Homes in Devon have been transformed through a retrofit project that is helping residents reduce energy bills while enjoying warmer homes.
The upgrades include solar panels and improved insulation, helping to increase energy efficiency and lower household costs.
One of our residents benefiting from the work is Robert Osborne, 31, who lives with his parents in a home in Totnes which they have lived in for many years.
Robert and his family have already noticed a significant difference since the improvements were completed.
Our resident, Robert Osborne, said: “We are really pleased with the work. The tradespeople were constantly coming around making sure everything was all right and keeping us updated and letting us know when they will be here.
“We have noticed that our home it's got especially in the winter, it's a lot warmer. We're not have to put in heating on.
“When we have the hot weather, we were loving it because we were doing the ironing through the day and not finding out by the end of it that our bills have gone down for the electric.”
The work, delivered by contractor Low Carbon Exchange, included the installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, high heat retention storage heaters, loft and cavity wall insulation, and ventilation improvements.
It also involved new extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms and door undercuts to improve airflow.
There have been 105 homes completed through the programme in Totnes supported by the Government’s Wave 2 funding of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.
This funding is supporting our Cby28 programme to bring 9,000 of our worst performing properties up to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C by 2028, two years ahead of the deadline set by government.
The Cby28 programme will see us investing approximately £40m into our existing housing and underlines our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of our homes.
Robert added: “Personally, I think it has helped us a lot, and we wish it had happened sooner because money’s tight these days. It’s helping us with our electric bills.
“LiveWest has been very helpful and if we’ve had a problem, we’ve been able to ask for help, and someone comes as soon as they can.”