When Owen purchased his semi-detached bungalow in 2021, keeping warm was a constant struggle. The property relied solely on inefficient storage heaters that left rooms cold by late afternoon, forcing him to use costly portable electric heaters to stay warm during winter.
“I didn’t realise the support that was out there... The Advisor explained there was a grant scheme available that I might qualify for."
"An assessor came to my house to look at what they could install. That was when I was first told that they could install the lot solar panels, an air source heat pump, a bit of extra insulation, and a full heating system. He had a good look around the house and confirmed it was all quite feasible.”
While volunteering at a food bank, Owen met an Energy Advisor from his local community energy organisation. What began as a friendly conversation turned into the start of significant changes for Owen’s home.
Curious about the opportunity, Owen decided to explore the scheme. During the assessment process, he learned that his property was eligible for a grant funded retrofit package that could address his home’s heating challenges.
Owen’s journey toward a warmer, more energy efficient home began with a careful assessment process. The community energy organisation first conducted a detailed survey of the property and review of Owen’s circumstances to confirm eligibility.
The transformation
The process took a few months to complete, but once everything was approved, the installation work was carried out quickly and professionally. Within a week, Owen’s home had undergone a significant transformation, including:
Solar panels on the roof
Air source heat pump replacing storage heaters
A full central heating system
Upgraded water pressure
Additional insulation
Living with modern technology
Today, Owen's approach to home energy has completely changed. Even on overcast days, his solar panels generate enough electricity to power the heat pump and keep radiators warm. He's adapted his daily routines to maximise the benefits, running appliances like washing machines when the sun is brightest.
The upgrades brought unexpected improvements too. "This is the best shower I've ever had in my home.” Owen enthuses, describing the switch from a gravity-fed system to mains pressure.
“Everyone throughout the retrofit assessment and works has been thoroughly pleasant, totally professional and really good at what they do.”
A comfortable, efficient home
“It would be great if everyone could have solar panels and an air source heat pump."
"I'm not a huge ‘Green campaigner’, but we do need to be a little bit more sensible about how this planet is being managed."
While not describing himself as a "huge Green campaigner," Owen believes in taking sensible approaches to managing the planet's resources.
When Owen first bought the house, he knew the heating was inadequate and planned to give it a winter before deciding on improvements.
The solar panels and air source heat pump he received through the grant scheme ended up providing a solution that avoided environmental compromises, offering clean, efficient heating without impacting air quality or relying on questionable fuel sources.
Looking ahead: what's next?
Already seeing reduced electricity bills and enjoying consistent warmth throughout his home, Owen is considering further improvements. Additional solar panels are on his radar, and he's in the process of setting up export tariffs to make the most of his excess electricity production.
The impact
"It's such an improvement I can't see any downside to it at all"
For Owen, who once questioned whether such schemes would ever deliver real benefits, the results have exceeded all expectations. "It's such an improvement I can't see any downside to it at all" he says.
