Throughout the retrofitting customer journey, consumers encounter several barriers that affect their capability and motivation to implement energy efficiency measures. While some of these are based on legitimate concerns, others are driven by misconceptions around energy efficiency, retrofitting and decarbonisation. Nicola Kennedy, CEO of Heero Technologies, explores these myths and looks at the role technology can play in debunking them.
Nicola Kennedy
Considering that the UK has some of the most inefficient, energy-hungry, and wasteful properties in Europe, improving domestic energy efficiency and decarbonisation is not only mission-critical to delivering on the UK’s net zero commitments, but also offers far-reaching financial, environmental and lifestyle benefits.
However, many consumers perceive retrofitting to carry impractically high costs while causing significant disruption. In fact, research by Barclays and Ipsos shows that misconceptions around the cost and inconvenience of installing energy efficiency-related modifications are among the issues holding homeowners back from making energy efficient upgrades to their homes.
As a result, and despite record energy bills last winter, 55% of survey participants do not feel confident making their homes more energy efficient, while 33% have ruled out making energy efficiency-related modifications altogether.
These figures are echoed by research conducted by Kingfisher earlier this year, which found that the most common perceived barriers to home energy improvements are not being able to afford the upfront costs (34%), not knowing enough about what the options are (33%), not being sure if it is worth the investment (30%) and seeing it as too much hassle (27%).
The reality is that while some measures may be more costly than others, there are a host of cost-effective and minimally disruptive options available today – the advent of innovative technology means that retrofitting is becoming a more streamlined and less intrusive process.
What’s more, there are several solutions available to help cover the costs, from green mortgages to government grants and financing. Understandably, figuring out what grants and financing they are entitled to can be confusing for consumers.
Considering all of this, industry’s collective challenge is to debunk the myths around home energy improvements and upgrades. The answer to meeting this challenge lies in employing technology.
Technology is a vital tool
Technology can play a crucial role in debunking myths and shaping consumer attitudes towards retrofitting by providing accessible, understandable, and actionable information. In fact, according to research by OVO, 76% of consumers are keen to turn to technology to make their homes more efficient.
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 tailored home energy recommendations and insights in an easy-to-understand way. By removing complexity, consumers are empowered to make decisions that will help them save money on energy bills, that will increase the value of their homes, and that will have a positive impact on the environment.
When faced with hesitant, ignorant, or ill-informed homeowners, the app serves as the launchpad for driving action as it accurately shows which property-specific energy efficiency measures can produce the biggest gains, what the cost of installation is, as well as what savings can be realised if the suggested improvements are implemented. Additionally, it helps address challenges such as finding trusted installers and addressing the disruption caused by invasive energy efficiency measures.
Moreover, the App provides valuable information on the financing and installation of energy-saving home improvements and due to partnerships with various Financial Services Providers, installers are able to help consumers overcome one commonly named barrier to retrofitting, namely access to finance.
An undeniable impact
The benefits of implementing energy-saving measures, however small or gradual the improvement, are undeniable. What’s more, several studies have shown that consumers are increasingly keen to do their part. However, while many are aware of the potential benefits of these measures, some remain confused by the myths around energy efficiency, retrofitting and decarbonisation.
With high energy costs continuing to impact UK households, installers and other industry stakeholders must harness technology to educate consumers about the different energy-saving measures and technologies available, advise them on what is feasible and viable, and ultimately give them the confidence to install the measures that are right for them and their homes.
For more information, visit www.heerotechnologies.com.
