Help to heat your home

Groundwork’s Green Doctors

Groundwork Green Doctors visit people’s homes to show them how to save energy, help resolve billing issues and access other community services.

This free and impartial advice is available to those most in need. If you are struggling with your bills, in debt or having to choose between eating and heating, our energy efficiency experts may be able to help if you meet the eligibility criteria.

See if you are eligible for a Green Doctor visit by completing the contact form:

National Energy Action (NEA)

The Oldham Energy Action Team offers free energy advice and home retrofit consultations to help Oldham residents improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and create healthier, more comfortable homes.

Boiler Replacement and Repair Schemes

  • Age UK Oldham – for furniture, minor adaptations, and repairs

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 23 September 1958, you may be able to get help with your heating costs for winter 2025–2026. This is called a Winter Fuel Payment.

You might qualify if you or your partner receive certain benefits.

Cold Weather Payment

You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.

Help paying your water bill

Help and support to pay your water bill:

Extra Care Register

Help and advice on saving energy, information on power cuts and support if you have reached your state pension age, are disabled or have a long-term medical condition.

Practical advice to save on your energy bills

  • Get a smart meter to monitor your energy use and keep a track on appliances that are running your bills up.
  • Turn your temperature down on your thermostat. It sounds obvious, but it’s estimated that turning it down by even one degree could save you up to 10% on your bill.
  • If you have a condensing boiler (installed after 2005), you can adjust your flow temperature and save money. This is the dial with the radiator icon on the front of your boiler. Dial it down to 60°C or less if you have a newer property and your boiler will work more efficiently (condensing mode).
  • Bleed your radiators. If the top is cold, it’s not heating fully. You need a radiator key but once bled, your boiler won’t have to work as hard to keep your room warm.
  • Turn radiators off in rooms you’re not using and close the doors. This will help insulate your home.
  • Keep your internal doors shut and curtains closed – especially in rooms you’re not using.
  • If you’ve got laminate, wood or tiled floors, try and use a rug if you have one. Up to 10% of heat can be lost through your floors.
  • Not leaving appliances on standby could save up to £147 a year. These are things such as your TV, microwave or phone chargers which are all costing you money if you leave them plugged in.
  • Use LED bulbs. They use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer, than regular bulbs.
  • If you’re making a brew, only boil enough for the cups you’re making. Your kettle won’t need to work as hard so it’s cheaper to run.