Housing

Save money and get help with your fuel bills

Healthy Homes logo

Small changes to how you use your energy will help you save on your bills. Find out how and where to get help with your fuel bills.

Access help from us

The Healthy Homes team offer eligible residents free impartial advice and support to repair, maintain and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Call us on freephone 0800 012 1754 or email healthyhomesprogramme@liverpool.gov.uk for more information or to book a free home energy efficiency assessment survey.

How to keep warm

It is important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

  • heat your living area to 21°C (70°F) and 18°C (65°F) for the rest of your home. If the temperature in your home falls below 16°C (61°F) you are increasing the risk of illness such as chest infections and hypothermia
  • keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights because breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections
  • keep active when you’re indoors. If you are able, try to move around at least once an hour to warm your body up
  • wear several layers of light clothes because they trap warm air better than one bulky layer
  • take advantage of financial schemes and discounts to help you pay for heating
  • make sure you get your flu jab

Make your home more energy efficient

Tips on how to improve your heating and save money on your energy bills.

  • use quilted curtains to cover draughty windows
  • set your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off after you’ve gone to bed
  • set hot water temperature to 60°C
  • put a hot water bottle in your bed
  • use energy saving light bulbs where possible, and turn the lights off when you are not in the room
  • switch off any appliances at the socket when not in use
  • install double glazing and insulation measures such as loft, under floor and cavity wall insulation 

Change your energy behaviours

Tips on how to change your energy use. Information from Energy Savings Trust, October 2023, based on a three bedroom, semi-detached property with gas central heating.

Around the home

  • turn appliances off when not in use and avoid using stand-by buttons - estimated saving per year £60
  • only heat your home when it's occupied
  • turn lighting off when not in use and use energy saving bulbs to save money and energy – estimated saving per year £60
  • install inexpensive radiator panels to reflect heat back into rooms when radiators are positioned on an external wall – £7 each and use thermostatic radiator valves to control temperature - estimated saving per year £60
  • close curtains at night and tuck them behind radiators – estimated saving per year £10
  • do not open windows if it gets too hot, adjust the thermostat instead - estimated saving per year £60
  • avoid frequently using plug in heaters and electric bar fires. Central heating is less expensive to run - estimated saving per year £300

In the kitchen

  • only boil enough water in your kettle for your needs – estimated saving per year £37
  • a microwave oven is more cost effective for cooking small items than an electric oven - estimated saving per year £5
  • use pan lids to reduce steam and the energy needed for cooking - estimated saving per year £30
  • use economy setting at 30°C on washing machines and dry clothing outdoors or in a well-ventilated room - estimated saving per year £90

In the bathroom

  • save energy and water by having a four minute shower instead of a bath - estimated saving per year £92
  • use a water-saving shower head - estimated saving per year £5

Smart meters

With a smart meter, you can wave goodbye to complicated meter readings. A smart meter shows a digital meter reading and automatically sends the reading to your energy supplier at least once a month, so you will receive accurate, not estimated bills. Your energy provider may provide you with a smart meter free of charge.

Discounts or support for energy bills

  • Warm Home Discount – provides eligible households with a discount on their electricity bill of up to £140. You will be eligible for mandatory support if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit even if you get Savings Credit as well on the qualifying day. Contact your electricity supplier.
  • Winter Fuel Payment – is an annual payment to help older people with the cost of keeping warm in winter. Payments are automatic between November and December to those receiving State Pension or specific benefits. Call the Winter Duel Payment helpline for details on Tel: 0800 731 0160.
  • Cold Weather Payment – is made to eligible households on means tested benefits in areas where exceptionally cold weather’ is forecast or has occurred. Automatic payments amount to £25 per qualifying week between 1st November and 31st March.

Further information