Retrofit: energy efficiency in our homes
Ongo is committed to improving the energy efficiency of our homes. We’ll do this by improving our properties through a range of ways known as retrofit measures.
Put simply, this means we’ll fit your home with the measures it needs to become more energy efficient. It will take many years to do this across our.
However, we’ve already secured funding for a range of improvements and upgrades which have made a huge difference and we’re working on securing future funding.
Identifying suitable properties
With each new project, we need to identify the properties most in need of energy efficiency upgrades, the current target are those properties rated EPC D or below so that they all reach EPC C rating.
If your property is identified as one of those that could potentially benefit from retrofit work, we’ll write to you to notify you we would like to do a survey.
Check out our guide to retrofit below.
Retrofit measures in focus
External wall insulation involves the installation of an insulating layer to the external fabric of a building and is usually finished with a render coat. That means it could transform the look as well as the energy performance of your home. It’s almost like putting your coat on!
Like external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation focuses on reducing the amount of heat lost through the walls of your home. Rather than focusing on outside though, cavity wall insulation though we focus on injecting insulation materials inside the walls. It’s almost like putting some thermals on under your clothes! This is a two-part process with minimum disruption.
It may seem obvious to say but, for some homes, the most effective way of transforming your energy performance may be through several small steps. This could include things like replacing windows and doors that aren’t airtight to something as simple as installing energy saving lighting systems. Sometimes, the simplest fixes are the best.
Making your home airtight through draught proofing and well-fitting windows and doors is one of the most effective energy saving measures. Coupled with extractor fans it ensures effective airflow around your home with minimal energy use, preventing condensation and damp and improving air quality. It’s like a set of magic lungs for your home which makes it breathe effectively and therefore save energy. Extractor fans are generally fitted in the kitchen and bathroom.
We may also top up additional loft insulation in properties where necessary and beneficial.
Our pledge to you
When we do retrofit works in a home, it’s important you know exactly what you can expect. So, our pledge to you is really simple:
- Totally free of charge
- Where required, assess how much energy is required to heat your home to a comfortable temperature.
- Fully guaranteed work, done by experts.
- Make your home look modern and feel warmer.
The process
Here’s a summary of the process you can expect.
- The first step in the process is to carry out a survey. During that survey, we’ll look at the energy performance of your home and figure out how we could help boost it. It won’t take long – all we need from you is to let us in for the appointment.
- The next step is for us to design a solution that works for you. This could be one measure or a range of measures. We’ll plan how we do that at a time and in a way that works for you. That may include the need to apply for planning permission for some measures.
- Once we’ve identified the suitable measures that work for you and your home, we and our contractors will talk you through the process and timescales before any works begin. With this project, we’re moving at pace – the funding is only available for a limited period – so you won’t be waiting for long.
- How long the work in your home could take depends on what measures are agreed. What we can guarantee is the work will be done by an approved contractor, experienced in energy efficiency technology, and fully checked.
- We want you to be happy with the result and familiar with how to use any new energy saving measures in your home effectively. So, we’ll communicate with you to ensure you’re happy with everything and you’re getting the most out of your new, more energy efficient home.