One of the greatest strengths of PAS 2035 retrofit is its ability to combine multiple technologies into a coordinated solution that delivers far greater benefits than any individual measure alone.
Home Close Edge provides an excellent example of how a carefully designed package of improvements can dramatically reduce running costs, lower carbon emissions and transform the lives of residents.
The property previously relied on an ageing oil fired boiler, exposing the occupant to high fuel costs and the volatility of oil prices. While the home itself already benefitted from good levels of insulation and airtightness, significant opportunities remained to decarbonise the heating system and further reduce energy expenditure.
Designing a Whole House Solution
Rather than replacing one heating system with another, a complete package of measures was designed to work together.
The retrofit included:
- Ideal Logic Air 5kW Air Source Heat Pump
- Solar PV system
- Solar iBoost smart immersion controller
- Ideal Logic pre plumbed dual coil hot water cylinder
- Integrated controls and system optimisation
The existing insulation levels and airtightness of the property meant the heating demand was already relatively low, making it an ideal candidate for a heat pump installation.
The Solar PV system generates renewable electricity throughout the day, helping offset household electrical demand while also supporting the operation of the heat pump.
To maximise the value of every unit of electricity generated, a Solar iBoost was installed. This diverts surplus solar electricity that would otherwise be exported to the grid and uses it to heat domestic hot water within the dual coil cylinder.
The result is a highly integrated system that minimises imported energy while making full use of renewable generation on site.
The Results
The completed retrofit delivered substantial improvements in energy performance, affordability and carbon reduction.
SAP Rating
Pre Works: D62
Post Works: B90.35
Annual Fuel Bill Reduction
48% reduction in energy costs
Estimated Annual Saving
£412.11 per year
Carbon Emissions
Pre Works: 4.2 tonnes CO₂ per year
Post Works: 0.2 tonnes CO₂ per year
These figures demonstrate how combining renewable technologies with efficient heating systems can achieve exceptional outcomes when delivered as part of a coordinated retrofit strategy.
More Than Numbers
While SAP scores, bill savings and carbon reductions are important, the true success of this project is reflected in the experience of the resident.
Following completion, the tenant explained that in previous years they often faced an impossible choice between heating their home adequately and buying Christmas presents for their family.
The first winter after the retrofit was different.
For the first time, they felt able to afford both.
The resident described the outcome as:
"Life changing."
Those two words capture something that statistics alone cannot.
Retrofit is often discussed in terms of kilowatt hours, EPC ratings and carbon savings. For the people living in these homes, it is about comfort, dignity, security and quality of life.
The Wider Impact of Retrofit
When older residents cannot afford to heat their homes adequately, the consequences extend far beyond energy bills.
Cold homes are linked to:
- Respiratory illnesses
- Cardiovascular disease
- Increased hospital admissions
- Reduced mobility
- Social isolation
- Poor mental wellbeing
- Increased pressure on carers and family members
These impacts create significant costs for the NHS, local authorities and wider society.
By creating warmer, healthier homes, retrofit helps reduce these pressures before they arise. Every avoided hospital admission, every reduction in winter illness and every improvement in wellbeing represents both reduced human suffering and reduced public expenditure.
Supporting Communities and the Economy
The benefits of retrofit extend beyond individual households.
Retrofit programmes support local jobs, create demand for skilled trades, strengthen supply chains and keep investment circulating within local communities.
As the UK navigates an ageing population and increasing pressures on health and social care services, improving housing quality becomes an increasingly important part of the solution.
Warmer homes help people remain independent for longer, reduce demands on public services and improve overall quality of life. At the same time, retrofit investment supports employment, training and economic growth.
Delivering Meaningful Outcomes
Home Close Edge demonstrates what can be achieved when retrofit is approached as a whole house solution rather than a collection of individual measures.
Through the careful integration of solar generation, smart controls, efficient hot water production and low carbon heating, the property achieved:
- A SAP improvement from D62 to B90.35
- A reduction in carbon emissions from 4.2 tonnes to 0.2 tonnes per year
- Annual fuel bill savings of £412.11
- A 48% reduction in energy costs
Most importantly, it delivered something far more valuable than any performance metric.
It gave a resident greater comfort, greater financial security and greater control over their future.
That is the true value of retrofit.