Guildford Energy Champions Help Residents Cut Bills During Winter Cold

Published on: 14 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 14 Jan, 2026

A local charity is continuing free home energy surveys for Surrey residents helping to keep their homes warm and reduce energy bills this winter.

Anna Jolley, a spokesperson for the Home Energy team for the charity, Zero Carbon Guildford, said: “The surveys are popular with residents, achieving an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars on the more than 2,000 surveys carried out to date by our trained energy champions.

“The champions provide free, independent and impartial advice as households struggle with rising heating costs.

The surveys use handheld thermal imaging cameras inside and outside the home to see where heat is escaping.

“The home energy surveys show residents where heat is being lost. Using thermal imaging cameras, energy champions identify cold spots, poorly insulated areas and hidden draughts that push up heating bills. Residents are given advice tailored to their home, without any sales pressure or commercial interest.”

Guildford’s former mayor Sallie Barker during a visit from energy champion, Guy for her free home energy survey.

Anna said they provide simple but effective remedial measures on the spot. These include draught-proofing tape for doors and windows, chimney balloons to stop warm air escaping up unused fireplaces, and radiator foil to reflect heat back into rooms rather than through external walls.

Households with 100mm or less of existing loft insulation can receive free or very heavily discounted insulation, helping to reduce heat loss and improve comfort throughout the winter.

Zero Carbon Guildford says the scheme not only helps residents save money, but also supports the wider goal of reducing carbon emissions from homes, which account for a large share of local energy use.

Eligible households can receive free or discounted loft insulation.

Anna said she is encouraging residents to book a free survey now to take advantage of the free surveys and practical support while winter conditions persist.

You can book the survey on the Zero Carbon Guildford website here.