When consumers start researching their home energy efficiency options, there appears to be a plethora of advice and information available. Unfortunately, it isn’t always impartial, or even accurate, with information from companies trying to sell something or ineffective advice from well-intentioned but ill-informed sources often making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between myth and reality.
This leads to uncertainty, which has significant consequences. According to research by Ipsos on behalf of Barclays, misconceptions around the cost and inconvenience of installing energy efficiency-related modifications are among the issues preventing homeowners from making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. As a result, despite record energy bills last winter, 55% of survey participants do not feel confident making their homes more energy efficient. In comparison, 33% have ruled out making energy efficiency-related modifications altogether.
Dispelling myths through education
A key factor in the battle between myth and reality is a lack of consumer awareness and understanding, especially regarding the potential benefits and cost-savings associated with home energy efficiency practices. As such, the best way to dispel myths and misconceptions around energy efficiency, retrofitting and decarbonisation is to educate and empower homeowners by engaging in awareness campaigns and providing consumers with tailored and consistent advice on the practicalities and benefits of embracing energy-efficient home improvements.
Installers are vital in making homeowners aware of their options and driving the adoption of energy efficiency measures nationwide. They should leverage their position, aiming to not only be a source of trusted information and advice for consumers to greening their homes but also streamline the process and provide innovative and easy-to-use solutions. Thanks to technology, they cannot take on this mammoth task alone.
One solution available to installers is a software application designed to streamline the user experience and guide homeowners through the entire energy retrofit journey. Developed by Heero Technologies, it enables installers to offer their customers bespoke home energy insights and recommendations.
When faced with hesitant, ignorant or ill-informed homeowners, the app serves as a launchpad for driving action because it accurately shows which property-specific energy efficiency measures can produce the biggest gains, what the cost of installation is, and what savings can be realised if the suggested improvements are implemented.
Additionally, it provides valuable information on the financing and installation of energy-saving home improvements. Due to partnerships with various Financial Services Providers, installers can help consumers overcome one commonly named barrier to retrofitting: access to finance.
Empowering installers
The app enables installers to reach a larger audience, scaling up as needs change and business evolves. It essentially provides a one-stop-shop solution which can help heating and renewable energy installers attract potential customers, generate more revenue, and stay ahead of the competition.
With all the required elements built into the platform, including taking care of the initial assessment, installers can use the technology to offer their customers a wide range of energy-saving options tailored to each property.
Besides personalised recommendations, it also provides valuable information on the financing and installation of energy-saving home improvements, and due to partnerships with various Financial Services Providers, installers can easily overcome one commonly named barrier to retrofitting: access to finance.
Further benefits to using the technology include lead generation, a built-in compliance service, inbound and outbound customer communications, instant booking capability, using the app for surveys or as a marketing tool, and arranging financing for ATP customers.
An industry game-changer
Regarding energy efficiency, retrofitting and decarbonisation, the reality is that some measures may be more costly than others and that there may be some disruption to a household. However, the advent of innovative technology means retrofitting is becoming more streamlined and less intrusive.
Additionally, considering that the UK has the most inefficient, energy-hungry, and wasteful properties in Europe and that, according to the Green Alliance, at least 15 million homes need to be retrofitted by 2030 to meet 2050 net zero targets, there are very few houses in the UK that wouldn’t benefit from a retrofit.
Installers must focus on educating homeowners, debunking myths and shaping consumer attitudes towards retrofitting by providing accessible, understandable, and actionable information. Technology is the game-changer that can help achieve this.