FAQ's

What is an energy survey and why do you need to do one?

An energy survey is an assessment of your home and is carried out by a professional energy assessor, also known as a Retrofit Assessor. The assessor inspects the property to determine how energy efficient the property is, as well as checking the current condition and the energy usage of the property.

All windows, doors (including internal doors), loft insulation, wall insulation and the heating system will all be considered and inspected during the survey.

An energy survey is also known as a ‘retrofit assessment’ and is a straightforward process.

Do I have to have this survey?

As part of the grant funding that we have secured through the U.K. Government, we are required to undertake this survey. If the survey is not carried out, we will be unable to continue to identify any energy efficiency improvements for your home, and you will miss out on the benefits this may have for you, such as reducing your energy demand with the aim to reduce your energy bills.

You’ve used the word retrofit – what does this mean?

Retrofit is the process of enhancing an existing property's energy efficiency through targeted improvement works. These upgrades make the property easier to heat and help it retain warmth for longer.

I’ve heard the term ‘fabric-first approach’ in relation to these works – what does this mean?

A fabric-first approach sees the components (walls, doors, roof, windows) and materials of a property being improved before the consideration of mechanical systems (low carbon heating and solar panels).

The aim is to improve the building fabric to ensure that the warmth from a heating source can be retained more efficiently, stopping any heat loss through, for example, draughty windows, doors and external walls.

Will it cost me anything to have this survey done?

No, there’s no cost to you. We only ask that you provide access at a suitable time when the energy assessor would like to visit your home.

How long will the survey take to complete?

It’s anticipated that the survey will take between one hour to 90 minutes.

What do I need to do during the survey?

You do not need to do anything whilst the survey being completed. The assessor will walk around your home collecting information for the survey. You are welcome to accompany the assessor throughout your home whilst they are completing the survey if you wish to do so.

What parts of my home will the surveyor need to access?

The energy assessor will need access to all areas of the property, both internally and externally. This also includes the loft space, if you have one, and access to your gas and electric meters.

Who’ll be coming to my home to carry out the survey? When will they be here?

We've appointed Morgan Sindall Property Services and Lovell Partnerships as our main contractors for delivery of our Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 programme. They’ll contact you to directly to arrange a suitable and convenient time to visit and complete the survey.

Once the survey is completed, what happens next?

Following the survey, the information is passed on to a Retrofit Coordinator, who develops a medium-term improvement plan for the property.

This improvement plan identifies the possible energy efficiency improvements needed to your home. Once we have this information, we will be able to visit you and discuss the proposed improvements that have been recommended.

What is the difference between an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a Retrofit Assessment?

The retrofit assessment is a more detailed survey than if you have had an EPC survey completed. It is for properties that need more complex measures designed and installed to bring them to a better energy performance standard.

How will the EPC rating of my home affect this work?

Under the terms of the U.K Government grant funding, we’re only able to work on properties with a current EPC rating of Band D or below.

The work that we complete at your home will be to bring your property up to EPC rating Band C, but no higher, as per the criteria of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 grant funding.

What benefits will the final work have for me?

A fabric-first approach offers several key advantages. Your home will be warmer, more comfortable, and better insulated, reducing heat loss and making it easier to maintain a steady temperature. Retrofitting also cuts carbon emissions, helping the environment, and aims lowers your energy bills, saving you money in the long run.

I've got an ongoing repairs complaint open with Amplius. Will this impact the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund work?

Some repair works maybe required before the energy efficiency work can be undertaken and completed. If there are outstanding repairs issues, please highlight this to Charlotte Dunford, our dedicated Customer Liaison Officer, or retrofit assessor when they visit you. We will work with the Repairs Team to ensure that all outstanding repairs are completed.

There may be cases where the ongoing repairs don’t affect the energy efficiency work. However, we’ll work with the Repairs Team to establish a timeframe to complete the outstanding repairs to provide you with a clear picture of when you can expect the repairs to follow on.   

How will you keep me updated with more information?

We’ll use ‘The Hub’, our online engagement platform, as the main channel to keep you informed of ongoing updates as the project progresses.

You’ll need to sign up to The Hub if you haven't already done so by visiting: thehubamplius.uk.engagementhq.com/register to register an account. You’ll then be able to access all the information you need about this project by visiting thehubamplius.uk.engagementhq.com/shdf-project-updates

Once we commence any work at your home, both Morgan Sindall Property Services and Lovell Partnerships have a dedicated Resident Liaison Officer who will be in contact with you to introduce themselves and provide you with their contact details.

However, as a point of contact at Amplius, you can speak with Charlotte Dunford, Customer Laison Officer on 07773625463 or contact us via the following email address: Warmhomes@amplius.co.uk

Or via our Customer Contact Centre on:

Longhurst Group: 0800 111 4013

Grand Union Housing Group: 0300 1233 5544