Housing Energy Efficiency Programme (HEEP)

The Housing Energy Efficiency Programme (HEEP) continues to roll out across our housing stock, with the intention to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions at properties through a range of improvements to the home, while making homes more comfortable for tenants to live in. During 2023 we continued to make improvements to properties across our housing stock, continuing to make them more energy efficient and sustainable for residents. The work has included insulation, new and improved windows and new heating systems. Our biggest work has included the fitting of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, with over 130 units fitted last year. These will be generating electricity for residents for years to come and also heating water in some properties with our Mixergy smart hot water cylinders.

From April to December 2023 we have carried out the following works:

• 5 Air Source Heat Pump installations
• 9 Storage Heater installations
• 15 Properties had new insulation installed under suspended timber
• floors
• 47 Properties had new cavity wall insulation
• 57 Mixergy smart hot water cylinders installed
• 3 Properties had new and additional roof insulation
• 27 Solar Diverters fitted to convert extra energy to hot water
• 132 Solar Photovoltaic panels installed at properties
• 99 New and more efficient Windows and frames

Also completed in 2023 were our two PILOT homes, two older properties retrofitted with the latest in insulation and technology which we can use as a test for new systems such as infra-red heating. The data we gain from these will help make future decisions on how and what we will be using to keep driving improvements to properties. The HEEP works are carried out to a schedule based on the current EPC rating of the property, tackling the lowest ratings first. As such, when work is due to begin at your property you will be contacted in good time. Please do not call in asking when your property may get upgrades such as solar panels as we will not be able to provide a timescale that far in advance.

Pilot Homes incorporate cutting edge technology for the Housing Energy Efficiency Programme

The two properties chosen for the project in Salisbury are now complete and ready to let. Both properties have had a complete external rebuild and have been insulated internally and externally. New UPVC windows and doors with A+ ratings and a new roof and guttering round this out. As well as being up to date with the latest materials, the properties are now Pre-cast Reinforced Concrete certified, meaning they are regarded as being up to modern standard.

Internally the walls were removed, framed, insulated, plastered and redecorated. New kitchens and bathrooms were fitted and all the internal doors & staircases were replaced. Finally, the front and rear gardens have been landscaped, fitted with new fencing and fresh tarmac driveways provide off road parking.

One of the key purposes of the project was to provide a test bed for the latest technology and the homes do not disappoint in this regard. One property is fitted with the latest Air Source Heat pump and expanded radiators while the other has Infrared panel heaters in every room. Both benefit from Sunamp Thermino water systems, which use the energy from the Photo Voltaic (PV) solar panels to heat the water for the home. The solar diverters fitted ensures all of the energy generated by the Solar PV panels is used to run the water heater and electric vehicle charger that each property has been fitted with next to the driveway.

This technology means these homes will have a reduced carbon footprint compared to other properties of their age and design. The systems in these properties will be monitored remotely for a year to observe the efficiency of these new systems and provide valuable data for the Housing Energy Efficiency Programme going forward.

YouTube: Wiltshire Council Housing - Pilot property video 2 (opens new window)

We are road testing the latest technology to make sure we can provide you with homes that cheaper for you to run

We are road testing the latest technology to make sure we can provide you the cheapest homes to run. We are refurbishing two of our older properties on Winding Way in Salisbury. They are currently undergoing a transformation to become our new pilot homes which will be testing out the latest technology for our Housing Energy Efficiency Programme (HEEP).

The two properties are currently undergoing complete external refurbishment. Once completed they will have full redecoration, new kitchens and bathrooms and the latest renewable energy technologies. One will have an air source heat pump system installed and an infrared panel heating system in the other so they can be compared. Both will have photovoltaic solar panels, smart hot water cylinders & electric vehicle charging points for tenants vehicles. They will be monitored to provide up to date information on the performance of the new technologies so we can see how they perform and help us to provide you the most efficient home to run.

