Enfield residents aged 50 or above may qualify for free a free energy check of their home and advice about how to stay warmer without paying higher bills for gas and electricity. If appropriate the HEET scheme will arrange for work to be done free of charge.
If you think you or someone you know might qualify, don't delay, as the scheme is funded only up to 29th January (and the rest of the winter is expected to be much colder than it has been so far).
Why does it matter if my home is cold?
As we get older our bodies react differently to the cold weather, and it takes us longer to warm up. Exposure to cold weather for long periods of time can make you more vulnerable to some health problems.
The cold weather causes your blood to thicken and increases your blood pressure, which raises your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Other Conditions are also triggered or worsened by the cold weather, including arthritis, asthma and influenza.
Many older people are unaware that living in a cold home raises the risk of heart attack and strokes. Age UK Enfield in conjunction with HEET offers free home energy checks to older people who are finding it difficult to keep warm in winter period.
Things to consider regarding your home:
- Is the accommodation cold or draughty?
- Are there any visible signs of damp?
- Are you having to wear extra clothing?
- Is the accommodation on a pre-payment meter ?
- Has the accommodation any central heating?
If you think you might qualify, contact Age UK Enfield on 020 8375 4123 or Please provide as much information as possible about your circumstances as well as full contact information.
What the HEET assessor will do
In the course of the assessment the experienced HEET surveyor will:
- Undertake a thorough assessment of the client’s heating patterns, hot water system and insulation.
- Give some tips and advice as well as distribute relevant information guides on how to keep warm and save energy.
- Provide information on other support services, depending on the client’s needs e.g. switching to a more suitable energy tariff
- Install simple energy efficiency equipment, such as draught excluders around doors and windows, and radiator panels.
- If appropriate, the HEET surveyor may be able to refer you for a boiler repair or replacement as well as cavity wall and loft insulation.
However, please note that financial limits mean HEET may not be able to do everything in every home. The HEET surveyor creates a package of the most cost-effective work to make each home warm and safe.