Neil and his partner Karen made a life changing move from Leicester to Somerset in October 2019, just before the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK.

“My 84-year-old mother made the move with us to Somerset. We moved into a comfortable detached house with a big garden, which proved to be such a lovely environment to be in during the earlier lockdowns. Due to my mother having health related illnesses, we had to stay at home and isolate”, Neil said.

Neil went on to say, “When we moved into our new home, it was quite cold. We didn’t want my mother’s health to get worse, and it was important to us that she kept warm.”

Recently, they’ve benefitted from fully funded cavity wall and loft insulation, installed by Dyson Energy Services, and funded by British Gas through the Energy Company Obligation. This is their story.

 

“Our EPC recommended energy efficiency improvements”

Like many new homeowners, Neil received an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when he moved into his new home. The EPC strongly recommended loft and cavity wall insulation.

“I was talking to my neighbour, as he had recently had insulation installed. I was very keen to benefit from insulation too, not only to help keep my home warmer in the winter months, but I also am a great advocate for energy efficiency. It was a priority, but I hadn’t got round to looking into it.”

Neil, a self-employed Electrician’s mate, and an all-round handy man in the building trade, understood the benefits of installing energy-saving measures.

 

“The knock on the door came at just the right time”

Neil and Karen had been decorating their new home. So, when a Dyson Energy Services representative called at the front door, following a leaflet being posted, to advise they may be eligible for funding for insulation, it happened at just the right time.

“A gentleman called Noel explained that we could be eligible for funding through a scheme called the Energy Company Obligation. To be honest, when the word ‘free’ is used, I am always a little sceptical. But Noel thoroughly explained where the funding was from, how we could qualify and what would happen next. He was very professional and offered us the reassurance that we needed.”

 

“The surveyor took all the necessary precautions to keep us safe”

A free no obligation survey was carried out at Neil’s home, to check the property was suitable for cavity and loft insulation and that he and his partner met the qualifying criteria.

Neil said, “During the survey, the surveyor Tom, took all the necessary precautions to keep us safe whilst in the coronavirus pandemic. He kept a safe distance and wore a face covering at all times”

Neil added, “As a contractor myself, I’ve witnessed other contractors over the years barge through people’s houses with dirty shoes. Tom was different. On arrival, the first thing he said was “would you mind if I take my boots off”. His courteous manner went a long way to reassuring me that we were having work done by a reputable installer.”

“Tom really sold it to me. He wasn’t pushy, just polite, and helpful. Didn’t mind going over things two or three times to make sure my partner and I understood it.”

 

Neil qualified for the Energy Company Obligation scheme

The Energy Company Obligation is an obligation placed by the Government on to the energy companies to provide funding to qualifying households, for energy efficiency measures such as insulation and boiler replacements.

The scheme is designed to help householders save money on energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, while helping the environment.

Neil and Karen’s energy-saving measures were funded by British Gas, the largest UK energy and homes services company.

There are two different ways householders can qualify for funding. Firstly, if a member of the household is in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Secondly, through the Local Authority Flex scheme.

The Local Authority Flex scheme is part of the Government Energy Company Obligation scheme. Local Authorities can use this to help homeowners and private tenants in their communities, by creating a unique set of qualifying criteria, tailored for their residents.

 

“We couldn’t ask for more”

Neil and Karen had cavity wall and loft insulation installed on the same day, by two teams at Dyson Energy Services.

“We are over the moon with what they’ve done and how they went about it. They did everything they said they were going to do. We couldn’t ask for more, as the work was carried out professionally and to a very high standard.”

“David and Gary installed the cavity wall insulation. They communicated with me at each stage of the works, which gave me the confidence I needed. It was explained that there would be some noise and dust, but that they would strive to keep this to a minimum, which they did. The brick dust was even cleaned away afterwards. Both installers were safety conscious for themselves, us and our property.”

Cavity wall insulation is installed into the gap between the internal and external wall, by drilling a series of holes and pumping it with a polystyrene bead.

“It’s the little touches that mean the most. Kieran who installed our loft insulation, went the extra mile, and insulated the loft hatch. His attention to detail was second to none.”

 

“We are over the moon with the results”

“Since the cavity wall and loft insulation were installed, we’ve noticed the rooms throughout our home are much warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. We are really pleased with the quality of service and the high standards delivered by Dyson Energy Services. Top marks to all concerned.”

 

“We have to do our bit for future generations”

Dyson Energy Services are delighted to have been able to help improve the energy efficiency of Neil and his partner Karen’s property. Moreover, being able to fully fund the insulation through the Energy Company Obligation has meant that they can now invest the money they’ve saved into other energy efficiency improvements.

Neil said, “We have to do our bit for future generations, especially with what is going on with climate change. We are much warmer; we’ve reduced our carbon footprint and reduced our energy bills.”

 

“Thank you goes a long way”

“As a fellow contractor, I recognise that a ‘thank you’ goes a long way. That’s why I left a review for Dyson Energy Services on their Trustpilot page and was keen to share my story in the hope it would be shared with everyone involved.”

Neil finished by saying, “We hope sharing our experience will put other people’s minds at rest. We encourage everyone to take up the funding if they’re eligible.”