We are making our homes across Staffordshire and Shropshire warmer, greener and cheaper to run.
The energy efficiency of our existing housing stock, particularly older homes that were not built to today’s stringent energy-efficiency standards, is being upgraded by installing wall and loft insulation, draught proofing and improved heating systems including low carbon solutions such as air source heat pumps and solar panels.
Customer Rhonda, whose home was upgraded this year, said the operatives were respectful, friendly and kept any disruption to a minimum.
She said: “The new windows, insulation and rendering has made such a difference, it’s so much warmer in here and it will be a great benefit in the winter.
“With the new air source heat pump system and solar panels, my electricity bill has halved. In previous summers I was paying £30 a week and I’m using just £15 now.
“The work didn’t cause much disruption to me. They did the work as quickly and efficiently as they could.
“The amount of compliments I’ve received on the improved appearance of my home is also unbelievable. People have been saying it looks like a new build.
“We live by a canal and just the other day a man was unloading his car onto one of the boats and he said how fantastic and modern the houses looked. Whenever I have people round, they say what a difference it has made.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with what has been done.”
Funding towards the scheme was secured from the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).
Andrew Kenny, Executive director of property at Homes Plus, said: “This project is making our customers’ homes warmer and helping them to save money on their energy bills, which is extremely important given the challenges that many are facing due to rising energy costs.
“We want to make sure that all our homes achieve a minimum rating of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C. This SHDF funding is helping us to achieve this aim bringing benefits for our customers and the environment.
“We’re encouraging customers who are offered these works to accept them. Anyone who is unsure can talk to us about any concerns.”
We are working with our contractor partner Broad Oak to upgrade these homes.