Staying Warmer: 4 Ways to Access Draughtproofing and Energy Support in Reading
With energy costs remaining high and the cold (and wet) temperatures we’ve all been experiencing, keeping your home warm and comfortable is something that many across Reading may be struggling with. The good news? There are multiple ways to access draughtproofing and energy support, whether you need professional help, community advice, or DIY guidance.
We’ve outlined four pathways here of draughtproofing and energy support available to Reading residents:
1. Reading Borough Council Energy Support Team
Reading Borough Council’s Energy Support Team provides comprehensive help for residents struggling with heating costs and cold homes.
Who can access this?:
- Over 60 years old
- Have very young children
- Have a disability or health concerns
- Have never lived independently
- Struggle financially
Some of what they can offer:
- Energy advice and support
- Referrals to draughtproofing services (including DraughtBusters)
- Information about energy grants and schemes
- Help with energy bills and supplier issues
- Access to additional support services
How to access:
- Phone: 0118 937 3747
- Email: energysupport@reading.gov.uk
- Visit: reading.gov.uk/energy-support to find out more and access a referral form for yourself or others.
The Energy Support Team may be a great first port of call for many navigating the full range of support available in Reading.
2. Energy Champions – Reading Hydro CBS (NEW!)
Energy Champions is a new service from Reading Hydro, providing free, impartial home energy advice from trained volunteer advisors.
Who they help:
- Anyone in Reading facing energy challenges
- Residents struggling with high bills
- People who want to make their homes warmer and more efficient
- Those seeking advice on insulation, solar panels, heat pumps, or heating systems
What they offer:
Free services include:
- LED bulb swap – Free replacement of up to 5 old bulbs with low-energy LEDs
- Heating system help – Troubleshooting heating problems, navigating controls, bleeding radiators
- Thermal imaging – Visual surveys showing where your home loses heat and where draughts are
- Whole home energy advice – Personalised guidance on bills, tariffs, insulation, renewables, and more
- Bill and tariff checks – Help understanding and optimising your energy costs
What makes them special:
Energy Champions are trained to City and Guilds standards and provide independent, unbiased advice. They won’t sell you anything – the service is funded through Reading Hydro’s Community Benefit Scheme, supported by charitable giving.
How to access:
- Visit: readinghydro.org/energy-champions for phone and email options
3. Citizens Advice Reading– Comprehensive Support
Citizens Advice Reading provides free, confidential, and impartial advice on a wide range of issues, including energy costs and home improvements.
Who can access this:
- Anyone in Reading – there are no eligibility requirements
What they offer:
- Energy debt advice and support
- Help dealing with energy suppliers
- Benefit entitlement checks
- Referrals to DraughtBusters draughtproofing service
- Information about energy grants and schemes
- Broader cost-of-living support
How to access:
- Phone: 0808 278 7819
- Visit: citizensadvicereading.org
- Read their Energy Booklet guidance
- Drop-in sessions at various locations across Reading
Citizens Advice is particularly helpful if you’re facing multiple challenges with energy bills, debt, or other financial pressures.
4. DraughtBusters Reading – Free Home Visits & DIY Resources
And of course, DraughtBusters Reading, us, a community organisation providing free draughtproofing services and DIY guidance to help Reading residents stay warm.
Who we help:
- Households in energy poverty (priority)
- Families with young children
- Elderly residents
- People under debt management
- We may be able to help others too, when asked
What we offer:
Free Home Visits:
- Professional assessment of your home
- Installation of draught strips, sealants, and other materials
- All tools and materials provided at no cost
- Energy-saving advice tailored to your home
- Typical visit takes 1-1.5 hours
Free Online DIY Resources:
- Comprehensive guides at draughtbusters.net
- Step-by-step videos
- Tips on finding and fixing draughts
- Advice on tools and materials
- Information on ventilation and preventing condensation
How to access:
For Free Home Visits: Get referred through:
- Reading Council Energy Support Team (0118 937 3747)
- Reading Citizens Advice (0808 278 7819)
- Your GP, local church, or debt advice agency
- To find out more, explore our website
For DIY Resources: Visit our website anytime: draughtbusters.net/learn
You Don’t Have to Struggle with Energy Alone
Across Reading, there’s a network of draughtproofing and energy support designed to help you stay warm and manage energy costs. Whether you need emergency help, professional draughtproofing, peer support, or just want to learn some DIY tips, there’s a pathway that’s right for you.
The lovely thing is that these services exist because your community cares about your wellbeing.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for yourself or explore options for others.