As part of the UK’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) to net zero by 2050, we are carrying out a programme ( Decarbonisation Scheme) to improve the efficiency of our homes. We are also proactively bidding for funding to decarbonise our worst energy performing homes and see the climate challenge as a great opportunity to renew homes across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Find out more about our Decarbonisation scheme Click here
Helping to make your home more energy efficient
Through this scheme, we installed energy-saving upgrades such as:
The government set the rules for this scheme, which meant homes with the lowest Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating (D or below) were prioritised for upgrades. The lower the EPC rating, the higher the priority for improvements.
What Work Was Done?
• Homes with an EPC rating of D or below had air source heat pumps installed.
• The homes with the lowest EPC ratings also received new windows, doors, insulation, ventilation, and solar panels where required.
Why Didn’t My Home Get Solar Panels?
Not all homes are suitable for solar panels, and not all properties require solar panels to increase their EPC rating to C. Our focus remains on getting as many properties to EPC C as possible, rather than fitting additional equipment when it is not required. We are using a fabric- first approach as this is the best long-term plan to improve living conditions and reduce fuel poverty. This approach addresses the building itself, ensuring effective ventilation. High-efficiency windows are fitted, and doors, loft, wall cavity or external walls are insulated where required. These provide the most benefit and last for at least 30 years. If further improvements are required to get a property to EPC C we’ll also include heat pumps or solar panels. We can achieve this in most homes without the need for solar panels, meaning we can spread costs therefore increasing the energy efficiency of more homes.
We’re Here to Help!
You can also find helpful energy-saving tips on the Energy Saving Trust website: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/
Advice for tenants with Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
Find out more about Air Source Heat Pumps by clicking here.
A heat pump captures heat from outside and moves it into your home. It uses electricity to do this, but the heat energy delivered to your home is much more than the electrical energy used to power the system. If you have an ASHP:
- Take time to fully understand your heating controls and how to best set up the heat pump in line with your daily routine.
- Make sure you have an annual service which is arranged by us to check that everything is running at maximum efficiency and any faults are fixed.
- Make sure you set your controls to provide a lower temperature over a longer period of time. Most controllers have a night-time setting called 'set back'. This has the heating running at a lower temperature overnight, and then set to increase the temperature when you wake and start moving about in the morning.
- Make sure there are no items obstructing the external unit so that a steady flow of air is maintained. This includes removing any snow or ice that might accumulate over the vents during the winter.
- Move onto the most economic electricity tariff from your utility provider and make them aware that you have an ASHP as some providers have specific renewable tariffs.
Heating your home
If you have another heating system click here to find out more about taking control of heating your home.
If you need the above information in a different format such as an accessible PDF or braille, email info@saffronhousing.co.uk or call 01508 532000.
We also offer INTRAN, which provides interpreting and translation services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or who do not have English as a first language. To arrange support with INTRAN please contact a member of the Customer Contact Team on 01508 532000 or at info@saffronhousing.co.uk. Find out more by clicking here.