Energy efficiency upgrades help to significantly cut Dorothy’s energy bills

“We’re using the heating a lot less now.”

That’s the impact of the energy efficiency upgrades made to Dorothy Cox’s home in Sneinton.

We’ve installed internal and external wall insulation, put in loft insulation, added a new roof and new windows and doors as part of wave 2.1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

And Dorothy and her husband Gary couldn’t be happier.

“Our home wasn’t energy efficient at all,” Dorothy said.

“It was very draughty and very cold. You’d have to have the heating on all the time in the winter.

“Working from home, you’d have to have the heating on, otherwise you’d freeze to death.

“We have it on in the morning now, but we don’t have to have it on during the day. It was certainly an expensive property to run in terms of energy.”

When we first told Dorothy and Gary that their home was due to be improved as part of the project, they admit to being overjoyed.

“We were very excited, because we’d been waiting for so long, especially for radiators and windows,” Gary added.

“We were definitely happy it was going to be done.

“There was disruption, especially outside, but the inside work was done pretty quickly. It was worth it though and we’re very pleased with what has been done.

“The windows have made the biggest difference. The old ones were wooden and were single glazing, so the new ones have really helped with that.”

When looking at the difference the work has made, Dorothy said she’s delighted.

“Before, it was absolutely freezing,” she added.

“It’s been a definite improvement and has made a big difference.

“We’re using the heating a lot less now. We’re spending less on energy bills as well now we’re coming out of winter.”

Asked whether they’d recommend similar work to other customers, the couple had a simple response.

“We’d definitely recommend it,” they said.

“We didn’t think we’d deal with the disruption very well, but you just get on with it. We’d definitely encourage others to do it because the end result is worth it,” Dorothy added.