Government energy-efficiency funding is starting to make a difference to households in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire with the help of energy experts Severn Wye.
As autumn approached this year, Sarah found herself bracing for another chilly winter with rising bills. She loves her home, but her open-plan living space never felt warm enough.
‘I used to joke that my house was colder inside than it was outside,’ Sarah says. ‘But when your heating bills hit £120 a month and you’re still layering up indoors, it stops being funny.’
Her old gas boiler struggled to heat the space, especially with ageing pipework and radiators. The loft room leaked any heat and the living room didn’t even have a radiator. With the cost-of-living crisis biting hard, Sarah and her family were preparing for a winter of hot water bottles and extra blankets.
Then a colleague mentioned the Warm Homes Local Grant.
What’s on offer
Severn Wye is delivering the Warm Homes Local Grant in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. Qualifying households receive an expert survey, energy efficiency report and recommendations of ways to improve their home, plus fully-funded energy-saving upgrades such as insulation, heating, and renewables.
Sarah applied straightaway.
‘I wasn’t sure I’d qualify, but when I heard it could cover heating upgrades and maybe even solar panels, I couldn’t pass up the chance.’
Personalised plans for a warmer home
Once Sarah’s eligibility was confirmed, one of Severn Wye’s assessors arrived to carry out a detailed survey.
‘Cara was brilliant. The survey took quite a while as she took measurements and photos in every room, but she explained everything clearly and took the time to understand how I use my home.’
Cara recommended a combination of air source heat pump, solar PV panels, and new radiators and pipework, all tailored to make Sarah’s home warmer and more efficient.
‘I’ve now got solar panels on both sides of my roof, a new heating system, and radiators in every room. It’s a complete transformation.’
Support at every step
Such a change meant some upheaval, including three days without hot water and carpets temporarily lifted. But Severn Wye had kept Sarah informed throughout about what to expect ahead of time and she says the disruption was minimal compared to the benefits.
‘The team at Severn Wye were great. I always knew what was happening and when. And the installers were lovely. They worked around me and even asked where I’d prefer the radiators to go. I felt really looked after.’
Looking ahead with confidence
Now Sarah’s home is ready for winter, and she can look forward to warmer months ahead.
‘I have already seen a difference in my bills – I don’t have gas now and my electric bill has gone down. The heat pump is so much more efficient, and when the sun’s out, the solar panels mean it costs next to nothing to run. So far the house feels very comfortable and the engineer has set up the system so the house will stay at a steady temperature and be warm through the winter.
‘More than anything, I’m looking forward to feeling properly warm without worrying about the cost.‘
Thinking about applying?
If you are wondering if the Warm Homes Local Grant is right for you, Sarah says don’t hesitate.
‘I’d 100% recommend applying through Severn Wye. I’d never have been able to do all this without the grant. I’m a single parent so bringing bills down will make a massive difference to my everyday life. And going green is so important too, it’s the best thing for the environment.
‘To anyone unsure about applying, I’d say there’s so much information now online about the measures you can get. Do some research and speak to other people that have had it done. If you can do it, do it!’
Watch the video of Sarah’s warm home transformation here.
Please be aware that we are at capacity until further grant funding comes through. In the meantime, we are continuing to accept enquiries for our waiting list. By joining our waiting list, you will be kept informed and able to proceed with your application at the earliest opportunity.
To qualify you must:
- Have a total household income of less than £36,000 a year
- Live in Gloucestershire or South Gloucestershire
- Own or privately rent a home with an EPC of D, E, F or G.