Q-Bot joins the Home Energy Efficiency Programme

Q-Bot brings in cutting edge tech to ensure our Home Energy Efficiency Programme (HEEP) is running smoothly and delivering our aims, while causing as little disruption to tenants as possible.

Q-Bot is a robot which is deployed into the gaps between floors in houses with suspended timber floor construction. Q-Bot moves around within the cavity and distributes an insulation foam, creating under floor insulation and greatly improving the ability to retain heat.

Traditionally, this would have required the removal of floorboards, causing a major disruption to our residents. With Q-Bot on the case, the disruption is limited as the robot does the work from within the floor.

This is just one way the HEEP is improving the efficiency of our properties. It is helping us to achieve our goal of efficient homes with lower carbon and energy usage.

The Housing Energy Efficiency Programme (HEEP) has already installed measures at 90 properties with a total of 207 measures installed across all properties to date.

This includes:

• 83 new Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems
• 45 new smart hot water cylinders + solar diverters
• 11 new solar diverters
• 7 new Air Source Heat Pumps
• 2 new Quantum Heating systems
• 2 new and more efficient Heating and Hot water controls
• 9 new cavity wall insulation installations
• 5 new Loft Insulation installations
• 34 LED Lighting upgrades
• 9 new ventilation upgrades

These new systems will all be improving the quality of customers' homes, saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

All these improvements also effect the properties Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. One of the goals of the work done with the Green Homes Grant and through the HEEP programme is to bring all our stock up to EPC B level well and so far, we have seen the following EPC improvements for properties where some work has been completed. These improvements will be followed by further work to ensure all properties are at the B level when the programme is completed.

• EPC F to C = 1
• EPC E to D = 3
• EPC E to C = 13
• EPC E to B = 4
• EPC D to C = 2
• EPC D to B = 2

The Housing Energy Efficiency Programme (HEEP) continues to roll out across our housing stock. By the end of December 2021, around 300 HEEP retrofit assessments had been carried out. Following these, 23 Measures have been installed and so far, 42 properties have been fully completed.

The measures installed include LED light bulbs, upgraded heating and hot water systems with controls and solar panels.

Our Housing Energy Efficiency program continues to roll out across our housing stock. Paul and Emily were among the first to have a retrofit assessment and improvement works carried out and completed at their property and they spoke with Kate from the Resident Engagement Team to describe their experience. They show you some of the work they have had done to make their home more energy efficient and explain how they have benefited from the programme.

Housing Energy Efficiency Programme - Emily and Paul's story (opens new window)

Our Housing Energy Efficiency Programme (HEEP) continues with measures installed at 48 out of our 100, least energy efficient properties as part of the Green Homes Grant funding awarded by the Government. The end of October saw improvement works fully complete at 32 of these properties. The measures installed include LED light bulbs, upgraded heating systems and controls and solar panels. The grant is to support the Local Authority Delivery Scheme for energy efficiency improvements to low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) homes, which will help to reduce carbon emissions and create energy savings supporting the Councils commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.

We are committed to making sure that our customers are satisfied with the work carried out and value their feedback. We have carried out customer surveys on both the Quantum, and Air Source Heating that is being installed as part of the programme. This feedback is essential as we continue our HEEP journey ensuring that the measures.

Work is now under way on the Housing Energy Efficiency Programme (HEEP) after Wiltshire Council Housing secured a £546,500 Green Homes Grant from the Government. This grant is to support the Local Authority Delivery Scheme for energy efficiency improvements to low EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) homes, which will help to reduce carbon emissions and also save residents money on their energy bills.

The council's new dedicated team of Retrofit Assessors have assessed 100 of the least energy efficient council properties that fit the criteria, and work has begun to install identified measures to improve the properties. Following completion of the improvements in these homes, the team will continue to carry out energy efficiency improvements across all its council housing properties as the HEEP (Housing Energy Efficiency Programme) mission is to get all its existing properties up to EPC level B (Energy Performance Certificate) within ten years.

Customers will be notified well in advance of improvement works to their homes, which will be carried out with minimum disruption.

