Home energy improvement measures
Working together to become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs, join us on our journey.
Whether you’re looking to save energy, lower your bills or reduce your carbon footprint, there are plenty of ways to make your home more energy efficient.
In this section:
Energy and money saving
There are some simple ways to reduce energy use and costs, before you consider retrofit. Check our cost of living section for some ideas.
You should find if you are on the best energy tariff:
- London Power provides energy that is good for your pocket, the environment and the community
- If you live in a Barnet Council home you may be eligible for a free energy saving pack. This is a pack of tools to help keep your home warm and save money
- The Energy Saving Trust provide advice on how to stay warm for less over winter. Including low cost tips to reduce heat loss
Simple Energy Advice
Simple Energy Advice provides information and advice on:
- insulation
- heating and hot water
- electricity use, green electricity, and energy efficient products and appliances
- generating renewable energy
- finding and starting community projects
- energy saving travel and transport
Visit the Simple Energy Advice website or call 0800 444 202
The Seasonal Health Intervention Network (SHINE)
SHINE is a free fuel poverty referral network and advice service for Londoners.
They have a dedicated helpline that provides you with help to reduce utility bills, tackle energy debt and stay well and warm.
SHINE accepts referrals for household, with an income below £16,190 or where any household member:
- has a disability
- has a long-term health condition worsened by the cold
- is a child under 15
- is an adult over 60
As well as providing basic energy advice, SHINE can help with:
- accessing energy discounts and grants
- managing energy debts
- switching energy suppliers
For self-referrals, call 0300 555 0195 to speak to an advisor, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
If you are not eligible for the SHINE energy advice, there are other support services you may be able to access by through self-referral. These include:
Energy efficiency
Information about key retrofit measures:
- Doors and windows - Energy Advice for London
- Insulation - Energy Advice for London
- Ventilation and air tightness - Centre for Sustainable Energy
Low carbon heating
- Visit the Energy Saving Trust for information about low carbon ways to heat your home.
- National Grid has a guide to heat pumps
Solar energy: power your home with the sun
Solar electricity is a green, renewable energy and doesn’t release any pollutants.
Photovoltaic (PV) panels could provide energy for your home, reduce your bills and even earn you money.
Find out more about Solar (PV) panels and whether it is the right option for you.
Is a solar PV system right for you?
There are online tools to help you decide whether a PV system is right for you. Use of these tools should be used as a guide to potential fuel bill savings and is not a guarantee of amounts you may save.
The London Solar Opportunity map shows the potential for PV solar panels on buildings and land in London.
This Solar Energy calculator gives estimated benefits based on information you provide.
Costs and benefits of solar panels
Here are some useful resources when deciding whether solar panels are the right choice for you: