Energywise, delivered by Energy Saving Trust and funded by SP Energy Networks, has been launched to help households across parts of North West England and Central Scotland plan home improvements that save money on energy bills and carbon emissions.
People can access free impartial advice, online or over the phone, at the Energywise service.
A statement said that Energywise will help householders identify the best low carbon solutions, such as solar panels or a heat pump, to suit their home, budget and goals. People using the service are set to receive a comprehensive costed improvement plan, outlining next steps and the option of a free follow up conversation with an advisor. The free service also offers help to find funding and certified installers, it noted.
According to research by Energy Saving Trust, 82% of homeowners in England are interested in making home improvements to reduce their energy bills. It also revealed that 39% are not confident assessing where to start with the process. Additional research found that more than a third of UK adults know nothing about heat pumps, while a quarter think heat pumps are not suitable for UK homes.
Laura McGadie, operations director at Energy Saving Trust, said: “It’s exciting to be offering this bespoke service to help people choose what’s best for their homes when it comes to low carbon technology. Improving public awareness and understanding of things like heat pumps is a really vital part of the shift we need to make to a net zero society. We know people are willing to make changes, they just want a bit of guidance on where to start, so Energywise is there to help them plan and go on to take positive action.”