Energy Saving Homes provides an opportunity to visit homes in your neighbourhood showing how ordinary people have cut energy costs through a range of retrofit measures. The event takes place annually in association with Oxford Open Doors.
Energy Saving Homes 2026
It was great to see a diverse crowd visiting energy saving homes during the 2026 Oxford Open Doors – from those considering energy retrofit for the first time, to those about to invest in major upgrades like solar PV or heat pumps. Homes showcased a huge range of energy saving solutions including small measures such as draught-proofing and radiator reflectors as well as more ambitious projects like heat pumps and comprehensive insulation. We had lots of lovely feedback, from “very helpful, detailed information, many useful tips”, to “Inspiring! Our next step … a heat pump and solar panels”, plus a particular fascination with skirting board heating in one house!
A huge thank you to all home owners who generously opened their doors to visitors and to all the volunteers who helped, and to Low Carbon Hub and other community groups for their continued partnership and support.
For anyone who was unable to go, look out for upcoming LCON events to help guide you through retrofit options, including our Go Solar event on 13 October, and next Housewarming course, due to start in January 2027 (more details on our Housewarming page soon).
What are Energy Saving Homes?
Energy Saving Homes are a bit different to the traditional Oxford Open Doors locations: they show how ordinary people have cut energy costs in their homes, through small, cheap measures, and through larger renovation projects – from draught proofing to wall and loft insulation, solar panels and battery storage, heat pumps, and double and triple glazing.
This is a chance to hear from homeowners how they navigated the often-confusing landscape of eco-renovation. Find out what went well and what was difficult, what they learned, and what further steps they are planning to take. You will be able to speak directly to them, and sometimes their contractors, and ask your questions. As one visitor said, she “learnt more about solar PV in two hours than in years”.
Energy Saving Homes is run in association with Oxford Preservation Trust, and with the sponsorship of Communities for Zero Carbon Oxford, a coalition of Oxford-based climate and environmental organisations. It was originally funded by Oxford City Council and Low Carbon Hub.
A huge thank you to all the Energy Saving Homes owners who so generously open their doors, to our dedicated volunteers, to our partners Oxford Preservation Trust, to Low Carbon Hub who have supported Energy Saving Homes, and to the community groups and organisations in Oxford and Oxfordshire who partner with us and helped make Energy Saving Homes such a success.
We plan to continue to work with residents to grow and spread the initiative across Oxford.
