How to get a warm home

Everybody wants a comfortable and warm home. Staying warm not only helps us feel comfy while we’re at home, but it’s also crucial for our health.

The key to a warm home is being in control of your home heating system, keeping the heat in and tackling condensation and damp. It’s also worth exploring whether you could switch to a renewable heating system like a heat pump.

Our advisors will give you impartial, free and tailored advice specific to you and your home. They can check your eligibility for financial support including Warmer Homes Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan and more.

Elderly woman holds her hand against her heater

We're the only source of Scottish Government funding

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Learn more about the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, Warmer Homes Scotland and other financial support available. 

Take control of your home heating

Home heating and hot water accounts for over half of a typical Scottish household's energy bill. Installing a modern home heating system with good controls can help you stay warm and save money.

Looking for tips on how to heat your home and water effectively? Energy Saving Trust has detailed advice on making the most of your current heating system and guidance on replacing it with a newer one.

Advice on heating your home

Boilers are a common way of heating space and hot water at home. If your boiler's struggling to keep up with your household’s requirements or costing you a lot to run, it could be time to think about replacing it.

Learn more about boilers

Effectively managing your heating controls will make a massive difference to how warm and comfortable you feel at home, as well as ensuring you’re not wasting energy and money. There are lots of ways to take control, from boiler thermostats and room thermostats, to radiator controls and even smartphone apps. 

Learn more about heating controls

Installing renewable heating like an air source heat pump or biomass boiler is more affordable than ever. You can also get funding to help you make the switch.

Find out more

Managing damp and condensation

Excessive moisture at home can damage a building if left unchecked. Also, mould growth can harm the health those living there. Learn how to fix damp and condensation on Energy Saving Trust's website or check this video out to find out more.

Keep the heat in

Heat loss is a common issue. Warm air travelling to colder spaces results in heat loss through walls, roofs, windows, doors and even the floor.

By insulating your home and reducing draughts, you can significantly reduce heat loss, making your home feel warmer and cosier. Good insulation also helps you lower your energy bills and carbon footprint.

Picture of a smiling lady in red blouse turning down a thermostat

Cavity wall insulation

About a third of heat loss in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls. Properly insulating cavity walls saves energy and cuts heating costs. Energy Saving Trust has more advice on how to install cavity wall insulation.

Solid wall insulation

Insulating solid walls lowers heating costs and improves comfort. Homes built before the 1920s will most likely have solid external walls. Read more on insulating your solid walls from Energy Saving Trust.

Loft and roof insulation

You can lose up to a quarter of heat through an uninsulated roof. Insulating the roof can reduce heating bills. Check out Energy Saving Trust's roof and loft insulation guide.

Floor insulation

Insulating your ground floor - or any floor above unheated spaces like garages - is essential to keep heat in your home. Newer homes are often constructed with solid concrete ground floors but older homes may have timber floors that could benefit from underfloor insulation. Read Energy Saving Trust's guide for more.

Windows and doors

Installing draught-proofing and fitting energy-efficient external doors reduces heat loss. Secondary, double or triple-glazing windows are also effective. Energy Saving Trust provides valuable advice on ensuring your windows and doors are energy efficient.

Draught-proofing

Draught-proofing is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your energy bills low. Heat can escape from gaps, holes, and cracks, like those in windows and doors or open chimneys. Take a look at Energy Saving Trust's guide to draught-proofing.

Tanks, pipes and radiators

Insulating water tanks and pipes keeps them hotter, saves money and reduces energy use. The insulation is relatively easy to install, can save money on your energy bills and will help keep your home warm. Find out more on insulating tanks and radiators on Energy Saving Trust's website. 

Renewable energy

More Scottish households are turning to renewables to generate their electricity or heat from the sun, wind, ground, or water.

Find out more about renewable technology
air source heat pump

How we can help

Find funding

If you’re worried about your bills or your home is cold or hard to heat, we'll help you get funding and support to improve things.

Use our Funding Finder to see what's available in your area, or find out about Home Energy Scotland's grants and loans. The only way to apply for funding is to contact us directly.

Contact us

If you'd like personalised advice on how to make your home warmer, get in touch and one of our advisors will be happy to help.  

Helping someone else

You can contact us on behalf of someone else, like a family member you’re caring for or a friend you’re helping out.

If you work with people who could use our help, you can refer them to us for free, impartial advice and access to funding.