Help for saving energy during winter

Help for saving energy during winter

17 January 2024

THE Housing Executive is urging homeowners across the district to use a new home energy savings tool.

The housing body says the easy to use online facility is designed to help households find out how energy efficient their home is. 

Officials say the online tool creates a tailored action plan for the home and highlight changes that could save people money on your energy bills. 

The device is designed to estimate how much people currently spend on gas, electric and oil and forecasts how much you could potentially save. 

The Housing Executive’s interim director of regional services, Elma Newberry, said the organisation has partnered with the Energy Saving Trust to create the straightforward home energy savings tool, which will give robust advice on your home’s energy needs. 

She explained that by filling in a few simple details about their home, people can get a clear picture of what needs to be done.

“You can get advice and recommendations on how to make the best use of your budget and find out what savings can be made if you make changes such as increasing your loft insulation or upgrading your boiler,” the housing official explained.

“For example, you can spend a small amount of money getting your windows and doors draught-proofed, or, if you have more to spend, 

you can get a detailed report including renewable energy options such as solar panels or air source heat pumps.”

Ms Newbury said homeowners can decide if they want to spend more, or less, on making changes, the tool will recalculate the figures.”

“Savings calculations are based on Northern Ireland specific average energy prices and measures costs,” she continued.

“Our new tool is not just for Housing Executive tenants but for all householders across Northern Ireland and we would encourage everyone to try it out.”

Energy Saving Trust NI Programme Manager, Kevin McGarry, said as the cost of living crisis continues and energy prices remain high, this is an opportune time to take a closer look at the energy efficiency of your home and how to improve it. 

He added: “We hope that people all over Northern Ireland will get on board and use this user-friendly tool to explore what they can do to make their home warmer while both cutting bills and reducing carbon emissions.”

The new online energy savings tool is available at www.nihe.gov.uk/housing-help/ni-energy-advice, while to get get in touch with the Housing Executive’s NI Energy Advice team fill in the new online e-form on www.nihe.org.uk or email nienergyadvice@nihe.gov.uk or call 0800 111 4455.