For this year’s National Consumer Week we’re encouraging you to “be wise to being green.” Not only is it important to take steps to be more environmentally friendly, making your home more energy efficient can also save you money in the long run and help Manchester reach its climate goals. 

With our advice, you can protect yourself against misleading energy efficiency and environmental claims including “green scams” and rogue traders. With our tips you can arm yourself with the knowledge and confidence needed to make the best decisions when it comes to energy efficiency.  

Make sure you do your research 

Before doing anything, check the company or website you’re using. Read reviews on different websites, ask for references and be sure to read any terms and conditions. If you’re getting improvements done to your home, make sure to get written quotes. It’s a good idea to get quotes from at least 3 different contractors to make sure you’re getting a fair price. 

Make sure you find a trader that you can trust. Your local council, trade associations and certified trade recommendation schemes like TrustMark can be valuable tools to use when searching for a contractor. 

Protect yourself 

You should always get a written contract before you give the go ahead to work on your home. If the contractor doesn’t do what you agreed, this can help you get back at least some of what you paid for. 

Make you use a secure payment - credit cards offer the most protection, followed by Paypal and debit cards. If it’s a large job, it might be better to pay in instalments, and if you feel someone is pressuring you it’s likely that it’s a scam.  

Watch out for scammers 

Some scammers look to take advantage of people wanting to be more eco-friendly. They may pretend to be offering a government grant or ask for payment for energy efficiency home improvements and never carry them out. 

Look out for the common signs - unexpected contact from someone you don’t know, being asked for your personal information like passwords or bank details or a company not having basic details like a postal address. If someone tries to rush you into making a decision or asks to pay for something without written confirmation, this could also mean it’s a scam. 

Further steps 

If you want to find out more about being a confident eco-friendly consumer, further information and advice is available on the Citizens Advice website. Our specialist energy advice can also help you become more efficient and save money on your bills in the process. 

If you’re still unsure about something or have experienced a problem with a trader, you should contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 for support. If you’re worried you’ve been scammed, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by visiting the Action Fraud website.