Waltham Forest Council has launched a plan to offer residents “practical steps” for keeping homes warm this winter.

Council leader Grace Williams visited a terraced house in Walthamstow this week to demonstrate “quick return” measures that could save residents an estimated £175 a year on energy bills.

The four key measures promoted by the council include switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs and installing radiator reflectors, draft proofing and loft insulation.

The council plans to help eight hundred of Waltham Forest’s most vulnerable households receive insulation improvements for free, while 1,200 households will have access to materials at distribution points across the borough.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, she said: “What we can do now is help families and individuals in the borough to take those practical steps to improve their own energy efficiency.

“This is really practical – loft insulation, radiator foil panels, lagging on boilers – looking at what people can improve straight away. We want to make it as simple as possible so that anyone can take it up.”

Chung upgraded the insulation foam around the front door to reduce drafts (Credit: LDRS)

Chung LeVan, team leader for the council’s repairs and maintenance company Servicestore, also attended the Walthamstow property to demonstrate how a home can be made more energy efficient in “under an hour”.

Chung said the “biggest” energy-saving measure is LED lightbulbs, which last an average of three years and use one-sixth of the electricity.

He also recommended placing foil insulation behind radiators, which reflects heat that would otherwise be absorbed by the wall, potentially saving 20% a year.

Addressing residents directly, Cllr Williams said: “We know that you’re struggling with the cost of living and energy efficiency – there is help for you – please get in touch with us.”

Find more information on support with the cost of living in Waltham Forest here.