Recent residents we've helped in North Yorkshire with the Home Upgrade Grant. Jun 06, 2024

Alan – electric storage heaters

We caught up with Alan, who had electric storage heaters installed through the North Yorkshire Home Energy Upgrade scheme

He let us know how he became involved in the scheme.

“I saw an article in the local newspaper with YES’ phone number, so I gave it a call. One of the ladies from the office answered and we went through the qualifying criteria together. She then booked me in for a survey and we took it from there.”

Next, he spoke about the impact the new electric storage heaters have made.

“The electric storage heaters have made a considerable difference, it is much warmer. I have a coal fire in the lounge, but now I use the electric storage heaters to warm my home.”

He then took us through his customer experience with YES and the installers.

“The installers were amazing, they never stopped until they got the job done. There was no messing about.

“It was all very good – I had no problems at all and can really feel the benefit.”

Christine – solar PV and loft insulation

We caught up with Christine who had solar panels and loft insulation installed through the North Yorkshire Home Upgrade Grant scheme.

“I am retired and I live alone. I’ve lived here for three years.

I got a leaflet through the door, and I thought I might as well apply as I looked to meet the criteria.

It’s only been about three weeks since I had it installed but I’m hoping it will reduce my bills

The whole install and experience has been pretty good. I’m really happy with everything.

It’s interesting to look at the app on my iPad to see the usage and how much I could be saving. I’m hoping that it will reduce my energy bills and help save the planet!”

Gordon – solar PV

Gordon and his wife had fully-funded solar panels and loft insulation installed through the North Yorkshire Home Upgrade Grant scheme

“We’ve lived in the property for about six years now – we moved back here six years ago to be closer to our grandchildren.

“Our house isn’t – or wasn’t – very energy efficient, and we had a low Energy Performance Certificate. We got a letter through the door about the scheme, so thought it would be a good opportunity to apply.

“I’d been thinking about it for ages, but due to my age I wasn’t sure whether it would be worthwhile paying for it myself.

“But I’m so glad we qualified, with the insulation we felt a difference straight away – we use a log burning stove so we were having to leave the door open. Now the heat goes around the whole house, even the bedrooms have been warmed up.”

Gordon let us know about the impact the installations have had on his home life.

“I use an app now so I can tell how much energy is being generated. We generate a lot of energy, and I was surprised on sunny days that it doesn’t reach its maximum.

“It’s generated more energy than we use, and we get some from the grid at night time too, so there’s more than enough.

“The install wasn’t done long ago so it’s too early to tell how it will impact our bills, but I’m looking forward to see a clearer picture of how it will impact our bills.

“My wife is able to use the dishwasher when she likes, as we can now rely on the solar panels!”

He then talked us through his customer experience with YES and our partner installers.

“The installers were honestly fantastic. I cannot fault any one of them. They couldn’t have been nicer, more helpful, or any friendlier.

“The ladies I spoke to on the phone were always really polite, cheerful and prepared to help.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant.”

Are you eligible?

The Home Upgrade Grant will help residents living in homes with poor energy efficiency ratings that are mainly heated by electricity, coal, oil or wood burners.

To qualify householders must:

• Have a household income of £36,000 or less,

Or

• Receive income related benefits

And

• You must also live in a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, G.

Contact us

If you are interested in upgrading your home and you live in North Yorkshire, please call our team.

T: 01422 880100

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