Heatwave help: Free fans, energy bill support and benefits for vulnerable households

Temperatures are rising once again this week across Britain with another heatwave set to be declared.

Highs of up to 36 degrees are expected on Wednesday across parts of England, as the country swelters in the unusually warm weather that has been experienced this summer.

High temperatures can be extra difficult to handle for older people, young children, disabled people and those with certain health conditions.

But there is help at hand including including free fans and help with energy bills, plus council support and benefits.

Here's what you need to know if you're struggling in the hot weather.

Free fans and cooling help

Some energy suppliers are offering free fans and other cooling equipment to vulnerable customers during periods of hot weather.

For example, EDF is giving free fans out through its Heatwave Relief Packs targeted at vulnerable households.

The tailored package also offers thermal blackout curtains, reflective window film, reusable water bottles, cooling towels, and up to £20 in electricity credit or vouchers.

The support is worth up to £100.

If you're not an EDF customer it's worth contacting your energy supplier to ask whether it has a support scheme.

It may be that you have low income, health conditions, or other vulnerabilities that could see you get help.

Check the help on offer from your council during the heatwave

Your local council may also be able to help during the heatwave.

For example, in London, Westminster City Council in partnership with Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Camden Councils if offering Cool Kits to support vulnerable residents across the borough this summer, helping those most at risk stay cool and safe during periods of extreme heat. 

The packs contain items such as desk fans, cooling gel pillow pads and reflective window blinds, alongside potentially life-saving advice on staying safe in extreme heat. 

Councils in England are also using the Crisis and Resilience Fund to provide different types of support to households facing financial hardship.

The exact help available depends on where you live, but schemes can include emergency cash payments, as well as help with energy bills.

There isn't a standard payment available from every council, so check your local authority's website to see what support it offers.

How to keep your home cool without spending more

You don't necessarily need expensive air conditioning to reduce the temperature inside your home.

Try keeping your curtains drawn during the day when the sun is shining through to avoid a greenhouse effect in your home.

Also try placing a bowl of ice in front of a traditional fan, so that it pushes the cooled air through the room. 

Avoid generating unnecessary heat indoors, this could mean not using hair dryers, vacuums and ovens during the warmer parts of the day.

Check if you can switch to a cheaper fixed energy deal. Fixed tariffs stop your bills rising when the market changes, helping to give peace of mind over bills.

Use a price comparison site such as Uswitch to help you find the best deal. Just check your current deal for any exit fees before going ahead with a move.

Government air conditioning grants

Summer 2026 may have left you thinking that it's time to kit out your home with air conditioning.

If it's on your agenda, it's worth knowing the government now offers grants of up to £2,500 towards certain types of air conditioning.

Air-to-air heat pumps cool your home in summer and heat it during winter and funding can be claimed through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The exact price of air-to-air heat pumps prices will depend on the size of your home and the number of indoor units required.

However, small systems typically start from around £2,000, so a grant could easily cover a decent chunk of the price.

We explain the details of the scheme and how to apply here.