What is Retrofitting and how does it help my home?

The UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050 - something which is patently impossible without addressing the existing housing stock. With an estimated 27 million homes to decarbonise in less than thirty years, which works out to be around 1.7 homes every minute across the country for the next 30 years, there is no time to waste.

The Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Scheme aims to raise the energy efficiency of low-income and low EPC rated homes (those with Band D, E, F or G).

This includes those living in the worst quality off-gas grid homes, delivering progress towards reducing fuel poverty, the phasing out the installation of high carbon fossil fuel heating and the UK's commitment to net zero by 2050.

The current Asset Management Strategy for Wiltshire Council Housing highlights the need for all New Build Housing to meet Carbon Neutral targets and for all existing Homes to meet or exceed EPC B.

This Projects mission is to get all existing properties up to EPC B within 10 years. The works will follow British Standard PAS 2035 and will be carried out by trained staff and contractors, working to this specification. Our contractors will all be Retrofit and Trustmark accredited and the works will be inspected at every step to ensure they are properly delivered.

Wiltshire Council Housing has already secured a Green Homes Grant from the Government for £546,500 under the Local Authority Delivery scheme for energy efficiency improvements to low income and low EPC homes and this will be used for the first phase of the works which are already starting.

Possible renovations include, but are not limited to:

• Insulation
• Air tightness 
• Ventilation
• Heating systems 
• Renewable technologies
• Water heating systems
• Efficient lighting
• Energy monitoring systems
• Using locally generated power that uses zero-carbon technologies

What will you do to retrofit my home?

1. Assess and Repair. A Retrofit Assessor will carryout a detailed assessment of your property, looking at the fabric of the building, what heating system is installed and how the building is used including your utility bills. They will also ensure that the building is at a suitable standard of repair for further works to be carried out.
2. What steps can we take? Following the assessment, a Retrofit Co-ordinator will create a plan for the property, to look at the changes needed to raise the property to EPC B. Initial changes will be identified that can be implemented immediately. This includes things such as fitting LED light bulbs or improved heating controls to save energy during daily use.
3. Fabric improvements. Improvements to the building, identified in the assessment, will now be implemented. This could include new loft and wall insulation to make the property easier to heat and keep at a desired temperature, while eliminating cold spots and thermal bridging. Ventilation will be installed to balance the needs of use and temperature to prevent damp and condensation forming.
4. Heating. A new heating system will be installed. This will be energy efficient, such as an air source heat pump or Quantum electric heating, and low carbon to reduce emissions from the property and achieve our goal of carbon neutral housing. When combined with the fabric improvements this will reduce cold and damp within the home and lower energy use and the associated costs. Moving away from high carbon producing systems such as oil, gas and solid fuel will help our homes meet their new carbon zero targets and provide a better environment for you to live in.
5. Carbon Neutral Energy options. Ways to offset the properties energy use, such as Solar PV and other technologies will be considered to help make the house Carbon Neutral and lower utility charges for tenants by providing power directly to the property.

Following the retrofit, we will keep monitoring the property with the tenants to ensure everything is working as it should and to offer advice and guidance on the new technology and make sure everything is to their satisfaction.

When will you start?

We intend to begin immediately and have already begun training and recruiting staff for the new retrofit work.

We will begin by upgrading our properties as they become empty, allowing all the work to be done in a short space of time during the turnaround while the properties are unoccupied, which will mean no disruption for tenants. As we have approximately 300 empty properties turned around in an average year, we will still need to upgrade some tenanted properties to meet the 500 homes a year target. To this end, we will contact residents to offer the upgrade as the work reaches their area. We are looking to utilise new technology, including robotics where appropriate, to ensure the work is carried out with an absolute minimum of disruption and our Resident Engagement Team will be on hand every step of the way to keep you updated as to what is going to happen.

