Heating

More than half of your energy bill is likely to be for heating your home. You can save money on your fuel bills by making sure you have a more energy efficient condensing boiler, as condensing boilers use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat.

If your boiler is over 10 years old, or frequently breaking down, you should think about installing a high efficiency condensing boiler – and make sure you also have up to date heating controls.

It is important to have your boiler regularly serviced so that it runs as efficiently as possible – especially before the beginning of winter, when it is used most heavily.

Find out how much you could potentially save by replacing your boiler at the Energy Saving Trust website.

Low carbon or renewable heating

For the average Ealing household, heating accounts for more carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than any other aspect of our lives. In order to reach net zero targets, we need to dramatically reduce the amount of fossil-fuel generated heating in the borough, and this means replacing gas and oil powered heating systems with cleaner alternatives.

One way to do that is by installing a renewable heating technology, such as a heat pump, solar water heating or biomass boiler. Each home is different, and you need to find out which technology will suit your home and your lifestyle. It is also important to ensure that the fabric (walls, windows, floors, and roofs) of your home is as efficient as possible before moving to renewable heating, as these often rely on electricity which is more expensive than gas. By taking a ‘Fabric First’ approach, you will greatly reduce the amount of energy required to heat your home, which is great for your wallet and the planet.

To learn more about low carbon heating solutions and for practical advice on when to replace your boiler, contact Healthy Homes Ealing or visit Energy Saving Trust.

Healthy Homes Ealing

The Healthy Homes Ealing Helpline offers advice on how to make sure your home is warm and how to reduce your energy bills. You may be eligible for a home energy advice consultation if your health is affected by a cold home. Call 0800 083 2265 or complete our self-referral form to see what help is offered. You may also make a referral on behalf of someone else if you are an agency or carer (please ensure that you have permission before referring another person).

Green Homes Grant

The local authority delivery scheme and home upgrade grant are closed to new applications. Find out about the other support programmes on our energy efficiency webpages.

Warmer Homes

Grant funding is currently available for first time central heating installation for homes through the Warmer Homes program. Warmer Homes has funding for measures such as low carbon heating and wall insulation, if you’re on a low income (below £30,000 a year) and your house has a poor EPC rating (E, F or G) you could qualify for free support. Apply at www.warmerhomes.org.uk or call 0800 038 5737.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

You may be able to upgrade your heating through an ECO grant if you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Incentives for renewable energy

There are various incentives and offers for installing renewable energy technologies in your home.