FAQs

Are you trying to save money, improve comfort or save the planet? Your motivation may determine the answer although many solutions will tick all the boxes

Insulation improvements such as loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation often provide the biggest impact by reducing heat loss. Heating upgrades, ventilation improvements and renewable technologies like solar panels can then further improve comfort, efficiency and running costs.

Every home is different. Some properties benefit from a single improvement, while others may see the greatest results from a combination of upgrades. A professional survey or retrofit assessment can help identify the most effective improvements for your home.

If you apply through a council grant scheme, an assessment survey will be arranged for your property as part of this. If you are self-funding works, your chosen installer should first undertake a property survey to help inform the planned installation. A Retrofit Coordinator can also undertake a survey to inform the best overall approach to your home retrofit, particularly relevant for whole-house works – trusted retrofit coordinators can be found through the TrustMark search function.

Yes. Many energy improvements focus on reducing heat loss from walls, roofs and windows. By keeping warmth inside the home for longer, these upgrades can make living spaces feel more comfortable and reduce cold spots.

Technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps are suitable for most houses (flats can be more complicated). However, all homes are unique, and as such, not every technology suits every property. Factors such as building type, roof space, insulation levels and existing heating systems all influence which solutions are appropriate. A retrofit assessment helps determine the best options for your home.

It would often be recommended. Improving insulation first helps reduce heat loss, meaning heating systems can operate more efficiently. Many retrofit approaches prioritise insulation before installing technologies such as heat pumps. The first place to look is your loft, as many homes don’t have enough loft insulation. This is usually relatively simple and inexpensive to install, and can make a big difference.

Even if you do not qualify for funding, many homeowners still choose to invest in energy improvements to increase comfort, reduce bills and improve their home’s energy performance. The site provides impartial information to help you explore your options.

No. Home Energy Hub Norfolk aims to provide trusted, impartial information and guidance about retrofit technologies and funding. The site helps residents understand their options and signposts to organisations and programmes offering support.

Home Energy Hub Norfolk is a collaboration of all Norfolk Councils. The project aims to provide residents with clear, trusted information to help them explore energy efficiency improvements and understand available support.

It is important to choose qualified professionals who are certified and experienced in energy efficiency improvements. Local schemes such as Norfolk Trusted Trader and the government backed TrustMark can help residents identify businesses that have completed relevant checks. We recommend that households search for installers registered with these schemes.

Installers of heat pumps and solar panels should be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

Home Energy Hub Norfolk provides an introduction to home energy improvements, but there are other trusted organisations that offer further guidance. National advice is available from the Energy Saving Trust and the Centre for Sustainable Energy, which provide independent information on energy saving, home retrofit and renewable technologies.

Our Power is a not-for-profit organisation offering free energy advice to people in Norwich – including basic impartial advice on options for home upgrades, as well as help with saving energy, understanding bills and tariffs, and accessing financial support.