Trish and Tim’s journey to retrofit their home in Hook Norton has seen them eliminate fossil fuels from their heating system, improving comfort while reducing their carbon footprint.

About the home

This end-of-terrace cottage in the picturesque village of Hook Norton was a blend of old and new, with the front half of the house dating back to before 1900, built from solid local ironstone. The back half had been modernised over the years, with work done from the 1970s onwards.

Trish and Tim had lived in the home for many years, raising their family there, but they knew the house needed significant updates. The patchwork nature of the building meant areas were poorly insulated, and cold draughts came through single-glazed windows. Despite knowing this work was necessary, they felt overwhelmed by the potential disruption and didn’t know where to start.

Why they chose to retrofit

The couple had a clear motivation: to get off oil and do their part in tackling the climate emergency. Years earlier, they had considered retrofit options but ended up installing a more efficient oil-fired boiler, as there were no better alternatives at the time. Now, with advancements in technology, they knew they could switch to an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and finally move away from fossil fuels.

Their home had also become increasingly uncomfortable – with cold rooms in the winter and unbearable heat in the summer, mainly due to poor insulation and single glazing. With their children grown up and moved out, it was the perfect moment to tackle a large renovation, especially turning a former playroom into a larger, more comfortable kitchen.

How Cosy Homes Oxfordshire helped

Trish and Tim had been putting off the retrofit because they couldn’t find the right people for the job and didn’t want to deal with coordinating multiple trades themselves. That’s when they discovered Cosy Homes Oxfordshire.

“We knew there was a lot to do and didn’t want the difficult role of coordinating all the trades. Cosy Homes came highly recommended, and we felt confident trusting them to manage the work while we were away.”

Trish Lunel, homeowner

After a home assessment, they received a bespoke Whole House Plan that laid out the best home refurbishment measures. This confirmed that an Air Source Heat Pump would be a great fit, alongside insulation upgrades and window replacements. Cosy Homes Oxfordshire then managed the project from start to finish, coordinating with Cotswold Green Energy to install the heat pump and Hook Norton Construction for the other works.

The impact of the home retrofit

The retrofit has made a huge difference in both comfort and sustainability. By installing an Air Source Heat Pump, alongside improving insulation and replacing failing windows, Trish and Tim’s home is now much more energy efficient. The heat pump is working efficiently, thanks to reduced heat loss, and the couple is thrilled with the immediate results.

The changes have transformed their home: the new kitchen, once the hottest room in the house, is now the coolest on summer days, and underfloor heating ensures it stays warm in the winter. The couple also noted how much quieter their home has become, thanks to the insulation work.

This retrofit is expected to save an estimated 3.2 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, dramatically reducing the home’s carbon footprint and energy bills.

“Thank you for all your hard work. We were impressed by how much was done in such a short time, without cutting any corners. The team, especially Hook Norton Construction, clearly take pride in their work, and it really showed.”

Trish Lunel, homeowner

Looking ahead

Trish and Tim are delighted with their home’s transformation and the peace of mind that comes from being off oil for good. Their home is now a more comfortable, quieter, and energy-efficient place to live – and better prepared for the future.