At a glance:
- Check simple ways to use less energy at home.
- Find out how heating controls, insulation and draught-proofing can help keep your home warmer.
- Get advice if you rent your home or live in a rural home.
- Use the home energy check or ask us about support you could be eligible for.
If you’re worried about energy bills or keeping your home warm this winter, Home Energy Scotland can help. We offer free, impartial advice to help you reduce energy use, manage your bills and make your home more comfortable.
Our advice is tailored to you and your situation, whether you own or rent your home. We can also tell you if you could be eligible for financial support to make energy-saving home improvements and keep the heat in.
How can you get your home and bills ready for winter?
How can you reduce your energy bills this winter?
There are lots of easy ways to reduce your energy bills that don’t cost a penny. Small changes, like taking shorter showers or running a full load in the washing machine, can add up over winter.
How can you make your home warmer?
Using your heating and hot water controls well can help you avoid wasting energy and money. Our guide explains how to take control of your heating, get the best out of your boiler, manage damp and condensation, and improve insulation and draught-proofing.
What can you do if you rent your home?
If you rent your home, there’s still lots you can do to save energy and keep your bills down without making major changes. Our free support can help you understand your options, including how to check if you’re on the best energy tariff for you.
What support is available if you live in a rural home?
If you live in a rural home, getting ready for winter can help you stay warm and manage your bills. It’s important to get impartial advice before making major decisions about home energy upgrades. We can also help you find out if you’re eligible for financial support to make home improvements more affordable.
How can the home energy check help?
The home energy check is a free online tool that helps you understand how to lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. You’ll get a free personalised report with suggestions for changes you can make at home to save money on your energy bills. It gives you an impartial estimate of how much any recommended home improvements may cost, as well as the likely savings you could make.
Take the home energy check
Could you be eligible for support from Warmer Homes Scotland?
If you’re worried about keeping cosy and on top of your energy bills this winter, you could be eligible for support from Warmer Homes Scotland.
The Scottish Government-funded programme supports households to stay warm and keep on top of their bills. Eligible households could receive energy-saving home improvements worth £10,000 or more. More than 50,000 households in Scotland have already received help to install heating, insulation and more.
Learn more about Warmer Homes Scotland
Not sure where to start?
Contact usIf you're not sure where to start, contact Home Energy Scotland for free, impartial advice.
Useful contacts for winter
NHS 24
The NHS 24 service is available 24 hours a day to help you access healthcare advice and treatment as quickly as possible. In many cases, it can help you avoid a trip and long wait at A&E.
National Gas Emergency Service
If you smell gas or are worried about gas safety, call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.
Scottish Water customer helpline
Scottish Water’s freephone customer helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to handle your enquiries.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Complete a home fire safety questionnaire to assess the level of fire risk in your home. You could be eligible for a free home fire safety visit but if you’re not, you’ll get a downloadable safety plan with personalised fire safety advice and information.
Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a free service that helps utility companies provide extra advice and support to householders who need it when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply.