This report is a summary evaluation of the ‘Home Energy MOT’ project, designed to offer advice and low level insulation help to the residents of Hayfield parish, High Peak, Derbyshire, September 2022-April 2023.
This project was conceived by Sustainable Hayfield and Marches Energy Agency (MEA). Sustainable Hayfield is a local charity promoting more responsible use of resources, including energy resources. MEA is a regional charity mitigating fuel poverty and inspiring the shift to a low carbon economy.
It offered, perhaps uniquely in the UK, to all parish residents, at no cost and in one home visit:
- Fitting of draught-proofing tape/strips fitted for draughty windows and doors;
- Fitting of draught excluders to external doors and where appropriate, internal doors;
- Fitting of letter box covers, where none existed or where existing ones fitted were inefficient;
- Replacement of inefficient incandescent lights with equivalent long-life LED bulbs;
- Fitting of electric socket timers, to ensure electricity is only used when required;
- Fitting of ‘radiator reflector’ foil behind radiators, to reflect radiator heat back into the room;
- Supply/installation of carbon monoxide detectors, thermostatic cards and other smaller assists.
- The scheme also offered:
- Boiler control and radiator valve checks, to ensure these systems are working most effectively;
- Checks on levels of loft insulation and advice about any upgrade that may be needed;
- Wider billing support, sign-posting and referral to other organisations, and energy funding schemes where a need is identified, but only with the householder’s consent.
Between them, these areas account for 20-30% of all heat lost from the average home.