Home Upgrade Scheme | Case Study

When Paul and Sue first moved into their home on Mulberry Close in Rochdale, they were hopeful. But it didn’t take long for the reality of their outdated heating system to set in. Sue explained:

“We had storage heaters when we moved in, they were really one step down from useless. We’d wake up in the morning absolutely boiling, but by 4 o’clock in the afternoon, we’d be sat here with our coats on, freezing. We were just miserable.”

With no access to the gas grid and rising electricity bills, sometimes as high as £7 a day, staying warm was both a challenge and a constant source of financial pressure. But in 2023, things started to change.

A Ray of Hope with the Home Upgrade scheme

Paul and Sue’s home was identified by Groundwork and Rochdale Borough Council as part of the Home Upgrade Scheme, a government-backed initiative focused on making homes more energy efficient, especially in areas facing high levels of fuel poverty.

Groundwork’s team, led by Programme Manager Shammy Walton, had been analysing areas across the borough, and Mulberry Close stood out. Shammy explained:

“After studying the area, we could tell this part was particularly in need of energy efficiency measures.”

Soon after, Paul and Sue received a letter through the door, followed by a knock.

“They told us about the scheme, explained how it could help, and really took the time to answer our questions. We felt informed and supported from day one.”

Upgrades That Made a Real Difference

Paul and Sue’s home was one of 20 properties on Mulberry Close that received retrofit upgrades under the HUG2 scheme. In total, 76 new energy-saving measures were installed across the area.

For Paul and Sue, the improvements included:

A modern boiler system with an external air source heat pump
Loft insulation to keep the heat in
Solar panels to generate their own energy
Upgraded ventilation and extractor fans to keep the home fresh and dry

“We’ve got a brand-new boiler system with a heat pump on the outside wall,” said Paul. “The solar panels are brilliant. And the loft insulation has made such a difference.”

Life After the Retrofit

The impact was big, and immediate:

“This system that we’ve had installed has just completely and utterly changed our lives. We’re warm, comfortable, and not constantly stressing about the next electric bill.”

The couple have seen their daily energy costs plummet.

“We spent £1.24 today. We used to spend upwards of £7 a day – now it’s regularly under £2. We’re on course to save about £1,000 a year.”

Retrofit home measure - air source heat pump

Support Every Step of the Way

Throughout the process, Groundwork remained a consistent presence, checking in, providing updates, and resolving any issues quickly.

“Everybody we dealt with was brilliant, competent, efficient, respectful. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish,”

Their message to others thinking about retrofitting?

“There’s no reason not to do it. I can’t imagine any circumstances where we wouldn’t have it done again.”

A Warmer Home and a Brighter Future

Paul and Sue’s story is just one example of how schemes like HUG2 are changing lives. By bringing low-carbon, energy-efficient technology to homes in need, the scheme is not only helping residents save money – it’s also reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty head-on.

“It’s been life changing for us,” said Paul. “We’re warmer, happier, and a lot less stressed. What more could you ask for?”