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Age UK set to make winter warmer for over 65s

Elfderly person holding walking stick

Published on 29 October 2019 10:35 AM

E.ON funding continues to support Age UK’s Warm Homes Programme  

Age UK is set to continue its work supporting older people struggling during the colder months thanks to continued generous funding from E.ON. The funding will help alleviate the effects of fuel poverty on older people by relaunching its Warm Homes Programme on July 8th 2019.

The Warm Homes Programme is now in its 9th year and last year.

Thanks to E.ON’s support, local Age UKs and Age Cymru partners across England and Wales, including Age UK Manchester, will be able to help to older people to reduce their energy consumption and become warmer during colder winter months.

Older people in Manchester can take advantage of free benefits advice with trained advisors who can assess their eligibility for benefits and provide support to claim what they are entitled to. Advice is free, impartial and confidential and also means that Age UK Manchester can refer people to additional services and support.

With E.ON’s generous support Age UK has already helped thousands of vulnerable older people address two of the biggest issues that impact on older people’s ability to stay warm and well in winter: the cost of living and heating homes efficiently.

Older people in Manchester that think they may need a benefits or energy efficiency check, can get in touch with Age UK Manchester by 0161 833 3944.

For more information and advice on how to save money on your energy bills, download Age UK’s Save Energy Pay Less and Winter Wrapped Up guides. Older people and their families can also check out Age UK’s energy saving top tips – see below.  Older people and their families and friends can also seek advice from the Charity’s free, Age UK Advice helpline 0800 169 6565.

For more information about Age UK Manchester and the services the Charity offers visit ageukmanchester.org.uk or call 0161 833 3944

Energy saving top tips 

  1. Saving energy at home is easier than you may think. Simple steps such as drawing your curtains in the evening can minimise heat lost through windows, and tucking long curtains behind radiators will stop the heat from getting trapped. And remember to keep radiators and heaters clear so the heat can circulate.
  2. Did you know that draught proofing your house could save you around £25 a year on your heating costs? And it couldn’t be easier - simply use draught excluders to prevent heat escaping under doors, seal gaps around window frames and fit covers to letter boxes and keyholes.
  3. Make sure you switch appliances off when you’re not using them, rather than leaving them on standby, and unplug chargers even when they’re not in use – many still use electricity when they’re plugged in, even if they’re not connected to anything. You may be surprised to know that this simple step could save you around £30 per year.>
  4. Do you have a ‘time-of-use’ tariff such as Economy 7, which charges you less during off-peak hours? If you do, you can save money by running your washing machine and other appliances then. If you’re not sure about timings, simply ask your provider.
  5. If you have a dripping tap that you’ve ignored for a while, make sure you get it fixed as soon as possible. Dripping taps can waste the equivalent of half a bath a week.
  6. Make sure you take time to understand your thermostat, as setting it wisely can save you energy and money. Your thermostat controls the overall temperature in your home and stops it getting warmer than it needs to be.
  7. Have you put off switching energy suppliers because you think it’s a hassle and time-consuming? It doesn’t have to be. Price comparison companies can help you find the right deal. And if you’re not online, they can help you over the phone. Once you’ve found the right deal, the new supplier will sort out the switch for you, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the savings on your bills.
  8. If you’re of pensionable age, or have hearing and/or sight loss, or a long-term illness, contact your energy supplier to find out about their Priority Services Register. Being on the register qualifies you for a range of free services and support. The services vary between different suppliers, but could include help during a power cut, free quarterly meter readings and a free yearly gas safety check.
  9. Double glazing is a great way to reduce heat loss and noise from outside. It can be an expensive option, but you could save £80-£120 per year if you install it throughout your home. Or, you could just double glaze the rooms you use and heat most often.
  10. Is your boiler over 15 years old? If it is, you might want to consider replacing it as a new boiler will be more energy efficient. Boilers account for more than half of what you spend a year on energy, so an efficient boiler can make a big difference. Call the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 to find out more.

For more simple energy saving tips and advice, see our guide Save energy, pay less. Get a free copy by calling Age UK Advice on 0800 169 6565 or download it from www.ageuk.org.uk 

Age UK

Age UK is a national charity that works with its national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI and its local Age UK partners across England. It also works globally to support older people, especially in developing countries, through its subsidiary charity Age International.

Age UK believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances. It provides free information, advice and support to over six million people and carries out research and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring older people have enough money; have good wellbeing; have access to the health and care support they need; feel safe and secure at home; and are able to make a full contribution to our society and are valued for it.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity). 

About E.ON

E.ON is leading the energy transition: providing smart, sustainable, personalised solutions. We make sure everything we do is focused on our customers, whether they’re individuals or families, big and small businesses, entire towns and cities.

Around four million customers in the UK choose us to meet their energy needs, making us one of the leading energy providers in the UK. As part of the E.ON Group, we’re also one of the foremost energy companies in the world.

For more information visit eonenergy.com