ETL Retrofixers are building a community of volunteers who learn together, share skills, and help make homes warmer – reducing fuel poverty, cutting carbon emissions, and saving money all at the same time!
Our story so far
We started in 2022 as a small community of volunteers helping each other stay warm and save energy. We organised ‘Fixer Parties’ in each other’s flats: hands-on learning sessions to find and stop draughts, followed by a meal cooked by the host and exchanging lots of ideas around a kitchen table.
In 2024, inspired by Reading Draughtbusters, we expanded to offer free draught-proofing to households at risk of fuel poverty, referred through local community organisations or households themselves. We also teamed up with Porty Community Energy to deliver sell-out classes on home insulation and draught-proofing.
We still run Fixer Parties for volunteer training and team building, and our vision is to expand across Edinburgh by creating new localised teams with the same skills and enthusiasm we’ve built in the Leith to Portobello area!
What we do
Fixer Parties
Social, hands-on learning sessions where our volunteers build skills together while draught-proofing each other’s homes. These sessions combine practical training with community building – and usually include a delicious home-cooked meal!
Draught-Proofing Service
Free draught-proofing assistance for households at risk of fuel poverty. We’re referred through partner organisations like Home Energy Scotland and local community groups. Our trained volunteer teams can help make your home warmer and reduce your energy bills. Fill out this form to sign up.
Classes & Workshops
We run occasional public workshops teaching e.g. home energy skills, DIY draught-proofing and sash window restoration.
Check out our Linktree for more info, resources and upcoming events.
“Today’s storm is great. There is no wind coming through my sitting room or study windows nor the bottom of my kitchen window […] Thanks again for all the hard work. You have no idea how nice it was to eat breakfast in my kitchen this morning – thanks again to everyone for all your wonderful help.”
– Draught-proofing recipient, February 2024
“The service was excellent. I felt very comfortable with the volunteers. They were all lovely people and the communication was very clear. They have all done an excellent job, thanks so much to them all. I really appreciated what they all did in my house – you guys are the best!”
– Draught-proofing recipient, September 2025
Get involved
We are looking for:
- people who want to share their knowledge & skills*,
- people who want to learn and teach others*,
- and people who simply need help with their home insulation and are keen to help in some other way!
*From the professional world, and from the public.
If this is you, please reach out via this new member form. We look forward to meeting you!
Make homes more energy efficient
The many ways in which air can get into a building (page 47). Images, courtesy of The Pebble Trust’s ‘Sustainable Renovation’
Did you know insulation & draught proofing is the single greatest thing we can do as households to reduce our carbon emissions? The ETL Retrofixers can help you to:
- STOP draughts
- Insulate where you can
- Make one room a cuddle-in
With a little know-how and support, you can achieve a lot! Even if DIY is very new to you.
Damp walls check & help
Loft insulation (page 57). Images, courtesy of The Pebble Trust’s ‘Sustainable Renovation’
Damp walls are the equivalent of wearing a wet T-shirt all day and night. Regularly checking your roof, gutters pointing etc. for dampness is a great start. Let’s keep the weather out of your house!
This is something you may need help with from others, but it’s really important to keep an eye on the need for these basic repairs as they can avoid long term major problems.
Other folks who can help:
The Edinburgh Tool Library says…
“From the perspective of the Edinburgh Tool Library (ETL), this ethos fits perfectly with our values, and is something that we can practically support with equipment and space, as well as organisational time. We are excited to support an initiative like the Retrofixers that was born from conversations by ETL volunteers and members and can continue to thrive under the ETL umbrella.”
Chris Hellawell, founder and director of ETL
