Peter and Maggie were determined to make their home more energy efficient, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a sustainable future. They wanted a home that would be both eco-friendly and comfortable for their family for generations to come.

About their home

Living in a 1970s detached house in Sandford-on-Thames, just south of Oxford, Peter and Maggie have been in the same home since it was built in 1972. While they’ve made some updates over the years, they realised a more comprehensive approach was needed to truly improve their home’s sustainability.

Why they chose to retrofit

Their motivation was clear: reducing carbon emissions and making a positive impact on the environment. But just as importantly, they wanted to ensure their home would remain comfortable and energy-efficient for their family in the future.

“The Cosy Homes team is obviously dedicated, and we’re particularly pleased with the project coordination side of things, we would never have been able to cope with that”

Peter and Maggie, Oxfordshire

How Cosy Homes Oxfordshire helped

While they had a vision for what they wanted, Peter and Maggie weren’t sure where to start. Faced with technical details and jargon, they felt overwhelmed. That’s when they reached out to Cosy Homes Oxfordshire. We worked with them to develop a Whole House Plan, breaking down complex information into simple steps. This helped them understand their options and how to achieve the best energy-saving results for their home.

Energy-saving measures installed

Their retrofit journey is ongoing, but the Whole House Plan has given Peter and Maggie the flexibility to implement each measure at their own pace, according to their budget and time.

They’ve already made some significant changes, such as switching from an oil-fired boiler to an Air Source Heat Pump. To ensure consistent performance, a buffer vessel was installed to store hot water.

They also installed Solar PV panels on the sunniest parts of their roof, generating renewable energy for their home. The installation took just over a day, and any excess electricity is used to heat their water via an immersion heater, further lowering their energy use.

Pacing their retrofit for flexibility and affordability

Peter and Maggie are taking their time with the remaining improvements. The Whole House Plan allows them to prioritise other upgrades, such as insulation and window improvements, as their budget allows. This gradual approach means they can spread out costs and complete the retrofit in manageable stages, without feeling overwhelmed by the project or the expenses.

This step-by-step process ensures they can enjoy the benefits of each measure as it’s implemented, while steadily working towards their goal of a more sustainable, energy-efficient home. For homeowners, this staged approach provides both flexibility and financial control, making retrofitting more accessible.

Measures implemented include:

• Air Source Heat Pump
• Replacement of one window
• Solar PV array
• Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI)
• Loft Insulation
• Flat Roof Insulation

Looking ahead

Peter and Maggie are excited to see the long-term impact of these changes on both their comfort and energy savings. We’ll check in with them next year to see how their retrofit has transformed their home and reduced their energy bills.

Their project highlights how homeowners can take control of a retrofit, with the right guidance to ensure the best results. Cosy Homes Oxfordshire helps navigate the complexities, providing support through a Whole House Plan and a dedicated Retrofit Coordinator. If you’re considering retrofitting your home, we’re here to help every step of the way.