Energy Efficiency

Reform Energy provides comprehensive energy efficiency solutions tailored to Devon's diverse property types. Our services include detailed energy assessments and thermal surveys that identify efficiency improvement opportunities; insulation solutions for lofts, walls, floors, and pipework; draught-proofing services targeting heat loss areas; window and door upgrades including secondary glazing for period properties; heating system optimisation aligning performance with building fabric improvements; ventilation solutions that maintain air quality while minimising heat loss; energy-efficient lighting retrofits for both domestic and commercial properties; and integrated approaches combining multiple measures for maximum benefit. We work across all property sectors from individual Devon homes to multi-property estates, commercial buildings, and community facilities. Our holistic approach considers the entire property as an energy system, identifying improvements that deliver optimal returns for your specific circumstances. All assessments are conducted by qualified professionals with extensive experience of Devon's traditional building stock, ensuring recommendations respect architectural heritage while delivering meaningful efficiency gains.

For most Devon properties, the most cost-effective energy efficiency improvements follow a clear hierarchy based on typical return on investment. Loft insulation typically delivers the strongest returns, with installation costs of £300-£600 for average properties yielding annual savings of £150-£250 and payback periods of 2-3 years. Draught-proofing (£200-£400 for professional services) provides annual savings of £40-£120 with 3-5 year paybacks while significantly enhancing comfort. Hot water cylinder insulation (£20-£50) yields annual savings of £30-£60 with payback often under one year. Heating controls including smart thermostats (£150-£350) typically deliver annual savings of £80-£200 with 1-3 year paybacks. Cavity wall insulation, where applicable, costs £500-£800 for average properties with annual savings of £120-£250 and 3-5 year paybacks. Reform Energy's professional assessments identify which measures will deliver optimal returns for your specific property, considering its construction, current condition, and usage patterns. We provide transparent cost-benefit analyses helping you prioritise improvements that balance immediate affordability with long-term value.

Reform Energy employs specialised approaches for improving energy efficiency in Devon's wealth of historic buildings, balancing performance enhancements with heritage preservation. We understand traditional building physics, recognising that period properties function differently from modern construction, requiring breathable materials and appropriate moisture management. Our assessments consider the specific characteristics of different construction types common in Devon, from cob and stone to timber frame and lime-rendered properties. For listed buildings or those in conservation areas, we develop sensitive solutions including lime-based insulation products, secondary glazing that maintains original windows, carefully designed draught-proofing that preserves historic features, and heating strategies specifically suited to traditional construction. We work closely with conservation officers when required, preparing detailed specifications that satisfy both preservation requirements and comfort objectives. Our craftspeople have specific heritage skills training, ensuring installation techniques respect historic fabric. This specialist knowledge ensures improvements enhance rather than compromise Devon's architectural heritage, delivering meaningful efficiency gains without risking damage to important historic structures.

Reform Energy provides tailored insulation recommendations based on Devon property characteristics, recognising that different construction types require specific approaches. For cavity walls (common in properties built after 1930), we install high-performance cavity fill insulation using hydrophobic materials particularly suited to Devon's exposure to wind-driven rain. For solid walls prevalent in Devon's older buildings, we offer internal solutions using breathable systems like woodfibre or aerogel that manage moisture appropriately, or external systems with finishes sympathetic to local architectural styles where planning allows. Loft insulation implementations maintain adequate ventilation preventing condensation issues, with careful detailing around historic features. Floor insulation options include underfloor solutions for suspended timber floors common in older Devon properties, or insulation beneath new screeds when renovating solid floors. All recommendations consider the specific moisture characteristics of your property, with particular attention to local exposure conditions that vary significantly across Devon from sheltered valleys to exposed coastal locations. Our material selections balance performance with appropriate moisture permeability, ensuring insulation enhances rather than compromises building health.

Comprehensive energy efficiency improvements typically reduce energy consumption by 25-50% in Devon properties, with actual savings depending on current efficiency levels, property characteristics, and implementation quality. For an average three-bedroom semi-detached house with poor existing efficiency, Reform Energy's customers often achieve annual savings of £500-£900 through combined measures including insulation, draught-proofing, heating controls, and LED lighting. Larger detached properties with oil or electric heating can see even greater absolute savings, sometimes exceeding £1,500 annually when comprehensive improvements are implemented. Beyond direct energy savings, improved efficiency delivers additional benefits including enhanced comfort from more even temperatures and reduced draughts, protection against future energy price increases, reduced carbon emissions, potentially increased property value, and improved EPC ratings important for property marketability. During consultation, we provide detailed projections of expected savings for your specific property based on current consumption patterns, building characteristics, and proposed improvements, helping you make informed decisions about efficiency investments that deliver meaningful financial and comfort returns.

