Bere Peninsula Heat Pumps: Fact or Fiction and Thermal Imaging Camera Uses

Bere Peninsula Heat Pumps: Fact or Fiction and Thermal Imaging Camera Uses

Join us at Bere Alston Parish Hall on Saturday 13th September from 10:30 am for a morning of conversation about home energy efficiency and what we’ve learned from our thermal imaging camera scheme.

We will be sharing practical advice on how heat pumps work, what makes them efficient, and how to avoid poor installations. You will also hear from Dartmoor Energy and have the chance to explore how heat pumps are performing in real homes, including a review of a local installation.

If you took part in our thermal imaging camera scheme, we would welcome your reflections and the opportunity to discuss what you discovered and any actions you have taken since. We will be sharing community findings and exploring next steps. If you are interested in using the thermal imaging camera this coming season, you can request access at the event or by contacting us directly.

Whether you are looking to reduce energy costs, improve comfort at home, or better understand your options, this event offers a space to ask questions, exchange ideas, and connect with others working towards a cosy, efficient and future-ready Bere Peninsula.

Interested in attending? No need to book—just come along on the day. Free entry and All welcome.

If you’re interested in getting involved and are unable to come along on Saturday 13th September, please get in touch with us via email at hello@tamarenergycommunity.com or give us a call on 0800 233 5414 referencing ‘Bere Peninsula Energy Advice’.

Or sign up to our newsletter here for updates on future events, retrofit advice, and community energy news.

Top Tips For Keeping Cool This Summer

Top Tips For Keeping Cool This Summer

With summer temperatures rising, here are some practical ways to stay cool and manage your energy use effectively.

Cooling Appliances and What They May Cost

  • Fans (desktop, tower, pedestal): Cost between £0.15–£0.31 per day. They help cool you by moving air across your skin. USB desk fans are a low-cost option.
  • Evaporative Air Coolers: Cost around £0.28–£0.40 per day. These use water to cool the air and are more efficient than air conditioning units.
  • Portable Air Conditioning Units: Significantly more expensive at £4.84–£6 per day and produce higher carbon emissions. To maximise effectiveness, keep doors closed and unplug when not in use.

Top Tip – More expensive tower, desktop and pedestal fans aren’t always more energy efficient or cheaper to run than lower-cost models. Bladeless fans, which are usually the priciest, tend to have similar running costs to standard designs.

Figures from Energy Saving Trust

Home Improvements That Can Help

Insulation

Insulation helps keep your home comfortable throughout the year by trapping heat inside during winter and keeping it out during summer. Loft, wall and floor insulation can make a noticeable difference to energy efficiency and heating costs.

In the UK, the recommended minimum thickness for loft insulation is 270 mm when using mineral wool or similar materials. For rigid foam insulation in walls or floors, typical thickness ranges from 100 to 150 mm depending on the material and the level of thermal performance needed.

Solar Film

Adding solar control film to your windows can help reduce the amount of heat caused by sunlight passing through the glass. Costs will vary depending on the type of film you choose and the size and number of windows you want to cover.

If you decide not to treat all your windows, prioritise those that receive the most sunlight. These are usually south-facing windows or those in rooms that tend to get the warmest.

Free Ways to Stay Cool

Cross Ventilation

Encourage airflow by opening windows or vents on opposite sides of your home. This draws cooler air in and pushes warm air out. For best results, open windows in the early morning or late evening, keep internal doors open, and use a fan near a window to help direct airflow. This free, energy-saving method also improves indoor air quality, helping reduce damp and mould.

Close Blinds and Curtains

Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially when the sun is shining directly through the windows. This helps block out solar heat and prevents indoor temperatures from rising. Light-coloured or reflective linings can enhance this effect by bouncing sunlight away from your home. For rooms that get particularly warm, consider using thermal or blackout curtains to further reduce heat gain.

If you have any concerns or questions get in touch here.

Do you know how important eye protection is from the sun and UV Radiation?

Many of us recognise the need for using sunscreen when out and about when its sunny, but are you aware of how important it is to also protect your eyes? And importantly those of children?

“You can’t see UV but its damaging effects can stay with you for life. In fact, eyes are 10 times more sensitive to UV than skin.
Many of us wear sunglasses as a practicality to reduce the glare of the sun, or even to look cool, but there is a more serious reason for wearing shades.”

“UV radiation from the sun can have both short- and long-term effects on the condition of our eyes. It can burn the surface, cornea and lens of the eye, much like sun can burn skin. Long-term exposure to UV radiation can be serious. For instance, exposure to UV significantly increases the risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the eyes lens and the leading cause of blindness in the world.”

Read more here from the Met Office

Pete’s Retrofit Journey

Pete’s Retrofit Journey

This video was filmed as part of the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) project. Led by PEC as part of a consortium of community energy organisations across Devon and Cornwall. This project supported local households to improve the comfort of their homes and save on energy bills by increasing energy efficiency.

