Browse our guides and advice to help you make your home warm, free of damp, and reduce your energy bills.

Using less energy and getting your energy from renewables are the key to cutting your carbon footprint for heating and power in your home.

Here’s our basic recipe for a warm, cosy, low-carbon home:

  • Insulate it well
  • Seal out draughts
  • Get the ventilation right to prevent damp and mould
  • Opt for renewables to heat your home and water
  • Make sure your heating system is running efficiently

There are always grey areas when it comes to these steps, though, and a lot depends on the way your home was built, so read our guides for more details.

Grants & support

Looking for financial help to make your home warmer? There are a few schemes that might help, depending on your circumstances.

ECO – You may be eligible for a range of free energy efficiency improvements that would bring your house up two levels in the Energy Performance Certificate scale. ECO (Energy Company Obligation) is a government initiative that requires the energy companies to help households who are struggling with their fuel bills. It operates in England, Scotland and Wales. It’s delivered in Cumbria by private companies – search online for ECO grant to find a supplier in your area.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme – You may be eligible for government support to change your oil or gas boiler to a heat pump. Find out more >

Last updated: 26 Jan 2023

Warm homes

Insulating cavity-wall homes

Insulating pre-1920 homes

Draughtproofing

Thermal imaging

Dry homes

How to ventilate your home & avoid damp

How to adapt your home for flooding & extreme weather

Renewable energy

Renewables for electricity and heating

Energy tariffs

Check for cheaper gas & electricity

Switch to greener energy

Energy-saving tips

Easy, practical tips that will save you money