Energy firms all offer free or discounted insulation under the CERT scheme. However, the amount energy firms spend of offering these discounts is limited so if you are interested it pays to find out about it sooner rather than later. Anyone qualifies for discounted insulation but many suppliers only offer free insulation to older people on low incomes or other low income households. British Gas is offering free insulation to all its customers this winter and EDF is offering free insulation to its own customers and those of other suppliers.

You can speak directly to your energy firm about the free or discounted insulation and other energy efficiency measures they may be able to offer you. The contact details for each supplier are below. Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 or the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 also offer advice on saving energy and the grants and schemes available to help make your home warmer and save you money.

Atlantic Electric & Gas – 0845 070 7393

British Gas – 0800 980 8177

E.ON  – 0800 479 0162

EDF Energy  – 0800 096 9966

npower  – 0800 02 22 20

Scottish Hydro – 0845 070 7391

ScottishPower – 0845 601 7836

Southern Electric & Gas – 0845 070 7390

SSE – 0845 070 7389

Swalec – 0845 070 7392

Your landlord is responsible for keeping the structure of your home in repair and making sure any heating and hot water system provided is in working order. While your landlord is responsible for carrying out any repairs, for example, to your heating system, they are not responsible for doing any non-essential improvements, such as fitting double glazing. If your rented home is cold because the heating system is not working properly, you should tell your landlord and ask them to fix it. Put your request in writing and keep a copy. If they do nothing, you should get advice about what to do next. If you live in private rented accommodation you should check your housing status before you complain about housing conditions. This is because it could be easy for your landlord to end your tenancy agreement and evict you if you ask for repairs to be carried out.

You might want to seek the help of an experienced adviser, for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. For details of how to contact your nearest CAB:
Get advice

Draughts happen where there are unwanted gaps in the construction of your home, and where openings are left uncovered. These places can include windows, doors, letter boxes, electrical fittings, pipework leading outside and loft hatches. To draught-proof your home you should block up unwanted gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. Saving warm air means you’ll use less energy to heat your home, so you'll save money as well as making your home snug and pleasant. However, make sure you don’t block or seal any intentional ventilation such as extractor fans or airbricks, as these play an important role in keeping your home free of damp.

For more information on ways you can draught-proof your home:
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Other ways you can save money on energy bills include:

- using energy more efficiently - you could save around £280 each year just by doing simple things like switching off lights when you leave a room, turning your thermostat down and switching off appliances as the wall

- switching energy supplier to a cheaper tariff. For more information: Paying_for energy

- choosing a different payment method - some suppliers give discounts if you pay by direct debit. For more information: Paying_for energy

- finding out if you can get financial help for example if you're on a low income or of pensionable age. For more information: Getting financial help

For more help on things you can do to save money on your energy bills:
adviceguide.org.uk/index/faq_gas_and_electricity_saving_on_fuel_bills

If your home is in a part of the UK that isn't connected to the gas mains network, you might use heating oil to power your central heating system and hot water.

Find out how using domestic heating oil works and your consumer rights when you buy and use it:
adviceguide.org.uk/index/domestic_heating_oil_what_you_need_to_know