The council’s handyperson service can offer help to improve energy efficiency in the homes of elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents, by implementing small energy saving measures.
Working alongside the council’s energy efficiency service, the handyperson service can provide energy saving light bulbs, window and door improvements, such as draught excluders and heating upgrades (where eligible).
It is a specialist service to help vulnerable residents with the cost of living and to remain safe, secure and independent in their own home – not routine maintenance.
To qualify for the handyperson service, you must be either aged 60 or over (and not in paid employment), registered disabled, a carer, or a single parent in receipt of an income-related benefit living with child(ren) under 16.
Typical works that can be carried out include replacing lightbulbs, setting thermostats/timers, and installing grab rails and handrails. The service can also fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, secure trip hazards, fix loose tiles within the property and provide energy efficiency measures and advice.
The service can be accessed by calling 020 8825 6070, or emailing HandyPersonReferrals@ealing.gov.uk
To find out more, visit the Energy Savings Trust website or the council’s website.
Moneysaving tips:
- Save around £55 a year by remembering to turn your appliances off at the plug
- Turn off lights. Turning lights off when you leave a room will save around £20 a year on your annual energy bills
- Replacing all the lights in your home with LED bulbs could save even more. Draught-proof windows and doors
- Draught proofing of, windows and doors, blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can save around £45 a year
- Be careful with your laundry. Save £28 a year by using a lower temperature setting and reducing your usage by one run per week
- Dry clothes on racks or outside instead of using a tumble dryer to save £60 a year
- Spend less time in the shower. Keeping your shower time to just four minutes could save a £70 a year on your energy bills
- Be savvy in the kitchen. Avoid overfilling the kettle to save £11 a year on your electricity bill
- Only run your dishwasher when it is full – reducing your dishwasher use by one run per week could save you £14 a year
- 40% of heat is lost through doors, windows and floor – draught-proof your windows and doors
- Sealing the unwanted gaps around your doors and windows will help keep the heat in, and will cut down on cold draughts throughout your home
- 25% of heat is lost through roofs – add loft insulation
- Fitting an extra layer of insulation in your loft is a quick and easy way to cut your heating bills and make your home warmer.
