Groundwork’s Energyworks team providing free home energy advice and support

Photo: Jeanette Teare - stock.adobe.com

By making changes to the fabric of your home alongside simple behaviour changes, residents can lower their energy bills, reduce the risk of damp and mould whilst simultaneously tackling climate change

Environmental charity Groundwork Greater Manchester is working with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and partners to provide free advice and financial support for residents in Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Manchester to make energy saving improvements to their homes.

By making changes to the fabric of your home alongside simple behaviour changes, residents can lower their energy bills, reduce the risk of damp and mould whilst simultaneously tackling climate change.

Residents who meet the eligibility criteria can access a number of home upgrades measures including loft and wall insulation, double glazed windows and air source heat pumps. Residents are encouraged to visit www.groundwork.org.uk/free-energy-measures/ for more information about the support available and to make an application for support.

In addition to supporting residents with home upgrades, Groundwork’s Energywork’s team provide residents with tips and advice on energy efficiency. Here are a number of myth busting facts from the team:

• Myth: Leaving the heating on all day on a low temperature is cheaper than turning the heating up and down or on and off as needed.

Reality: Leaving your room thermostat on a lower temperature all day will waste heat when you do not need it. By combining the use of a thermostat with a timer control the house will be heated to the desired temperature for just the time you need it.

• Myth: Cranking the thermostat up heats the home faster.

Reality: No matter how high you set the temperature, the speed the house heats up remains the same. So, there is no need to crank it up to 30 degrees.

• Myth: It’s hard to switch traditional light bulb fittings with energy saving bulbs.

Reality: Energy saving bulbs and LEDs now come in all shapes and sizes and are relative in price to traditional bulbs (yet last much longer).