Yes, Reform Energy delivers comprehensive energy efficiency services for Devon businesses across retail, hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture, education, and public sectors. Our commercial services include detailed energy audits identifying consumption patterns and improvement opportunities; thermal imaging surveys revealing heat loss areas; building fabric improvements including insulation and draught-proofing specifically designed for commercial premises; HVAC system optimisation reducing energy intensity while maintaining appropriate conditions; lighting upgrades to LED technology with intelligent controls; energy monitoring systems providing ongoing consumption visibility; employee engagement programmes encouraging energy-conscious behaviours; and funding guidance helping businesses access available support. For Devon's numerous hospitality businesses, we offer specialised services addressing seasonal operation challenges. Our agricultural specialists understand farm-specific requirements from dairy parlours to crop storage. Commercial implementations typically deliver 15-30% energy reductions with payback periods of 2-5 years depending on measures implemented. We work to minimise operational disruption during installation, with many services deliverable during normal operation. Our commercial projects include ongoing support ensuring improvements deliver projected returns through changing business conditions and operational requirements.

Energy efficiency improvements typically enhance both property value and marketability in Devon's competitive housing market, with multiple studies indicating that higher EPC ratings correspond to increased property values. Government research suggests each EPC band improvement (e.g., D to C) can add 3-5% to property value, representing significant returns on efficiency investments. Beyond direct value increases, improved efficiency enhances marketability through several mechanisms: lower running costs increasingly valued by cost-conscious buyers; improved comfort making properties more appealing during viewings; future-proofing against anticipated regulatory changes and energy price increases; and growing buyer preference for environmentally responsible properties. These advantages are particularly significant in Devon's holiday home market, where efficient properties command premium prices and higher occupancy rates through improved comfort and reduced running costs. For rental properties, improved efficiency helps satisfy increasingly stringent minimum energy requirements while potentially commanding higher rents through enhanced comfort and lower running costs. Reform Energy's consultations include discussion of these marketability benefits, helping property owners make informed decisions that balance immediate costs with long-term value enhancement.

Devon property owners can access various financial support mechanisms for energy efficiency improvements. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) provides funding for insulation and heating improvements for eligible households, with Reform Energy handling application processes. Several Devon local authorities offer Green Homes Grants providing financial support for efficiency measures, particularly for lower-income households or those with poor existing efficiency. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 grants toward heat pump installations when replacing fossil fuel systems. For rural properties not connected to mains gas, enhanced funding is often available through targeted programmes. Reduced VAT rates (5% rather than 20%) apply to many energy efficiency installations. Devon businesses can access support through regional growth funds, rural development programmes, and tax benefits including Enhanced Capital Allowances. Reform Energy's funding specialists continuously monitor available support programmes, providing up-to-date guidance during consultation. We handle all aspects of application processes, ensuring you receive maximum available support. For complex projects, we structure implementation to optimise funding eligibility, potentially combining multiple support mechanisms to minimise your direct investment while maximising improvement scope.

Reform Energy minimises disruption when implementing energy efficiency improvements in Devon properties through careful planning and efficient installation processes. Loft insulation typically requires just 3-5 hours with minimal impact on living spaces. Cavity wall insulation is installed entirely from outside, usually completed within a day with no internal disruption. Draught-proofing and heating control installations cause minimal inconvenience, typically completed within 1-2 days with limited impact on normal property use. More comprehensive measures like internal wall insulation or floor insulation naturally involve greater disruption, but our project management coordinates work to minimise impact—for example, completing one room at a time to maintain usable living space. For significant renovations, we provide detailed project schedules allowing you to plan alternative arrangements where necessary. Our installation teams work respectfully, protecting furnishings and flooring, maintaining clean work areas, and performing thorough cleaning after completion. For holiday lets and hospitality businesses common across Devon, we schedule works during off-peak periods to prevent revenue impact. Throughout the process, dedicated project coordinators provide regular updates and address any concerns, ensuring installations proceed with minimal inconvenience while delivering maximum efficiency benefits.

Reform Energy maintains exceptional quality standards for energy efficiency installations through comprehensive quality assurance processes. All our installers hold relevant qualifications including PAS 2030 certification for specific measures and membership in appropriate competent person schemes. Initial property assessments are conducted by experienced professionals using diagnostic tools including thermal imaging, pressure testing, and moisture monitoring to identify appropriate solutions for your specific Devon property. Detailed specifications ensure all materials and installation methods suit your property's particular characteristics, especially important for Devon's diverse building stock from coastal properties to rural cottages. During installation, project managers conduct regular inspections against our quality standards and manufacturers' guidelines. Upon completion, we perform verification checks including thermal imaging where appropriate to confirm improvement effectiveness. All installations carry workmanship warranties (typically 5-10 years) alongside product manufacturers' guarantees. For certain measures, independent certification verifies compliance with industry standards. Our directly employed installation teams (rather than subcontractors) receive ongoing training in both technical skills and property care. This robust quality approach ensures energy efficiency improvements deliver projected performance while maintaining your Devon property's integrity, comfort, and character.