Improvement works make energy savings for our customers, says North Devon Homes

North Devon Homes is committed to improving energy efficiency in our customers’ homes and reducing bills.

Earlier this year, we were delighted to be successful in our bid to secure funding from the Government’s Wave two Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

This funding enables us to upgrade 120 of our properties to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of band C or above.

We are thrilled to say we have just completed works on our first site at Tewsley Close in Bickington. This project involved upgrading four blocks of flats and 11 bungalows, all of which had night storage heating.

The improvements have included the installation of PV panels to the flats which will provide free electricity and can be diverted to heat the hot water tanks when needed.

All night storage heaters in the properties have been upgraded to high heat retention storage heaters which are more economical to run and can be boosted by the PV panels during the day.

The properties have also benefitted from having the existing mineral wall cavity insulation removed and replaced with a better performing thermal bead. Upgrades have been made to windows and doors, where needed.

The assessments show that all the properties are now above the EPC C rating and with some achieving a rating of band B. The works have ensured these homes will be more affordable for our customers to run, now, and in the future.

Throughout the project we have worked closely with our contractor, LivGreen, which has delivered the works. We are very pleased with the outcome and the speed in which this was delivered for our customers.

We have also been working alongside our Energy Champion who has liaised with our customers throughout and ensured the works have been able to proceed.

We are very grateful and thankful to our customers for their patience and engagement in the project, which has caused them some disruption, and hope they enjoy the benefits of the upgrades to their homes.

This is the second wave of SHDF funding we have been successful in bidding for. In 2022 we secured funding under wave one of the project, which enabled us to install external wall insulation, new windows and upgrade heating systems in our more rural properties to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency for these customers.

The Energy Saving Trust reports that 21 per cent of total carbon emissions in the UK come from our homes and so North Devon Homes are on a mission help reduce emissions from our homes whilst helping customers to lower their energy bills and keep them warm during the colder, winter months.