Miss W
“The service was really good; I have recommended it to my friends.”
Miss W has been living in a maisonette located in the Meadows 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 help.
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 new boiler and assisted in finding funding for its purchase and installation. Recognising that Miss W's home could benefit from increased energy efficiency, NEP referred her to the Green Meadows team to create a Future Fit Home Plan.
Green Meadows carried out a retrofit assessment of Mrs W’s home, producing a personalised step-by-step plan which identified the necessary steps to improve the energy efficiency of her home.
Example of Green Meadows Future-Fit Plan
In the ‘Your Home Now’ section of the plan, Green Meadows advised Miss W that her hot water usage was the main contributor to her home’s high energy consumption, and the second highest cause of heat loss was her large windows
The plan advised her that ‘Phase 1’ would consist of optimising her boiler and insulating 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. With funding from the Cadent Foundation, Green Meadows were able to kickstart the home improvements by installing heating controls for her new boiler, adjusting its flow temperature and adding a TRV to her radiator. Additionally, they insulated the hot water cylinder and pipework in her airing cupboard, and added a MVHR extractor to her bathroom.
Take a look at the steps taken (examples taken from Green Meadows Future Fit plan)
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. Additionally, by enhancing the efficiency of her boiler, it now operates without wasting excess gas, enabling her to heat her home to the same degree but at a reduced expense. Consequently, her house will experience decreased heat loss, improved ventilation, and as a result, less mould and healthier, more comfortable, conditions.
“The workmen were very good, I was happy with them and the work was completed quickly, within the day!”
One of the main benefits to the plan, is that it lay a clear route for Miss W to take, should she wish to make future energy improvements. Phase 3 & 4 detail recommended changes and steps towards decarbonisation., including loft insulation, solar PV panels and an air source heat pump. 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 and the 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 Future Fit Home plan, sign up here or call us on 0115 718 2028.