Emily and Paul wrote to us after the works at their property were completed. These included solar panels and a new hot water system. They told us,

While so many councils are not taking the initiative, as usual Wiltshire Council Housing is. By helping its Council Tenants to save money, while at the same time, helping this Earth to hang onto, at least some of its valuable, vital resources, our Council is certainly setting a superb example for others to follow!

The entire process of having solar panels fitted to the south facing roof of our bungalow was far simpler, and far less stressful, than either my wife, myself, or even our always happy mongrel, could ever have imagined.

In fact, the team of scaffolders from Jade, were the first on the scene and within a couple of hours had soon completed their work, in a truly pleasing, polite, helpful, cheerful way. Following closely behind were the electricians and plumbers under the banner of Wessex Electricals, and they quickly swapped over our old immersion tank for an amazingly controllable and efficient one, looking as if it wouldn't be out of place on a moon landing. A real plus feature is that we can finely control the amount of hot water we actually need, and, better still, we can do this via our tablets or phones.

New boxes (for the meter, controls, and power) were put in place and the system, as well as the panels, were wired up in what seemed like an incredibly, non-invasive, short space of time. The process was hugely interesting, enjoyable, and quite exciting. Everybody involved could not have been nicer or more understanding and it was a genuine pleasure to have had all of them in our home.

We are of course checking our usage readings daily and after a few minor teething problems, which were corrected very quickly, everything is now going to plan and we look forward to saving both money and some of our Earth's resources, in the years to come.

Thank You Everybody Involved and a Special Thank You to Our Brilliant Forward-Thinking Council! Paul, Emily and Scrappy Dog!

Paul and Emily also spoke with Kate from the Resident Engagement Team to describe their experience. They show you some of the work they have had done to make their home more energy efficient and explain how they have benefited from the programme.

Housing Energy Efficiency Programme - Emily and Paul's story (opens new window)

Gemma recently had a new air source heating system and solar panels installed at her property along with other works under the HEEP scheme.

She told our Resident Engagement Officer Kate,

I am really pleased with our new air source heating and solar panels. One of the contracts officers took the time to set the heating temperature with me to get the heating just right for the house. I am looking forward to the benefit of having solar panels to help reduce our electricity usage.

How does quantum heating work?

Quantum heaters are intelligent storage heaters that work in the same way as standard night storage heaters, by charging up overnight using the cheaper rate of electricity on an Economy 7 tariff.

Quantum heaters have thermostats and a digital programmer, meaning that operating them is much more 'hands-free.' Once you have chosen the room temperature and times of day when the heater is active it automatically works out how much to charge overnight. A fan helps to draw air through the heater and warm up the room when the thermostat senses that the temperature has dropped.

Quantum Heating - why is Wiltshire Council Housing installing it?

They are eco-friendly and produce no carbon while operating.

Quantum heating is more energy efficient which will help to reduce carbon emissions and reduce your energy bills.

Quantum heaters are better insulated than older models, meaning that less heat escapes when it isn't needed. They also respond to seasonal temperature changes and 'learn' how much heat to store to warm the room to the desired temperature. The running costs of quantum heaters are around 27% lower than standard night storage heaters.

How does an air source heat pump work?

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) absorb heat from the outside air to heat your home and hot water.

Although an air source heat pump replaces a boiler as the home's heat source, the way it works is very different. An air source heat pump does not create heat, it simply moves it from one place to another to make it more useable.

Outside air is blown over a network of tubes filled with a refrigerant. This warms up the refrigerant, and it turns from a liquid into a gas. This gas then passes through a compressor, which increases the pressure. The compression also adds more heat. These compressed, hot gases then pass into a heat exchanger, surrounded by water. The refrigerant transfers it's heat to the water, and this is circulated around your home to provide heating and hot water. Meanwhile, the refrigerant condenses back into a cool liquid and starts the process all over again.

This process works in the same way as your kitchen refrigerator, although instead of lowering the temperature inside, you're raising it. Like a refrigerator, an air source heat pump is designed to be kept on, maintaining a constant temperature in your home.

