Keep Cosy, Cut the Costs, and take Climate Action this Chilly Season

Only 1.8% of UK homes meet the top energy efficiency ratings, making them some of some of the biggest energy-wasters in Europe. As the colder months approach and the East wind begins to bite, keeping your flat, house, or halls warm can become increasingly challenging. This guidance outlines some ways that you can tackle rising energy costs whilst also taking climate action!

Home Energy Advice North East (HEANE)

A new local authority led service HEANE is here to help you cut costs and stay cosy. Even if your energy bills are included in your rent, their advice can help you avoid exceeding any cap set by your landlord. Whether you’re living in Newcastle City centre or further afield, there’s a range of free support available to help you boost energy efficiency, save money, improve living conditions, and  reduce your carbon footprint.

HEANE is working in partnership with charities and organisations like Groundwork and Community Action Northumberland to offer help in Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, and Northumberland, prioritising those who’re struggling to pay bills or keep warm.

How can HEANE help?

  • Provide immediately implementable energy saving habits. These insignificant changes can add up over the university year! If you’re not convinced, check out their website for energy (and money) saving habit ideas paired with concrete stats showing the potential difference it could make to your pocket!
  • A knowledge bank of useful info (e.g. how to understand your energy bill, how to tackle condensation and damp, and how to stay in control of your heating). University is often the first time many of us deal with the responsibility of bills and home maintenance. For most of us it’s a venture into the unknown, so reliable and expert tips on how to navigate this new realm is seriously valuable.
  • Impartial in-person advice. Sometimes it’s easier to show than tell. And when it comes to a house or flat you’ve only recently moved into for the academic year a second pair of eyes and opinion can be really useful to create a next steps plan.
  • Personalised recommendations (no obligation home assessments to make it a more energy efficient space). Not all advice is equal! Getting advice appropriate for your living situation and budget helps put you on the road to action more than generic pointers.
  • Help applying for energy improvement funding and finding local certified installers (available to your landlord if you rent). Not owning your home doesn’t mean you have no control! Making your landlord aware of the advice, resources, and recommendations given by HEANE could result in some real change making.
  • Ongoing support at every step – Have you received some advice or information, and you are not sure what to do next? Don’t let your questions go unanswered! Whether it’s the 1st or 100th query, make use of the experts available.

Energy and water reduction guidance for your home

You might think you’ve heard all the energy-saving tips before. For example, not leaving devices on standby, avoiding overfilling the kettle, turning off lights and using a low temperature setting on the washing machine could already be part of your routine – great job! These actions alone can save you £67 a year. But did you know saving water can also reduce your energy costs? And advice to take control of your heating can be especially useful when renting, as lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can save £80 a year.

In short, make use of this resource! Keep cosy, cut the cost, and take climate action. What could be a better start to the chilly season?

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