Pete had purchased a 1970s bungalow about 5 years ago that had seen better days. The property was cold, and its outdated gas boiler was both noisy and inefficient. With a growing need for more space and a strong family awareness of environmental issues, Pete set out to upgrade the home. But he quickly realised that navigating retrofit options was anything but straightforward.

Finding Trusted Advice

Conflicting opinions online and sales-driven pitches from commercial installers left Pete confused. He wasn’t looking for just another quote; he needed the full picture. That’s when he spotted an advert for a local talk hosted by, South Dartmoor Community Energy (SDCE) with whom we work closely and decided to attend.

Pete realised he didn’t have to figure it all out alone. He received a free and impartial retrofit advice visit from one of SDCE’s home energy advisors. They provided Pete with expert guidance on how to improve his home’s energy efficiency. Their advice helped clarify the retrofit process and provided both reassurance and practical direction.

A Bespoke Plan

SDCE referred Pete to Dartmoor Energy, a trusted retrofit specialist we work closely alongside. Using the property’s architectural plans, they carried out full room-by-room heat loss calculations and designed a bespoke whole-house plan for the property.

This included an air-source heat pump system linking in with underfloor heating, good levels of insulation throughout the property and solar roof tiles, carefully planned around the larger dormer extension to maximise available space.

Home Comfort

The result was a whole house retrofit built with precision. Pete now enjoys reliable warm indoor temperatures, lower running costs, and reduced CO₂ emissions. Even in winter, the home generates enough solar energy to power the system, eliminating the need to buy fossil fuels. Beyond improving day-to-day comfort, the transformation has inspired Pete’s friends to begin exploring their own retrofit journeys.

Pete’s Advice

“Get the right advice from the right people. By that, I mean community energy organisations like South Dartmoor Community Energy, people who aren’t trying to sell you something. Then go out and find what you need to deliver that system.”

Ready to Start Your Retrofit Journey?

If you’re thinking about improving your home’s energy efficiency or just need some guidance along the way, we’re here to help. Explore Retrofit Made Easy to see how we can support you from start to finish.

Want to see what’s possible? Discover a TEC client’s inspiring retrofit journey here and learn how expert advice and support made all the difference.

Energy Price Cap Update: July to September 2025

Energy Price Cap Update: July to September 2025

Price cap falls by 7%:
Ofgem has announced a 7% reduction in the energy price cap for the period 1 July to 30 September 2025. This brings the annual cost for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit down to £1,720.

What is the Energy Price Cap?
The energy price cap limits how much suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity on standard variable tariffs. It does not cap your total bill, which depends on how much energy you use. The cap helps protect households from being charged excessively high rates.

If you are on a fixed tariff, this change will not affect your bill.

You can use the Money Saving Expert Energy Price Cap Calculator to see how the new cap might impact your household.

Should you consider switching?
Bills remain higher than this time last year. Some fixed deals are currently 15-18% cheaper than the new cap, so it may be worth exploring your options.

Things to consider before switching

  • Exit fees: Check your current tariff for any penalties
  • Customer service: Look at supplier ratings and reviews
  • Household usage: Consider whether your energy use is high or low
  • Current supplier rates: Ask if they can offer a better deal

Take a meter reading
If you are on a standard variable tariff and do not have a smart meter, submit a meter reading before 1 July. This ensures you are not charged the higher rate for energy used after the new cap takes effect. If you are on an Economy 7 tariff, remember to take both day and night readings.

If you need help with switching suppliers or energy related advice then please get in touch here.

Sheepstor Community Energy: Thermal Imaging Camera Insights and Next Steps for the Community 

Join us at Sheepstor Village Hall on 19th June at 19:30 for an evening of reflection and discussion on the Thermal Imaging Camera Scheme. We will share findings and explore next steps. We will also be exploring opportunities for a community-driven approach to energy in Sheepstor. 

Discover insights from the scheme, including how householders participated and what was learned.  

We will also discuss practical steps the village can take to improve home and community energy efficiency while reducing costs. 

There will also be an opportunity to request use of the thermal imaging camera next season. 

Enjoy refreshments and a chance to connect with others in the community before diving into the evening’s discussions. Everyone is welcome. Bring your questions, experiences, and ideas as we work towards a cosy, efficient, and future-ready Sheepstor. 

What is Community Energy? 

Community energy is a way for local people to take control of their energy use and supply by generating, sharing, and managing renewable energy and energy use within their area. It helps reduce reliance on large utility companies, can keep energy costs lower and retain more money within the local economy, and supports sustainability. 

How does it work?  