Having your home heated to a constant and consistent temperature is also good for lowering the risk of damp and mould. This is due to the home not experiencing a rise and fall in temperature that can allow condensation to form.

Air source heat pumps - why are Wiltshire Council Housing installing them?

They are eco-friendly and produce no carbon while operating.

Air source heat pumps do not produce instant heat in the same way as a gas boiler. Instead, they work by bringing your home up to a constant temperature and then maintaining which, while it takes longer, is more efficient and produces less carbon. You can compare this to a race between a car and a bicycle. The car may arrive first but is more expensive to run and more polluting than the bike. It is therefore important to plan any changes ahead of time when changing your heating settings.

How does a Mixergy smart hot water cylinder work?

Mixergy smart hot water cylinders use novel top-up technology to 'float' hot water on top of cold. This means you can selectively 'heat what you need', rather than the whole tank. A sensor within the tank ensures you'll always know how much hot water is available. Top-up reduces heat losses and improves reheat speed from cold (5x for electric, 2x for gas). This helps save money, time and energy.

Smart hot water cylinders - why are Wiltshire Council Housing installing them?

By only heating the water you need, rather than the whole tank, the cylinder will save energy and money compared to an older model immersion cylinder. You can even download an app to monitor the status of the tank on your mobile device or computer and top up the heat where necessary.

If your home has also been fitted with Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, a diverter will mean that any unused electricity generated by the panels will instead be diverted to heat the cylinder saving yet more energy and money for the user.

You can find out more about how Mixergy smart hot water cylinders work by viewing the Mixergy Hot Water Tank video explanation on YouTube (opens new window).

How does a PV diverter work?

A PV diverter or Solar diverter detects how much solar power is being generated in real time and how much power is being consumed in the house in real time. If the solar power is greater than the consumer power, then the power is routed through the immersion heater in the smart hot water cylinder.

This means water in the cylinder gets heated with free energy and it will keep doing this until an appliance around the home needs the energy, they're always the priority.

PV diverters - why are Wiltshire Council Housing installing them?

The solar diverter will help your Mixergy cylinder get the best out of any excess energy generated by the PV panels. Even when the energy can be sold back to the grid via a feed in tariff (available in some cases) the value per unit is far less than the cost per unit. By using this free energy to instead provide extra heating for the water, it will save energy and money for the tenants at the property.

How does Solar PV work?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels use cells containing a semi-conductor material to capture the sun's energy and convert solar radiation into electricity. The most commonly used semi-conductor material is silicon, which is an abundant natural resource found in sand. When light strikes the cell a certain amount of energy is absorbed within the semiconductor material, knocking electrons, the negatively charged particles that form the basis of electricity, loose.

Most PV cells have two layers of semi-conductor material, one positively charged and one negatively charged. When light shines on the semi-conductor the electric field across the junction between these two layers causes electricity to flow, generating direct current (DC). By placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, we can draw that current off for external use.

Solar PV electric panels do not require bright sunlight in order to operate, meaning that you can still generate electricity on cloudy days, however in general the greater the intensity of light the higher the flow of electricity.

It is important to realise that you can only use your free solar electricity when it is being generated.

Solar PV - why are Wiltshire Council Housing installing them?

Solar PV systems are eco-friendly and produce no carbon while operating.

Solar PV systems can generate a significant amount of the electricity you need in your home and, as this electricity is free, you will need to buy less from your supplier. The amount you'll save will depend on how many panels you install, how much sunlight your home benefits from and how much of the solar electricity you are able to use. If you are not at home during the day when the electricity is being generated anything not used will be fed into the national grid.

How do LED light bulbs work?

LED (Light emitting diode) bulbs differ from traditional incandescent bulbs in the way they produce light. LED lights have been hailed as the future of home lighting, as they use very little energy, claim to last a very long time and, unlike regular energy-saving bulbs, they are instantly bright when switched on.

