We offer FREE energy advice to all residents, homeowners and private tenants living in the West Dunbartonshire area.
Services we offer
Home Visits
Free home visits can be carried out if required, this enables us to offer tailored advice to each individual depending on their needs and circumstances.
Heating Advice
We offer advice and guidance to make sure you use your system more efficiently.
Grant Aid
We can organise grants to increase property insulation levels and help with heat retention.
Community
Our Energy Advisor is available for talks and training to groups on any issues related to energy advice.
Fuel Issues
We can offer help and guidance on all aspects of domestic fuel related issues such as cutting down on fuel bills, understanding your bills, choosing a supplier, payment methods, arrears and debt, reading meters and keeping you warm in your home.
Fuel Poverty
Are you in fuel poverty? You are deemed to be "fuel poor" if you spend 10% or more of your income on your household fuel. Fuel Poverty results from a combination of having poor energy efficiency in your home, low income or high fuel costs.
Our Energy Advice Officer can assist with all aspects of fuel poverty, if you have any problems he may be able to help you.
There are many ways to save energy in your home, saving energy also saves money and reduces carbon dioxide emissions (one of the main greenhouse gases which contributes to climate change).
Here are some cheap and easy energy saving tips:
- Reducing your thermostat by 1°C can cut up to 10% off your heating costs. For a gas heating system, this could work out at a saving of around £55.00 a year
- Use blankets and extra layers rather than turning up the heating
- Place foil around the back of your radiators to reflect heat back into rooms
- Move furniture away from radiators to allow heat to circulate
- Open curtains and blinds to allow natural light in, but close at night to retain heat
- Unplug all appliances when not in use, or they will continue to use energy
- Don't leave things on standby, or save up to £30.00 a year on your electricity bills by using a Standby Saver
- Only fill the kettle with as much water as you actually need
- Put draught excluders around the doors and windows
- Draught Proofing could save you around £25.00 a year on your heating bills
- Installing loft insulation could save around £150.00 a year
- Replace boilers older than 15 years old. Also, installing a new condensing boiler and controls could save you up to £235.00 a year
- Use energy saving light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs and using one can save you around £40.00 over the lifetime of the bulb
- Installing a hot water cylinder jacket could save you up to £35.00 a year
- Fit double glazing to reduce heat loss through windows
- Replacing an inefficient fridge-freezer with an A+ or AA++ rated model can save up to £36.00 a year.
ECO Local Authority Flexibility Eligibility Statement of Intent