Local energy clubs take this idea further by allowing householders to buy and sell excess energy within their community at a fairer rate. Instead of surplus energy going back to the grid, it stays local, benefiting members with lower costs and encouraging renewable energy use. These clubs create a more resilient and affordable energy system while keeping profits within the community. 

Here’s an example of a local energy club which has recently (Tuesday 3rd June 25) been on the BBC One Show: https://tresoc.co.uk/project/energy-local-totnes/ 

If you’re interested in getting involved and are unable to join us on Th. June 19th please get in touch with us by email at hello@tamarenergycommunity.com or give us a call on 0800 233 5414 referencing ‘Sheepstor Community Energy’ 

Getting Ready for the Radio Teleswitch Service Switch Over

Getting Ready for the Radio Teleswitch Service Switch Over

The technology that switches some older meters from peak to off-peak price is coming to an end soon. After the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) or Dynamically Teleswitched (DTS) ends, your meter’s timings might not work as expected and your heating and hot water supply could be affected. 

On 30th of June 2025, the RTS and DTS service will come to an end. These changes are industry-wide and will affect both domestic and business customers. This is because the radio frequency these meters use to switch between peak and off-peak rates is being switched off.

Your supplier should contact you to arrange an upgrade to a smart meter before this deadline. You won’t have to pay for the replacement meter.

Find out if you have an RTS meter

You may have an RTS/DTS meter if:

  • Your home has a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label on it
  • Your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters
  • There is no gas supply to your area, including households in rural areas and high-rise flats
  • You get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, you might be on an Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariff

Get in touch with your electricity supplier if you’re still not sure which meter is in your home.

Explore These Helpful Resources:

If you’re still unsure or need tailored advice, please feel free to contact us for support.

A Family Home’s Heat Pump Journey

A Family Home’s Heat Pump Journey

When Rob’s LPG boiler showed signs of failure, he and his family faced a choice: replace it with another LPG system or explore alternative heating and hot water options.

Their 1860s stone cottage in Lydford, Devon, with a 1970s and more recent extensions, had always presented heating challenges, and previous experiences with LPG had left them wanting change. For Rob and his wife, who both work from home several days a week, along with their young children, having reliable heating was essential.

“We had struggled with volatile pricing and supply issues with LPG. During the Beast from the East in 2018, we ran out of gas when it was obviously very cold – that was a nightmare. It happened another time too, so I was getting a bit nervous about it. Rather than spend quite a bit on a new LPG boiler, we wanted to see what else we could do.”

When Rob’s mother-in-law, through her parish council work, mentioned their local community energy organisation, it opened up new possibilities. Despite previously receiving discouraging responses about heat pumps – one installer had dismissed the idea with a blunt ‘it’s an old house’ – Rob decided to seek expert advice. 

Rob received an initial consultation with an experienced local energy advisor, followed by a comprehensive whole house survey. The detailed assessment revealed that not only was a heat pump possible, but with some targeted improvements, it could work very effectively and could even save them money on their energy bills. 

The whole house survey proved invaluable in helping Rob’s family to make their decisions.

The report covered:

  • Detailed heat loss calculations
  • Radiator assessments
  • Air tightness testing
  • Specific recommendations for their property
  • Cost comparisons with alternative heating systems

“The survey showed us how effective different types of retrofit work might be, and what the likely cost would be; things like how long the return on investment might be compared to other sources we could have had, like oil or LPG. That was really helpful.”

Rob also valued the support he received after the whole house survey, including a follow-up call with the Retrofit Assessor to go through the findings and recommendations. 

“They talked us through all the different options and helped us decide on the next steps to take, as well as signposting us to local installers who could do the work. The final cost actually ended up being slightly cheaper than the initial estimate in the survey, which was an added bonus!” 

The family decided to proceed with:

  • Air source heat pump installation
  • Hot water cylinder replacement
  • Two new radiators (most existing ones were suitable for the new system, which was a welcome surprise for Rob)
  • Cavity wall insulation in the 1970s extension

“We knew we weren’t going to do all of it at once, but the survey covers lots of things so it’s handy to refer back to – it made it very clear what our options are so we could make sound decisions now and in the future.” 

The improvements have made a significant difference to daily life. The most notable change has been the consistency of heating throughout the house.

The family has also noticed improvements in the home’s damp issues, particularly in their living room. They now benefit from more even heating and better ventilation, creating a healthier living environment. It is also more efficient than the LPG boiler, providing more than than 3 units of heat for each unit of power it uses to run.

The costs of running the heat pump are comparable to the LPG boiler, but without the concern over the volatility of prices and supply.

“Our energy costs are certainly comparable, if not a little cheaper, and it’s good to know that it’s green energy that’s heating our home. We would also like to add solar panels at some point in the future.” 

Rob’s experience shows how expert retrofit advice and in-depth assessment can open up possibilities that otherwise might be dismissed.