While old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs passed electricity through a thin wire filament, LEDs produce light through the use of a semi-conductor that emits light energy when an electrical current is passed through it. This way of producing light is also different from regular energy-saving bulbs, which pass energy through mercury vapour to create UV light. This is then absorbed by a phosphor coating inside the lamp, causing it to glow.

LED light bulbs - why are Wiltshire Council Housing installing them?

LEDs are the most energy-efficient bulbs. They use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent and can sometimes pay for themselves through energy savings in just a couple of months. By contrast, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) use 60%-80% less energy than incandescent, while halogens use 20-30% less.

LEDs claim to be ultra-long lasting - lasting for 25-30 years, depending on which one you buy and how you use it. LEDs give out their light almost instantly when you flick the light switch, so you don't have to put up with dim light while they get going.

How does double glazing work?

Double glazed windows use two panes of glass with a cavity between them to reduce the heat transfer. The space in between the panes provides the bulk of the insulation effect and may be filled with air, but argon is often used as it gives better insulation, or sometimes different gases or a vacuum are employed.

Double glazing - why are Wiltshire Council Housing installing it?

A double glazed window lets in more heat than it lets out. A metallic coating on the inside of the glass reflects heat back into the room while not stopping heat from outside entering. Technology such as this means you need to use less heating to keep your home warm and at a much lower cost as a result.

How does secondary glazing work?

Secondary glazing is the addition of a slim second window to an existing window. It is a discreet and unobtrusive method of insulating windows and can also help to reduce noise. Where we are unable to upgrade a property to double glazing, for example if the building ;is listed, then we will use secondary glazing.

Secondary glazing - why are Wiltshire Council Housing installing it?

Secondary glazing increases the thermal efficiency of your existing windows, eliminating cold spots and draughts and helping to retain heat.

How does cavity wall insulation work?

Cavity wall insulation works by filling the air space in the wall with material that inhibits heat transfer. This immobilises the air within the cavity (air is still the actual insulator), preventing convection.

Cavity wall insulation - why are Wiltshire Council installing this?

Cavity wall insulation is used to reduce heat loss. The prevention of heat loss will result in reducing the amount of energy needed to heat the home.

How does external wall insulation work?

External wall insulation involves fixing a layer of insulation material to the wall, then covering it with a special type of render (plaster work) or cladding. It will renew the appearance of outer walls, filling any gaps in the brickwork and improve weatherproofing and sound resistance.

External wall insulation - why are Wiltshire Council installing it?

Having external wall insulation acts as weatherproofing and reduces drafts meaning your home can stay warmer for longer and reduces the amount of energy needed to keep it at a desired temperature. It's like putting on an extra layer of clothing to keep you warm.

How does internal wall insulation work?

Internal wall insulation works by fitting rigid insulation boards to the inside of the property walls or by installing a stud wall filled with insulation material.

Internal wall insulation - why are Wiltshire Council installing this?

Insulation significantly reduces the rate at which heat escapes through your walls due to its excellent ability to resist heat transfer resulting in warmer, more pleasant conditions.

How does loft insulation work?

By replacing or topping up existing loft insulation to make sure it is at the required depth for maximum efficiency for your property. We will use Mineral wool, which is made up of yarn, spun from glass wool (melted wool) or rock wool (melted stone). The yarn is formed into a fibrous matting which commonly comes in large rolls, or "batts", before it's rolled into the space between loft joists. The loose yarn can also be blown into hollow spaces.

Loft insulation - why are Wiltshire Council installing this?

A quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. Insulating your loft, attic or flat roof is an effective way to reduce your energy bills.

How does floor insulation work?

Insulating a floor means adding an insulating material beneath the floorboards, thereby reducing heat escaping through the floor into the ground. There may be old insulation already in place, the area will be filled with a modern spray insulation which will improve heat retention and sound proofing.

Floor insulation - why are Wiltshire Council installing it?

Approximately 15% of heat is lost via the floor of a property. Having floor insulation is a great way to keep your property warm, it will eliminate drafts and lower your energy usage and emissions.

How do extractor fans work?

