From a 20-Year-Old Oil Boiler to a Future-Ready Home

Location: North Yorkshire

Scheme: Home Upgrade Grant 2 (HUG2)

Date: January2025

Delivery Partners: YES Energy Solutions, West Yorkshire Gas Solutions , North Yorkshire Council

“When you’re chattering your teeth and then someone turns on your heating, you’re very, very grateful!”

Andrew and Debra live in a bungalow in a North Yorkshire village with their 14-year-old Golden Retriever, Lola. Having returned to the UK from Spain to support their parents in later life, they were keen to make their home more energy efficient.

When they moved into the property, they were aware there was no gas connection, but the full extent of the heating system’s inefficiency only became clear after moving in.

“When we moved to the village – we knew there was no gas. But it’s hard to fully know the state of things when you’re just viewing a house isn’t it. When we got in, we found an at least 20-year-old oil boiler. We realised just how inefficient it was, and it wasn’t contributing to being very green. It was probably the best thing since sliced bread back then, but 20 years goes by and now it’s not very efficient.”

Installation experience

Andrew and Debra expressed interest in the scheme through their North Yorkshire Council’s website and were later contacted by YES Energy Solutions to confirm their eligibility.

“We filled out a form on the council website, expressing we’d be interested when we found out about the scheme. We didn’t know if we’d qualify, and then YES got in touch with us over the phone to say that we would qualify for something and then that’s how it all began really.”

They were supported throughout the process by YES and West Yorkshire Gas Solutions, with praise for the communication and clarity provided.

“We didn’t know where to start so we were guided through the entire process by YES and West Yorkshire Gas Solutions. Emerson from YES was particularly helpful over the phones, they were always very polite, punctual and helpful throughout the whole process.”

The couple had both solar panels, and an Air Source Heat Pump installed. Although they initially qualified for wall insulation, the property was later deemed unsuitable.

“We have had solar panels, and an Air Source Heat Pump installed. We asked West Yorkshire Gas Solutions what sort of heat pump we’d be getting, and they sent us all the information! It was very helpful, we had the manual, the technical spec, even the drawings for the solar panels. It was very thorough and helpful.”

The installation took place during a particularly cold spell in January, which made the timing challenging but the outcome even more appreciated.

“It was of course freezing when it was installed. We ended up staying in between the living room and bedroom – as it’s very cold when it’s snowing outside, and heating isn’t on! When you’re chattering your teeth and then someone turns on your heating, you’re very very grateful! It was just down to the time of the install – with winter and the snow!”

Despite the weather, the installation was completed efficiently and with minimal disruption.

“They came on 2nd January and then the final bit of rubbish was taken away on the 22nd January – so it was about 14 days spread out – through no one’s fault – and there’s been very little disruption. The install team from West Yorkshire Gas Solutions were all very efficient, and even helped move all our furniture and carpets, and put them back properly. They tidied up after themselves, and Shane from West Yorkshire Gas Solutions even organised to have our old oil deposit taken away a couple days later.”

After the installation

Although it’s still early to measure the full impact, Andrew and Debra are already enjoying the warmth and looking forward to seeing the benefits of their solar panels in the summer.

“It’s a bit early to say how much it’s helped – but we’re enjoying what we have and the heat and are excited to see the solar panels in action over summer.”

They were especially grateful for the professionalism and care shown by everyone involved in the project.

“The whole team have been phenomenal. We just want to say thanks to everyone involved.”

Conclusion

Andrew encourages others to take advantage of similar schemes and is already thinking about future improvements.

“If you’re thinking about getting something like this done – just do it! If we get an electric car, we’ll be looking into the EV charger – but now we’re enjoying what we have.”