Home heating and environment advice   

Start living greener today and both your planet and your bank balance will be thanking you! Take a look at our handy hints and tips below...

Environment-Matters
power

Be energy smart

We have lots of helpful advice and support on how to reduce your energy costs and get the most from your heating systems.

See the guides below.

Reducing your energy costs and getting the best deals

Great Places customers can access great advice and energy switching through LEAP who offer:

  • Simple energy and money saving advice via telephone
  • Free simple energy saving measures such as LED light bulbs and draught-proofing during a LEAP follow up home visit
  • Checks to see if you’re on the best energy tariff via their dedicated energy switching service
  • Arranging free money advice consultations
  • Help to  find funding for further energy-saving home improvements

Find out more and register with LEAP


Other help with home energy 

Home Energy EfficiencyHome energy efficiency

Greater Manchester Housing Providers (GMHP) has recently produced a useful Home Energy Efficiency customer guide with useful energy saving tips, information on Smart Meters and advice on support available for customers who may be struggling with their energy bills.

Emergency top-ups for energy meters

Customers struggling to afford to top-up their energy meters can receive  an emergency top-up of £29 for individuals and £49 for families.  

Your home heating system - guides

We can also provide user guides for your heating system. Just make a note of the name and model and then contact us, we'll send you information.

Solar panels

Do you have solar panels on your roof? If so take a look at our solar panel guide to find out how to make the most of the generated electricity.

Dimplex Quantum Heater

If you have a Dimplex Quantum Heater visit their videos on YouTube for guidance on how to use and get the most from your heater.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Do you have an Air Source Heat Pump? We have information on how it works and the benefits it brings and a step by step guide on setting the programmer.

Electric Storage Heaters

For more home hints and tips, including information on electric storage heaters, visit:

You can also visit Energy Saving Trust where you will find lots of useful information on how run your home energy efficiently.

Electric Panel Heaters

Do you have electric panel heating? If so, do you know how to set the programmer so the heating comes on and goes off when you need it to? If not, have a look at this video clip which explains everything you need to know about Rointe, our most common electric panel heater.

Save water

water

Great Places install low-flow showers and dual-flush toilets in all our properties. This cuts bills and reduces water use — great for customers on a water meter. Tips for reducing how much water you use:

  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
  • Use a basin to wash the dishes rather than let the water flow.
  • Set a timer and have a six-minute shower.
  • Choose low-water appliances when you're replacing the washing machine/dishwasher – saving money and how much energy you use up.

Cut waste

recycle

Reducing waste to landfill is easier than ever. All local authorities provide doorstep collection schemes for a variety of wastes. If you are not sure of your collection day or which bin to use, check your local council website or www.recyclenow.com.

Did you know the average family wastes £700 every year on food? There are lots of easy ways to reduce food waste and save money including:

  • Plan weekly meals and only buy what you need.
  • Use the fridge and freezer wisely to keep items fresh for longer.
  • Take a look at these great recipes on www.lovefoodhatewaste.com to use up leftovers.

Transport

cycle

If you are going on an unfamiliar journey, all you need is your start and finish postcodes to plug the journey into: www.traveline.info. It will tell you the easiest, fastest or cheapest options to get from A to B.

More of a cyclist or walker? If you’re in the Greater Manchester area contact Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on www.tfgm.com or 0161 244 1000 and ask for your free walking and cycling map of your area. Or take a look at www.sustrans.org.uk for more information on walking or cycling in your area.