Keep warm & well this winter and save money on your fuel bills
FROM CHICHESTER DISTRICT COUNCIL
Keep warm & well this winter and save money on your fuel bills
There are hundreds of homes across the country that will not be able to afford to keep adequately warm at a reasonable cost this winter.
Fuel poverty takes place when a household needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime.
Among the causes of fuel poverty are; low household income, inefficient or expensive heating systems, poor insulation or expensive fuels.
Rebecca Jones, the Fuel Poverty Co-ordinator for West Sussex, said: “With the increase in energy prices this year more and more people will find it hard to heat their home within budget. We need to make sure everyone can afford to keep their homes warm and stay healthy so I hope people reading this article will also pass the information on to friends and neighbours. There is financial assistance available to all householders to make their winter more comfortable.”
Our simple guide below tells you how to keep warm, save on heating bills and make your house more energy efficient.
1. Insulate your home – Loft and cavity wall insulation are good means of trapping warmth in the home, as most heat is lost through these areas. You could also hang a thick curtain on front and back doors and use draught-proofing strips.
2. Over 70? - Lucky you! You can now have your home insulated free with loft and/or cavity wall insulation by any energy supplier. Just call your supplier and tell them you are over 70 – it’s that simple.
3. Apply for heating or insulation grants and discounts– There are lots of discounts, offers and grants available from the larger energy suppliers and the Government for heating and insulating your home. Contact the Energy Saving Trust Local Advice Centre free on 0800 512 012 for impartial, local advice. Remember that even if you aren’t receiving benefits you can still get discounts on insulation.
4. Warm Front - a government-funded scheme set up to make homes warmer and more energy-efficient. If you are in receipt of certain benefits or allowances you may be eligible for a substantial grant for central heating. To find out if you qualify call free on 0800 072 9006.
5. Eat for warmth – Regular hot meals and hot drinks provide warmth and energy. But remember to boil just the water you need.
6. Keep moving – Any activity, even vacuuming, gets circulation going and makes you feel warmer. So spread chores out through the day.
7. Dress appropriately – Wrap up warmly, indoors and out, ideally several layers of thin clothing.
8. Keep your home at the right temperature – Hang thermometers in the living room and bedroom and keep temperatures between 18 and 21o C (65 and 72o F). Regulate your hot water to no higher than 60o C (140 o F).
9. Keep warm at night – Wearing the right clothing to bed is as important as wrapping up outdoors. Don’t forget to draw curtains at dusk to keep in the warmth.
10. Sleep with your windows closed – Cold air on the head at night will increase blood pressure increasing the risk of stroke or heart attacks.
11. Let damp air out –and keep lids on pans to prevent condensation and mould growth. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold.
12. Get a flu jab – The flu virus changes every year so get your jab EVERY YEAR.
13. Winter Fuel Payment – Everyone over 60 should claim the Winter Fuel Payment. The Winter Fuel Payments helpline is 0845 915 1515 (text phone 0845 601 5613). You can use this helpline for any queries you have about Winter Fuel Payments.
14. Check your entitlements – Contact the Pension Service. They can visit you at home and provide personal advice & identify benefits which over 60s are eligible for 0845 60 60 265 (text phone 0845 60 60 285).
15. Priority Service Register - There are many free products and services designed to make life easier for older or vulnerable people, provided free by your energy supplier. Very importantly, this includes advance notice of electricity supply breaks and priority re-supply – important if you rely on medical equipment or a stair lift at home. It also provides a password protection scheme to protect you from bogus callers and access to cheaper tariffs from some of the energy suppliers. Contact Energywatch, the gas and electricity watchdog for more information 0845 906 0708 or call your energy supplier.
For more information on keeping warm and well in your home, and how to save money on fuel bills contact Nicola Winser, Home Energy Efficiency Officer on 01243 534690 or email energy@chichester.gov.uk.