Lots of organisations have been busy putting in place information and support to help us save energy as we approach winter. We have listed some of these below – whether you want some quick and easy tips to reduce energy consumption in your own home, or are looking for ways to support those who are struggling.

Save energy

For a quick overview of low cost energy saving measures take a look at this Energy Saving Bite-Size film from Communities for Zero Carbon Oxford. The film, part of a series of six short films, discusses a range of low cost energy saving measures that can be relatively quickly and easily installed.

For a more comprehensive guide to energy saving measures and resources, check out this fantastic leaflet from Low Carbon West Oxford. It lists cheap energy saving tips and sources of funding, as well as links to useful information and organisations that can help.

The Low Carbon Hub’s Warmer Winter Checklist similarly includes lots of advice including long and short-term actions you can take as well as direction for where to get further support.

Take this one simple step – check your boiler. Do you have a combi boiler? The average household can save around £112 per year by turning down their boiler flow temperature. It takes just five minutes to check that your boiler is working as efficiently as it should be. This free, simple to use, online tool from Nesta will show you how.

Need support? Contact Better Housing Better Health. Better Housing Better Health is a free service, supported by Oxfordshire County Council, that provides a single point of contact for expert advice to improve the energy efficiency of your home, reduce energy consumption, manage energy bills, and give you better home comfort. Their experienced team provides tailored solutions to meet a home’s specific circumstances including switching energy suppliers, signing up to the Priority Services Register, and accessing funding. Some Oxfordshire residents can also benefit from an additional free home visit, where a specially trained advisor offers impartial advice to ensure more suitable housing conditions and reduce housing-related health issues. To speak to the team visit www.bhbh.org.uk or call 0800 107 0044. Better Housing Better Health have also compiled a list of ‘quick wins’ on saving energy, see: https://www.bhbh.org.uk/10-quick-wins-to-save-energy/.

Oxfordshire County Council was recently awarded grant funding from the government’s Sustainable Warmth Fund.  The funding is to provide a range of energy efficiency improvements to be retrofitted to Oxfordshire homes.  There are different schemes with varying maximum funding levels available, depending on how your home is heated:

• For homes connected to the mains gas grid, the grant available is up to £10,000 
• For homes not connected to the mains gas grid, the grant available is up to £25,000

Read more about the scheme and eligibility criteria here, and you can register your interest here. 

Help others

Help others through the Low Carbon Hub Warmer Winter Appeal. To tackle fuel poverty, Low Carbon Hub is raising £15,000 to train and pay an energy adviser, and to recruit 12 volunteer community energy champions to provide essential resources, advice and support. Your donation could help those at greatest risk of fuel poverty, and fund advice that will improve energy efficiency across Oxfordshire. You can find out more and donate here.

Invest in the longer term

And if you are looking to make longer-term improvements to your home, take a look at our comprehensive Housewarming guides and/ or join us at any or all of our monthly ‘Housewarmings’.  Housewarmings are structured meetings with our ‘Housewarming Group’ network. Everyone who lives in North Oxford is warmly invited. You can find out more on our website, including dates and specific topics, and how to book your place.  Please spread the word among friends and neighbours!