Make your home warmer and cheaper to run by planning ahead
Upgrading your home can feel overwhelming – where do you start? What changes will actually make a difference? And how do you avoid costly mistakes?
Most homes could be warmer, cheaper to run, and better for the planet. But without a clear plan, it’s easy to make the wrong choices – spending money on upgrades that don’t work well together or missing out on better solutions.
That’s why the best place to start isn’t with an installation – it’s with a whole house plan. A clear plan puts you in control, helping you understand what’s needed, what will have the biggest impact, and how to move forward with confidence.
The right advice helps you plan ahead
A House Like Mine is an innovative project designed to show what’s possible when it comes to making your home warmer, more energy efficient, and cheaper to run.
Led by Oxford City Council in collaboration with Low Carbon Hub and Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, the project brings together expert advice, funding guidance, and real-life case studies – giving homeowners the knowledge and confidence to take action.
Through 12 case studies, homeowners and landlords share how a whole house assessment helped them:
- Understand their options and prioritise improvements
- Budget with confidence before committing to work
- Plan upgrades in stages – avoiding costly mistakes
With a clear, tailored plan, they now know which upgrades will have the biggest impact, what they’re likely to cost, and how to move forward at their own pace.
““The Whole House Plan was extremely helpful. It provided a detailed cost breakdown and will help us prioritise our next steps. This advice was far better than the fragmented input from tradespeople, who just focus on their specific projects rather than take a whole house approach.”
LOUISE, MARSTON, OXFORD
Landlords are also using this approach to improve homes for tenants while meeting new energy standards.
“As a responsible landlord, I’d encourage all landlords to get a survey as it gives you a huge amount of information about your property and really gives you the opportunity to put a plan in place for the legislation and beyond.”
CHRISTIAN, LANDLORD, LITTLEMORE, OXFORD
A step-by-step approach that works for you
You don’t have to do everything at once. Some people start with small, affordable measures. Others take a whole-house approach. A clear plan means you can make improvements at your own pace, knowing every step moves you in the right direction.
“A House Like Mine highlights how many ways there are to make your home more energy efficient, whatever your house type, personal circumstance, or budget.”
ANNA RAILTON, DEPUTY LEADER, CABINET MEMBER FOR ZERO CARBON OXFORD
“A House Like Mine helps people explore energy-saving improvements through real case studies. By showcasing homes across Oxford, we inspire homeowners to see what’s possible and take action.”
BARBARA HAMMOND, CEO, LOW CARBON HUB
Explore the energy-saving potential of a home like yours
Alongside real-life case studies, A House Like Mine offers practical guides, funding links, and expert advice to help you make the best decisions for your home.