Dorothy - Keep Herefordshire Warm

With the help of the YES Energy Advice team, Dorothy from Herefordshire has transformed her once-draughty bungalow, now saving up to £834 annually on her energy bills.

Here's what she had to say :

“I’ve been living in my property for 20 years, with my husband, who passed in 2021, and now it’s me and my cockerpoo Daisy. I’m 82 in March and I try to look after myself and I make sure that even though I’m on a pension, I save for my bills.”

YES spoke with Dorothy through the Keep Herefordshire Warm project, in partnership with Herefordshire Council.

“I can’t quite remember who told me about you – I forget who it was – but someone told me about the help that was being offered. And I thought, you know what – I rent privately, and it’s a lovely house don’t get me wrong but it is draughty and cold. There’s ill fitting windows and doors, and I thought I would try and help myself see how I got on, so that’s why I contacted you.

“It’s a bungalow, and there’s only insulation in the roof - not in the walls as it’s basically concrete. It’s like a barn in the winter and a greenhouse in the summer!

“Through another type of scheme, I’ve had one of those heat pumps installed. It was very noisy, and with the snow recently it stopped working! But now that it has been fixed it’s a lot quieter – I used to be able to hear it without my hearing aid.

“Since November I’ve been having issues with my hip – I’m now seeing a physio but it has meant that I haven’t been walking or gardening as much as I would normally like to. Hopefully with the warmer weather coming I’ll be better.

“Everybody I have dealt with have been very nice, very friendly. You couldn’t fault them. They’ve been so friendly I would recommend them to anyone. And I would also say that if anyone is struggling, to get in touch – you’re not judged or anything. Well, I have certainly never felt judged by anyone on the phone, it’s always been a very nice conversation with them.

“I just hope with this next funding project – that I have already registered for through the council will help get me some new windows or doors as they’re very warped.”

With the advice given, it’s estimated that by implementing the techniques from the call, Dorothy can save up to £834 a year towards the bills for heating her bungalow.

Learn more about Keep Herefordshire warm