Despite initial skepticism about heat pumps in older properties, the right approach and supporting improvements have created a comfortable, reliable heating system for this family home.

Rob is already thinking about future improvements to enhance what they have already achieved. Solar panels with battery storage remain a possibility for the future, and the family is exploring options for better draught proofing around doors and ventilation improvements. 

“We used to feel a difference in temperature going from room to room, whereas now it’s just completely constant throughout. It just makes the house feel more comfortable.”

Stoke Climsland Carbon Zero Homes

Cosy Nights

Over 40 people met at the Old School on 6th February to discuss improving domestic heating efficiency, regardless of boiler type, and the ‘truth and myth’ about heat-pumps. This meeting was arranged in response to interest on this topic from across the Parish, becoming a legacy action from the Carbon Zero Homes Project which was led by the Parish Council, and which was funded by a grant from the Community Levelling Up Programme.

The first speaker was James Fortune from local renewable energy & retrofit specialists, Dartmoor Energy. To everyone’s surprise, James explained that the first heat-pump technology was invented in 1834 in the form of a refrigerator compressor and the first UK installation of a heat generating system was as far back as 1945.
James went on to explain the efficiency advantages and science behind heat-pumps and the different forms they take. James concluded with tips on achieving a good installation and how to use it effectively. 

You can find James’ presentation here

Andy Nevill followed with a specific case study of his own installation – an air-source heat-pump installed 2 years ago into a 19th century miner’s cottage. The biggest challenge was fitting under-floor-heating, but heat pump systems can operate in radiator only dwellings. Motivations were to achieve a healthy living environment, to save money and to reduce household emissions. They have measured a 90% reduction in energy use, a 96% reduction in emissions and a 64% reduction in energy costs and now have a healthier lived in environment.

You can find Andy’s presentation here

Jennie Stopford of Cornwall Council gave the audience the big picture of the Council’s program of decarbonising which stretches to 2045 when the objective, for example, is to have 30-50% of houses fitted with photo-voltaic solar panels. With regards to heat-pumps, Cornwall is leading all other counties in the UK with more than 5% of dwellings now fitted with one.

You can find Jenny’s presentation here

Kate Royston from Tamar Energy Community explained how they can support Parish households, including a free visit by one of their retrofit energy advisors to explain all the technical and funding options available, including grants and loans.

You can find Kate’s presentation here

Also exhibiting and taking part in a Q&A session chaired by Richard Davies, were Clare Moody from Community Energy Plus, Jack Morewood from University of Plymouth and Rob Tapson from Eco NRG.
Questions ranged from smart-meters, radiator and/or under floor heating combinations to on-going heatpump servicing.

Amongst the delegates were residents who already have heat-pumps installed, including one Luckett resident who had a system installed as far back as 2010. A bit like speed-dating, residents who had systems installed were matched with those considering if a heat-pump is right for them!

A huge thank you to Edah and her team of community volunteers who gave up their valuable time to refresh and support this meeting, including an amazing spread of canapes.

Scan the QR code here to access a handout from the meeting with contains lots of useful information and contact details. You can also access the handout here.

Stay Cosy!

Thermal Imaging Camera Scheme

West Devon Borough Council (WDBC) working in partnership with Tamar Energy Community (TEC) is offering its communities the chance to use thermal imaging cameras to analyse homes across West Devon and see how they could be more energy efficient. 

As part of WDBC’s commitment to help reduce carbon emissions across West Devon, and help people improve the energy efficiencies of their homes, four thermal imaging cameras are available for use on a free to borrow basis for Town and Parish Councils or Community Groups.

 

The ‘point and shoot’ camera can provide you with a thermal image of a home or building. The image can then be used to identify potential improvements, such as requirements for insulation and draught proofing within your home to improve your energy efficiency, as well as to reduce heat loss and fuel bills.

WDBC will be providing an opportunity for up to 8 communities to use the council’s thermal imaging cameras (TICs) between 6 December and 31 March.

Kate Royston, Tamar Energy Community Director and Energy Advisor, said: “We’re delighted to be working with West Devon Borough Council on this project, and are looking forward to helping communities across West Devon understand what can be done to help make homes cosy, efficient and future-ready.

“Retrofitting a property is a journey. Using a thermal imaging camera is just one diagnostic tool we can use to look at a home and find where we can make efficiencies; we’re always happy to help anyone in West Devon and the Tamar Valley take the first step in that journey.”

The Council is looking to support an “energy champion” in the communities that take part, who will lead on using a thermal imaging camera in their town, village or area.

Tamar Energy Community will provide each community that signs up with an introductory talk to the community about retrofitting, highlighting important things to consider; and a follow up clinic to discuss and share results as a community.

To find out if you meet the criteria click here and you can apply today, or you can check out the article written by the BBC here.