What can you expect from a home energy assessment?

Once you’ve used our free Plan Builder advice service and submitted your outline plan, which gives you a snapshot of your property’s energy-saving potential, the next exciting step in your retrofit journey is an on-site assessment. This is where things get hands-on!

Why do an energy assessments?

Every home is unique in terms of energy use, even if they might look similar on the outside. That’s why assessing your home is the first step in any retrofit project or energy-saving improvement. Our on-site home energy assessment is crucial to developing your Whole House Plan, which gives you with personalized advice to boost your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

Who conducts the assessment?

Your home assessment will be conducted by one of our qualified Retrofit Assessors or a Cosy Homes Oxfordshire Retrofit Coordinator, depending on availability. Either way, you’ll receive the same thorough assessment.

While a Retrofit Coordinator can provide additional consultation and create your Whole House Plan, if a Retrofit Assessor conducts the assessment, your final Whole House Plan will still be expertly crafted by a Retrofit Coordinator, who will also be available to answer all your questions.

What happens during the assessment?

During the assessment, we’ll dive deep into your home’s energy use. It usually takes about 1-2 hours and includes:

1. A few questions: We’ll ask you about your home, any energy issues you’re aware of, and how you live in the house, including the rooms you use most.
2. Examining the property: The assessor will walk through your home, measuring rooms and walls, identifying heating and hot water systems, and checking lighting. They might sketch a floor plan too.
3. Checking insulation: We’ll look at key areas where heat might escape, like walls, basements, and lofts. If you have a loft, we’ll need access to check the insulation since it’s a common place for heat loss.

All this information helps us pinpoint improvements and forms the basis of your Whole House Plan, which includes personalized recommendations for enhancing energy efficiency, along with potential energy, carbon, and cost savings.

Why isn’t thermal imaging included?

Thermal imaging can detect temperature and moisture on surfaces, which can be helpful in spotting heat loss. However, it’s not necessary for a complete energy assessment, so it’s not included as standard.

If you’re keen on having thermal imaging, we can arrange it for an additional cost. Just let your Retrofit Coordinator know, and we’ll take care of it. Remember, thermal imaging is best done in the colder months, from October to March, when heat loss is most noticeable.

What happens after the assessment?

After the assessment, your Retrofit Coordinator will create your Whole House Plan based on the gathered data. This plan includes our tailored recommendations for boosting your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. You’ll receive it via email within 2-3 weeks.

Once you’ve reviewed the Whole House Plan, your Retrofit Coordinator will schedule a follow-up call to discuss it with you and answer any questions. You’ll then decide which measures to pursue, and your Coordinator will gather quotes from contractors to get started on your retrofit journey!