Energy efficient homes

Homes that have a low EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating are surveyed to assess which improvements can be carried out to increase the EPC rate to C, making it more energy efficient.

Energy efficient improvements include:

• Loft insulation
• Ventilation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Solar panels
• Replacement storage heaters

For advice on further steps tenants can make to improve their home’s energy efficiency please contact the Home Energy advice team.

We are doing this to reduce fuel poverty, lower carbon emissions, and bring down energy bills for tenants.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed on the roof. They use the sun to create electricity to provide a free source of energy. The electricity generated is stored in a battery, so never wasted and ready to use when you need it.

They help to reduce your carbon footprint. And have no running costs.

What happens in the installation process:

• A roof survey will be carried out to check that it is suitable for the panels
• Scaffolding will be put up before the work starts
• Roof engineers will install the panels by lifting some of the tiles to fix anchors to rafters in the loft
• Electricians will install batteries and connect them to your power supply
• A system check will make sure everything is working as it should
• A sign-off meeting will be arranged to check the quality of the work and explain how it works
• The scaffolding will be taken down
• You will be asked for your feedback to check the performance of the solar panels and battery storage, and your satisfaction with the work

Mears Factsheet – Solar Panels

Mears Factsheet – Solar Panels – Plain text version

Solar panel and battery installation video

Insulation material is injected into the cavity (hollow space) between and internal walls of your home. Walls need to be in good condition to be suitable for this work. Filling this space stops heat from escaping, meaning that heat and energy is saved. This can reduce energy use and reduce your carbon footprint.

• Surveys will be carried out before the work takes place
• You will be contacted about when the work will start
• Small holes will be drilled into external walls and the insulation blown into the cavity
• The drill holes will be filled
• A sign-off meeting will be arranged to check the quality and completion of the works
• You will be asked for your feedback to check your satisfaction with the work

Mears Factsheet – Cavity Wall Insulation

Mears Factsheet – Cavity Wall Insulation – Plain text version

Cavity wall insulation video

Loft insulation involves placing wool material between the internal rafters of a roof. The wool layer helps to stop heat escaping through the roof. It stops heat loss which can help to reduce energy bills. It can also reduce your carbon footprint.

• Surveys will be carried out before the work takes place
• You will be contacted about when the work will start
• You will be asked to clear your loft before work can start
• The first layer is laid between the roof joists
• A second is laid at right angles to cover the joists to make up the required depth
• A sign-off meeting will be arranged to check the quality and completion of the works
• You will be asked for your feedback to check your satisfaction with the work

Mears Factsheet – Loft Insulation

Mears Factsheet – Loft Insulation – Plain text version

Loft insulation video

As homes become more insulated and airtight, they can trap more moisture. Adequate ventilation is needed to reduce any excess moisture that can lead to condensation, mold growth.

A survey will be carried out to determine if ventilation needs to be installed in your home, this could include:

• Trickle vent installed on windows and doors (if they don’t already have them)
• Roof air flow vents
• Air bricks
• Mechanical ventilation (extractor fan)

Ventilation will be assessed and installed in conjunction with other energy efficient improvements.

Mears Factsheet – Airex Air Bricks

Mears Factsheet – Airex Air Bricks – Plain text version

Airex Air Bricks video

We will be replacing some of the existing storage heaters in our homes with Quantum Dimplex heaters. This will be on a rolling programme.

More information can be found on our Dimplex Quantum Heaters page.