Home Energy Plan
“The service was really good; I have recommended it to my friends.”
Miss W has lived in the Meadows, Nottingham since 1980. Over time, she noticed that her home was becoming increasingly cold. Upon discovering issues with her boiler, she contacted Nottingham Energy Partnership (NEP) to seek guidance.
NEP assessed Miss W’s boiler and advised that a new boiler would be the best solution to get her on the road to a warmer home. NEP also provided her with a quote for the boiler and assisted in finding funding for its purchase and installation. Recognising that Miss W's home could benefit from increased energy efficiency, they also referred her for a free Home Energy Plan.
A retrofit assessment of her home was carried out, producing a personalised step-by-step plan which identified the necessary steps to improve the energy efficiency of her home. This detailed the necessary ‘fabric first’ changes she needed to make to her home prior to decarbonisation and the installation of larger measures.
The initial analysis of Miss W’s home identified that the main contributor to her energy use was her hot water consumption and the second highest cause was her large uninsulated windows.
Phase 1 & 2
Phase 1 of the plan advised that she should optimise her boiler (lower the flow temperature to at least 60C) and insulate her hot water cylinder and pipework.
Phase 2 involved adding Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) to her radiators, as well as installing Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) extractors to her bathroom and kitchen.
Therefore, Miss W installed heating controls for her new boiler, adjusted its flow temperature and added a TRV to her radiator. Additionally, she opted to insulate her hot water cylinder and the pipework in her airing cupboard, as well as added an MVHR extractor her bathroom.
Energy plan examples from Green Meadows, Nottingham Energy Partnership 2023.
Currently, Miss W is able to set precise programming for her boiler and adjust the temperature of her radiator, providing her with greater control over her heating. Her house will experience decreased heat loss, improved ventilation, and as a result, less mould and healthier, more comfortable, conditions.
“It was easy. The workmen were very good, I was happy with them and the work was completed quickly, within the day!”
Phase 3&4
The improvements to insulation and energy use lay the foundations for Miss W to make future low carbon energy upgrades.
Phase 3 & 4 detail recommended changes and steps towards decarbonisation, including loft insulation, solar PV panels and an air source heat pump. The support is backed-up with recommendations on ‘when to do it’ and the necessary conditions that need to be in place prior to any major changes. For example, adding an ASHP would require all possible building fabric improvements to be in place, as well as the suggested installation of underfloor heating.
Should Miss W wish to make further home improvements, it is hopeful that she will feel empowered and supported to do so, able to use the plan as reference and seek further guidance if needed.
If you are interested in receiving a free Home Energy Plan, as well as advice on trusted installers and in-person support, sign up for a Home Energy Plan here.