Solar panels and heat pump 'have made such a difference'

Stacey Fee moved into her new Housing Executive property in Dunmurry last year

As a young woman with disabilities, Stacey Fee dreaded winter, when the journey to the shop to top up her gas meter became more of a challenge.

A year ago, she moved to her latest Housing Executive property in Dunmurry, Belfast.

And now, with her home newly fitted with solar panels, an air source heat pump, battery storage, new radiators, new doors, resealed windows and improved loft and cavity wall insulation, she cannot wait for the seasons to change.

"This is only my second winter here, and even this last couple of days where it's been that bit cooler from throughout the summer, I've noticed such a change in this place from last winter, and that's only in these couple of days," Ms Fee said.

"It has been a lifesaver in so many aspects."

Hers is one of 300 homes to be upgraded in the first phase of a £14m programme to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and cut tenants' bills.

Up to £30,000 is spent on each house, starting with a "fabric first" approach to ensure insulation and air tightness in the properties are sufficient to get the greatest value out of the new heat pump system.

In the next phase, some gas hybrid systems will be incorporated.

300 homes are being upgraded in the first phase of a £14m programme to improve energy efficiency

'Such an easy process'

Lessons have been learned from previous schemes, according to chief executive Grainia Long, and she believes tenants want to play their part in tackling climate change by decarbonising how they heat their homes.

"I've been as ever impressed by our tenants," she said.

"They ask a lot of questions. They want to be educated in these things. They speak to their neighbours, and they get advice from each other.

"But I think importantly, we also have energy advisors now as part of this project, who will spend as much time as necessary working with our tenants, explaining how this will change their approach to heating their homes."

That change in approach means the heat is effectively on all day, with tenants adjusting the internal temperature to suit their needs.

Grainia Long says lessons have been learned from previous schemes

Ms Fee said she is saving £15 a week, after a chat with her neighbours in the scheme overcame her initial reluctance to take part.

"I was worried about the whole house being uprooted, this (heat pump) taking up space, and just how long it would take for the whole process to be done with.

"But it was over and done with in a couple of days; it really was such an easy process."

Northern Ireland's emissions

Changes in how homes are heated in Northern Ireland have helped reduce emissions from the Buildings and Product Uses sector by 29.1% since 1990.

Increasing energy efficiency in homes through better insulation has also played a part.

But the sector still contributes 15.3% of Northern Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the latest figures.

The Housing Executive will spend around £50m on energy efficiency this year.

Overall, greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland should be reduced by 48% by 2030, under the Climate Change Act.

But the UK's Climate Change Committee which advises the government and devolved administrations has warned that Northern Ireland is set to miss its targets.

For private homeowners, a spokesperson for the Department for the Economy said: “Private homeowners may wish to seek independent advice on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency matters from organisations such as the NI Energy Advice Service, the Energy Saving Trust and Citizen’s Advice.”

'A click of a finger'

Stacey Fee is is looking forward to not having to top up her gas meter on a cold winter's day

Just over a fifth (22%) of households in Northern Ireland are believed to be in fuel poverty, spending more than 10% of income on heating.

At Ms Fee's Dunmurry home, her thermostat sits at 21C and rather than taking up space in the back garden, the air source heat pump has become "a new piece of furniture" that she doesn't even notice.

And she is looking forward to not having to top up her gas meter on a cold winter's day.

"With this, it's the electric, it's a click of a finger," she said.

"You can top up from the comfort of your home."