Here to help
As this project progresses, we're getting great feedback and support — people are keen to do what they can in their own homes. But who do you turn to for advice? Who's best for heat pumps, who can provide insulation, what do you do about solar panels? Sadly, in this litigious world we can't make formal recommendations — but we can share what we've picked up along the way, much of it from villagers who've already been down this route and are happy to share who they used.
We're also working with My Home Made Better, Winchester Action against Climate Change (WinACC) and TEC — visit their sites for more useful information.
If you're thinking about moving to a heat pump, do your research before your old boiler packs up and you're left rushing around in a panic in the middle of winter. Some suppliers will assess your house first — there's sometimes a cost for this, but it's often discounted from the total if you go ahead. This recent article from BBC News is worth a read too.
A note on Heat Geek
Heat Geek is a franchised community of independent installers, established in 2016. Engineers, although independent, are trained to an exacting standard before they're allowed to trade under the name, and use LiDAR, AI and data analytics to study your home in depth before making recommendations — which are then checked for validity by Heat Geek's head office. The work comes with a guarantee: if it doesn't meet the stated warmth levels, a refund is offered. And because there's a brand reputation to protect, it's not just a lone trader on the hook if something goes wrong.
Supplier information
Passed on by people in the village, or gathered as part of this project. Provided for reference, not as a recommendation. There's also a link to the suppliers on the MHMB website.
| Supplier | Services | Contact | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Coast Electrical | Solar, battery storage | 07889 760 551 James@scetltd.co.uk southcoastelectrical.co.uk |
Absolutely first class. |
| Hurfords Heating | Heat Geek, heat pump | 07952 553356 help@hurfordsheating.co.uk hurfordsheating.co.uk |
Can't fault them. |
| JoJu Solar | Heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage | 0207 697 1000 info@joju.co.uk joju.co.uk |
We used JoJu Solar and are very happy — a complete installation including solar panels, battery, water heater and EV charger. |
| AES Ltd — Romsey | Heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage | 01794 830404 sales@aeslimited.co.uk AESlimited.co.uk |
On a neighbour's recommendation, solar panels and battery installed May 2023 — efficient, knowledgeable and reasonably priced. Three of us have now used them on each other's recommendations. |
| AW Gas Ltd — Soton | Boiler, heating | 023 8069 3233 lwgas.co.uk |
Used LW Gas for boiler and water tank work — can highly recommend them. |
| AES Ltd — Romsey | Heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage | 01794 830404 sales@aeslimited.co.uk AESlimited.co.uk |
A lot of technical knowledge and good reviews. |
| A&M Insulation — Totton | Insulation | 023 8017 8671 amenergysolutions.co.uk |
Recommended by the person doing the EPC. |
| Rob Blackwell Pro-Insulate | Insulation | 07706 275663 info@pro-insulate.co.uk pro-insulate.co.uk |
Upgraded our loft insulation in June 2023 — a very neat job at a competitive price. |
| Cinergi | Heat pumps, solar, battery storage | 023 8168 0215 info@cinergi.co.uk cinergi.co.uk |
Used for ASHP and Tesla Powerwall installation — good advice at the sales stage, good communication throughout and excellent workmanship. A local, family-run business based in Romsey. |
Advisers
Many people would like someone to come and look round their house and advise on what changes to make. Some turn to an EPC assessor, though they tend just to tell you where you stand rather than advise on where to go next — you're probably better looking for a Retrofit Assessor. These are still few and far between, so for now we suggest the Elmhurst Energy website, which has a comprehensive list. We can't make recommendations, but if you find someone good, please let us know so we can pass it on.
Our friends at My Home Made Better, WinACC and TEC also have useful information on their websites.
We've also been loaned a thermal imaging camera, which is great for spotting cold spots indoors and hot spots outside where heat is escaping. It takes a little while to get used to reading — if you'd like a hand, get in touch and someone can pop round.
One final source of advice: Heat Geek will come and do a full room-by-room assessment if you're considering a heat pump. It costs around £300, discounted from the final total if you go ahead — and if you don't, at least you've had a proper assessment done.
Our case studies — real experiences from people in the village — are on their own page.