Extractor fans are installed in kitchen and bathrooms to remove the hot, wet air from these spaces. These fans run constantly and can be boosted when required. The installation of extractor fans create a balanced supply of 'fresh' air in your property.

Extractor fans - why are Wiltshire Council installing them?

Until the 1970s, homes in the UK were mostly ventilated by wind entering properties and the stale air leaking out of them. In the 1970s, the installation of loft insulation and new double-glazed windows improved the air tightness of homes. Consequently, the Building Regulations were updated to require the installation of ventilation fans to admit a balancing supply of fresh air.

It is very important for the health of you and your property that the fans are switched on so your home can "breathe". You will also be able to quickly purge any stale or humid air as needed by opening the windows or boosting the extractor fans.

How do internal door undercuts work?

A door undercut is the distance between the bottom of the internal door and the door frame itself. This gap between the bottom of the door and the top of the material directly below the door allows fresh air to pass through for constant ventilation. This varies with applications, such as concrete and any other floor covering or threshold but is still present as a gap required.

Door undercuts - why are Wiltshire Council installing them?

The space or gap at the bottom of the door is necessary and acts as an air return when the door is closed. It is especially important in homes with central heating as without the gap there would be little to no airflow.

How does Positive Input Ventilation work?

The PIV system draws in air from the outdoors and passes it through a fan, usually located in the loft, into the main household space. Because the air is pressurised through the fan and pumped into the home, contaminated air is forced out through the natural leakage points and fresh air is maintained throughout the property. Just one fan will provide adequate ventilation for an entire property. This continuous air flow keeps your home fresh and is more suited where properties have fewer opportunities for background vents, such as in blocks of flats.

Positive Input Ventilation - why are Wiltshire Council Housing installing them?

They are eco-friendly and produce no carbon while operating.

Condensation is a big issue for Britain's homeowners, with more than half of British properties experiencing its damaging consequences. Condensation is caused by a build-up of excess moisture in the air which forms damp patches when it hits cool surfaces. This can create damp patches around the home or streaming of water down windows indoors.

This is a common sight in homes particularly throughout the winter months when temperatures tend to drop outside. Even everyday activities in the home such as washing, cooking and drying clothes indoors can add to these moisture levels and create visible markers of condensation throughout the property.

If left untreated, areas of black mould will eventually develop dangerous spores which are released into the air. These can cause a range of health problems for people who breathe them in, such as coughs and sore throats. They can also exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and hay fever. A humid environment is also a breeding ground for dust mites, which tend to multiply quickly in these conditions.

Ensuring adequate ventilation is the key to eradicating condensation. By introducing fresh air into the home, the moisture laden stale air within is forced out and the problem is resolved very quickly. But while homes both new and old normally have some level of ventilation such as extractor fans in the bathrooms and kitchens and trickle vents in the windows, many properties still suffer from condensation. A PIV system can help eliminate condensation and stop these nasty effects from occurring.

As an example of the Retrofit plan, we are currently refurbishing two Wiltshire Council Housing properties to be pilot homes, showing off the sort of improvements this program will deliver. These three-bedroom houses had been used for temporary accommodation for a number of years but will soon be available for tenants to bid on via homes4wiltshire. We will work with the new tenants to monitor the energy improvements and upgrades to show the savings that come from this new technology.

The two properties are currently undergoing a complete external transformation which involves removal of the old concrete panels and posts and building a new brick frontage to compliment the neighbouring properties. This will then be completed with a new roof, roof line, windows & doors. It is hoped that the external work will be completed in January (weather permitting).

Once completed the internal work will include a full redecoration and new kitchens and bathrooms and will have the latest renewable energy technologies to include an air source heat pump system in one property and an infrared panel heating system in the other.

Both will have photovoltaic solar panels, smart hot water cylinders & electric vehicle charging points for tenants vehicles. This will all be monitored with special equipment to allow us to have up to date information on the performance of the new technologies so we can see how they perform and help us to continue to improve the quality of our properties and how they impact the environment.