Homes in Devon have been transformed through a retrofit project that is helping residents reduce energy bills while enjoying warmer, more comfortable homes.
The upgrades include solar panels and improved insulation, helping to increase energy efficiency and lower household costs.
One of the residents benefiting from the work is Linda Taylor and her husband Brian, who have lived in their home for more than 30 years and has already started to see the benefits of the improvements.
Linda said: “I'm really happy with the work. The contractors were clean, tidy and worked quickly. Everyone explained what they were doing and came back to check everything had been fitted properly.
“We have had solar panels installed, loft insulation completed and improved ventilation in the bathroom. The whole process was straightforward and didn't take long at all.
“The biggest difference for us has been the reduction in our electricity bills. Our latest bill was around £33, whereas it's normally closer to £50, so we have already noticed a difference. When everything fully kicks in, we're hoping it will save us even more.”
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.
This also involved new extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms and door undercuts to improve airflow.
This funding is supporting our ambitious 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 the commitment of LiveWest to reduce our carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of our homes.
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.
Linda added: “I'm quite happy with the improvements and with what LiveWest has done. All the workmen have been polite, respectful and cleared up after themselves, and we've had no problems throughout the process.
“Some people turned the work down, but I thought if they're offering to improve the home and help save money on energy costs, then it's worth doing.
“We are really pleased with the results and the savings we've seen so far. It's good to see investment being made in existing homes, and every saving helps.”