are in fuel poverty , due mainly to the area ’ s mostly Victorian housing stock . Solid brick construction and lack of cavity walls means many buildings are very poorly insulated .
Detailed research Improving her home ’ s overall efficiency was key , so Lucy started by getting an Energy Performance Certificate ( EPC ) assessment . This returned an energy rating of D , in line with the national average . Plus points for the house where low-energy lighting and a newer back extension , which is quite well insulated . However , the building ’ s overall impact on the environment was rated as E . Says Lucy , “ We were producing 7.2 tonnes of CO2 per year , 20 % more than average . I was determined to change that !”
The EPC report suggested a range of improvements , including double glazing and floor insulation . The total cost of these was over £ 27,000 , with the greatest expense being external or internal wall insulation , priced at up to £ 14,000 .
The report didn ’ t propose replacing the family ’ s gas boiler , however , even though they would be entitled to a £ 5,000 grant ( now increased to £ 7,500 ) from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme ( BUS ) to do this – the only subsidy for which they were eligible .
Air source impact With limited funds and wanting to speed up the journey to decarbonisation , Lucy did a lot of her own research , too . “ Almost immediately , I decided to disregard many of the EPC report ’ s recommendations ,” she continues . “ Insulation is very important , but it ’ s only part of the picture . If you want to get to zero-carbon heating , you also have to produce renewable energy . Electricity can be generated from clean sources like sun and wind , and gas can ’ t . I figured that , as gas is going to be phased out , the sooner we get on to renewable generation the better .”
Her research showed that an air source heat pump would offer the biggest environmental impact and bill savings for the investment , especially when factoring in the BUS grant .
Advised by a friend who had recently fitted a heat pump to “ choose the installer , not the kit ” and as a top notch installer will always specify the best technology for the job , she set about finding the perfect engineering partner for the project . She obtained quotes from a handful of certified businesses before opting for local renewable heating experts Heat Different who also came personally recommended . “ Our reputation is built on designing bespoke systems around high quality , well-engineered products ,” declares Heat Different managing director Craig Forder . “ When it
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