AS temperatures plummet and winter bites, energy efficiency has never been more important…or more challenging, given the rise of complex and fast-evolving technologies and products, coupled with a steep rise in the number of new entrants with varying levels of knowledge and expertise entering the energy sector.

All of which combine to leave many homeowners feeling discombobulated: on one hand accepting the need to make their home more energy efficient to reduce fuel bills, but unsure as to where to start and who they can turn to for honest advice.

Green Homes Systems is a family-owned Scottish business founded ten years ago in Irvine, Ayrshire to address the chronic challenges of energy efficiency and fuel poverty in Scottish homes. Based on the company’s ethos of quality, reliability and trust, its steady growth and expansion over the decade makes it now one of Scotland’s leading - and fully accredited - energy efficiency specialists.

More impressive, Green Homes System’s success has resulted in over 17,000 energy efficiency measures being installed across the housing spectrum, saving over half-a-million tons in carbon emissions, and assisting more than 7,500 families on their journey out of fuel poverty.

For homeowners, Green Home Systems’ key selling point is that it does it all, from an initial quote based on a detailed assessment to determine individual needs and priorities, advising on the most suitable products and the availability of any grants or funding where applicable, to supplying and fitting the appropriate energy efficiency upgrade – most commonly thermal insulation, air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, battery storage units and electric vehicle charge points.  

Where possible, every project is completed in-house by Green Homes Systems, and controlled from the top from start through to completion with as little disruption as possible. A three-bedroomed semi-detached home typically takes between three and five days to complete an energy efficiency upgrade project. Every installation comes with a two-year workmanship warranty, while product warranties vary depending on the area and product.

“Insulation is the gateway to any upgrade project – a ‘fabric first’ approach,” says company sales director, Gordon McDill, “however, it needs to be the right type of insulation, depending on the age and style of property. Most heat is lost through the roof, so loft insulation is vital.

"Thereafter, we look at suitable types of wall insulation such as solid wall, cavity and underfloor. We also consider windows, doors and location when calculating heat loss.  Improving a property’s insulation can increase the EPC rating and boost its re-sale value, in addition to saving money on fuel bills while making homes warmer and helping improve sound insulation.”

Sales director Gordon McDill

Upgrading insulation also makes it imperative to have adequate ventilation and be fully compliant with insulation regulations – another reason for choosing an accredited company such as Green Home Systems.

Funding options are currently available for home insulation improvements through three main schemes – The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and Home Energy Scotland (HES).

GBIS and ECO4 grant are both UK Government funded initiatives that help eligible households improve their home’s energy efficiency and can be accessed to fund or partially fund the cost of insulating your home.

“Home Energy Scotland” (HES) also has grants and optional loans available for the private homeowner where they may not qualify for GBIS or ECO4, McDill adds. “There is some great support available to help fund insulation upgrades, and even air source heat pump installations, however at present there are no grants available for solar PV panels and batteries via HES.”

Not everyone can afford to do a full house energy efficiency upgrade in one go, however, that is not necessarily a problem provided the first step taken – for instance changing an old gas boiler for an air source heat pump or installing solar PV panels to generate electricity and reduce fuel costs, is undertaken by experts with a view to other products being added at a later stage.

As with most things in life you get what you pay for and in this market, cheaper is not always better. “Lack of knowledge and the right advice can be far more costly down the line,” says McDill.

“Everyone knows about air source heat pumps and yes, if you replace a gas boiler with an air source heat pump you will may not see a great deal in cost savings due to current rates – but if you install solar PV panels, an air source heat pump, and add a battery to store excess electricity, the cost of heating your home could fall to just a few pence a day. Batteries are key yet are not widely talked about.”

Green Home Systems operates throughout the property sector – private and social housing, domestic and commercial – although most of its installations are for private homes. Community benefit is also a major focus, one recent example being a project for a neighbouring island, which included a five-figure payback to the island community.

The company’s success and core family values have not gone unnoticed by international investors, resulting in backing from Circularity Capital, one of Europe’s leading sustainable focussed private equity funds, with over £250m invested in European growth-stage businesses delivering positive environmental impact.

For most people a home is likely to be their biggest single financial investment, so it makes sense to invest in the best quality energy efficiency solutions to make it more comfortable to live in, cost less to run, reduce carbon emissions, and appreciate in value.

Widely trusted and recommended, Green Home Systems provides a best-in-class service to customers. Reassuringly, knowing your home’s energy upgrade is in safe hands is only a click away…

www.greenhomessystems.co.uk