there are a few things you can do to help.
Contact your energy supplier
Contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. Tell them what you can afford to pay. Your supplier must take this into account when agreeing your repayments. Ask about switching to a cheaper deal, especially if you pay by cash, cheque or pre-payment meter.
Citizens Advice
Contact your local Citizens Advice for independent advice on debt and energy issues, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
Additional help and advice
Green Doctor
Energy efficiency experts offering free, impartial advice to help people in the North East and Yorkshire take control of their utility bills and save energy in the home:
National Energy Action
National Energy Action is the national fuel poverty charity that works to eradicate fuel poverty and campaigns for greater investment in energy efficiency. Helping those who are living in poverty or vulnerable situations to gain affordable heat:
Citizens Advice
Offer free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues including debt, energy, employment rights, consumer rights and welfare benefits. This includes if you are struggling to afford to top up your meter or pay for energy. Their role is or help people to find solutions through information, advice, and support:
Communitas Energy
Our charity partner can provide funding help for a more energy efficient heating system. If you’re struggling financially, and rely on oil, coal or electric storage heaters to heat your home, we may be able to help you to create a warmer home while saving money on your fuel bills:
ce-cic.org.uk, or call 0113 486 2941
Improve Energy Efficiency
Find ways to save energy in your home:
National Debtline
A national telephone helpline for people with debt problems in England, Wales and Scotland. They give expert advice over the telephone and via email and send callers in debt a self-help information pack free of charge. The service is free, confidential and independent:
nationaldebtline.org call free on 0808 808 4000
Additional Resources
Need some extra help? You may find these additional resources useful.
Eligible for the Priority Services Register?
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service which helps utility customers who have additional communication and medical needs and would need extra support during a gas emergency.
Learn more about the Priority Services Register here.
Centres for Warmth
Our Centres for Warmth programme is providing safe, warm and welcoming environments for people in some of the most deprived communities throughout our network, and helping to give them greater independence and support.
To find out more: vcma@northerngas.co.uk