More than half of your energy bill is likely to be for heating your home. Homes that are poorly insulated, or rely on old heating systems, cost more to keep warm.
Improving the energy efficiency of your home can help to reduce your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home all year round. However, every home is different, and it is important to choose a solution that works for you and your property.
The council’s Healthy Home Ealing service offers advice on how to keep your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer and to reduce your energy bills. There are also 2 grant schemes available which help to cover the cost of upgrading your heating system:
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 fill in the Green Doctor form to see what help is offered. You can also make a referral for someone else if you are an agency or carer (please ensure that you have permission before referring another person).
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 to help homeowners switch old heating systems with a heat pump.
You can apply if:
- you own your home
- you are replacing an existing gas, oil or electric heating system
- you are installing a new air source (air to water) heat pump or ground source heat pump
- your property has a valid energy performance certificate (EPC)
There is no income limit to be eligible for the scheme.
You can apply for the scheme by contacting an MCS certified installer. The installer will check if you are eligible, agree a quote with you, apply for the grant and carry out the work.
We recommend contacting and getting quotes from at least 3 installers.
You can find out more about the grant on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme website
If you are interested in installing a heat pump, you can arrange to see an installed heat pump through the Visit a heat pump website.
Warmer Homes: Local Grant
The Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG) is a government-funded scheme offering free or discounted upgrades for homes that are hard to keep warm. Home upgrades include improvements like heat pumps, insulation and solar panels.
You might be eligible if:
- you own your home
- your home has a low energy rating (EPC D or below)
- your household income is £36,000 per year or lower
- you live in a certain postcode
- someone in your household receives certain benefits
You can check if you are eligible, and apply for the grant, at the Warmer Homes: Local Grant website