Making small, practical changes can make a huge difference to both your home and budget this winter. Here are some practical tips from The Green Doctor to help save energy and stay warm:
Only boil the water you need. Small adjustments in daily habits, like boiling just the right amount of water for drinks or cooking, can reduce energy use.
Keep your home ventilated. Moist air takes longer to heat and can raise your bills. Proper ventilation also prevents damp and condensation.
Avoid drying clothes on radiators. This wastes energy and can contribute to damp and mould. Use alternatives when possible like a washing line outside or clothes horse inside (make sure you open the window to help ventilate the room, but close the door to prevent heat escaping from the rest of the home).
Adjust water and appliance use. Shorter showers, filling the washing machine efficiently, and adjusting machine settings saves both energy and money.
Use your thermostat wisely. Setting it to the right level keeps your home warm while preventing unnecessary energy use.
Save energy in the kitchen. Simple changes in cooking habits can make your kitchen more energy and cost-efficient.
Reduce heat loss. Thermal curtains, loft and cavity wall insulation, and draught-proofing can help your home retain heat.
For more detailed guidance and resources on keeping your home energy-efficient and reducing bills, visit Groundwork’s Green Resources Hub
Additional support
Cleveland Fire Brigade - Stay Safe and Warm Scheme
This award winning scheme is completely FREE and open to anyone living in Cleveland, no age restrictions apply.
It offers access to heaters and other equipment as required (following a free home assessment). So whether it’s a short-term issue such as a boiler breakdown or an ongoing heating issue they can help.
Speak to a member of the team by calling 01429 874063
Or find out more here
Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK service for people needing extra help with their gas, electricity, and water, offering tailored support for health, disability, age, or family needs, especially during supply interruptions like power cuts, providing things like accessible bills, emergency contact, and advance notice of planned issues.
You register with your specific energy/water supplier to get this confidential support, which helps companies know who needs assistance without asking, ensuring quicker help when it matters most.
Find out if you’re eligible here
HEAT
The HEAT service is delivered by The Wise Group, a social enterprise helping people out of poverty and strengthening communities across the UK.
If you’re out of work, in debt, or choosing between heating and eating, they will help you with professional guidance, heat saving support, free energy-saving upgrades, and reduced bills fast. Find out more here
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice has information about grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills. Find out more here
We hope these small, practical changes, along with information about available support, can help reduce your energy use and keep your home warmer this winter.
