Did you know that only 47% of homes in England have an Energy Performance Rating of Band C or above, and 10% are a Band E or lower?
We use data on our homes to make sure we invest in the right homes at the right time. But the upgrades we make to improve the energy efficiency of our homes isn’t all about numbers. The changes we make also benefit our customers by helping to reduce the amount of energy they use and making their homes warmer, healthier and more affordable.
We need to make sure that we make the biggest impact and that we can create a long-term future for those homes and the people who live in them.
We’re committed to doing our bit to tackle climate change. Our 17,000 social rent homes produce around 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, we are making year in year reductions and we plan to get that number to zero by 2050. To help us do that we’re investing £30 million up until 2028 in all sorts of energy efficiency upgrade work to make sure all our homes achieve an Energy Performance Certificate of Band C or above by 2030.
So, how are we doing it? We’re making all sorts of changes, things like replacing windows and doors, upgrading insulation, converting our homes from fossil fuels like oil and gas to low carbon solutions like air source heat pumps and solar panels. And we’re installing smart thermostats and other smart tech to help heat homes in more efficient ways.
Check out our energy efficiency upgrade projects:
Homes: Rural, semi-detached 2-3 bedroom houses with EPC rating E.
Investment: £1.3 million (£1,110,000 from Yorkshire Housing, £190,000 from Wave 1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund).
Upgrades: Air source heat pumps, solar panels, external wall insulation, loft insulation top ups, new windows and doors, environmental sensors, ventilation upgrades.
When: The project has now been successfully completed.
Find out more about our Staxton project
Homes: Rural 2-3 bedroom houses with EPC ratings D, E and F.
Investment: £728,382 (£464,579 from Yorkshire Housing and £263,806 from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund as part of a consortium with West Yorkshire Combined Authority).
Upgrades: air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage, environmental monitoring.
When: Due for Completion in March 2025.
The best people to talk about these improvements are the customers living with them every day.
Read their stories to find out what changed, how they found the installation process and the difference the improvements have made to their homes:
Geoffrey’s story
Geoffrey has lived in his home in North Yorkshire for many years. We installed a ground source heat pump (a system that draws natural heat from the ground to warm your home) back in 2012. Then in 2025, as part of a government-funded scheme, we went back to add solar panels and a battery.
Geoffrey’s story
What were you hoping the new technology would improve?
I wanted to improve my home 100%. I'd never had radiators before, so I wanted a system I could manage and get real value from.
How did you find the information we gave you before the works began?
I got an introductory letter from Yorkshire Housing first, then contractors came to do surveys and explain how everything would work and how long it would take. There were several people involved, so I always felt updated and informed.
How would you describe the comfort levels in your home since the installation?
100% perfect. I always say nothing is 100% perfect, but this is. It's so much warmer. It's the best thing since sliced bread!
Do you feel the ground source heat pump heats your home more consistently?
There's a lovely ambient warmth throughout the home. I can control the temperature easily. No matter what room I go into, it's the same nice warmth. It's the bee's knees.
How easy have you found it to use the solar panels and battery?
It's logic to me. When the sun is shining, that's when I'll pop my washing machine on and make the most of the free energy. I love having them. The whole process couldn't be faulted - it all went smoothly. Every contractor did a great job, kept me updated, and was polite, clean, and professional throughout.
Would you recommend these improvements to other Yorkshire Housing customers?
I would. These retrofit works benefit the home, you and your life.
Rebecca's story
Rebecca's home was upgraded with an air source heat pump, solar panels and battery storage through the ECO4 scheme. Before the work, she had questions about the changes and what they would mean for her family. She shares how the improvements have made her home warmer, easier to manage and helped her feel more in control of her energy use.
Rebecca's story
What were you hoping the new system would improve?
I hoped the new air source heat pump would feel better for my asthma and give a more balanced heat throughout the home.
Did you feel supported before the works started?
Yes. The contractor explained how everything would work and listened to my worries. I was unsure about going ahead at first, but Alison, Yorkshire Housing's Sustainability Liaison Officer, really helped. She kept in touch, answered my questions and worked around my family's needs and commitments.
Did you have any worries before the installation?
I was worried about the disruption, especially because I have an autistic child who struggles with change. But the team were understanding, respectful and worked around us. It honestly wasn't as bad as I expected.
How does your home feel now?
The house feels much more comfortable now, with a more balanced temperature in every room. It's especially noticeable after getting out of the bath or shower because the rooms stay warm instead of feeling cold. I also really like having instant hot water.
Do you feel more in control of your energy use now?
Definitely. Before, everything depended on how much oil we had left and affordability. Now everything is under one bill, which is much easier to manage.
What's been the biggest improvement for you?
The savings and peace of mind. The money I used to put aside for oil can now be saved for other things. I feel much more in control of my finances and more aware of how I use energy at home.
More useful info
You’ll probably have lots of questions and stuff you want to find out about energy efficiency projects. Especially if you’re going to be having work done on your home.
And we know when we talk about energy efficiency projects there might be a few words or phrases that you’ve not heard before.
So check out our handy FAQs and jargon buster, which will hopefully make things much easier to understand!