By Lucy Leighton , Project Director, Warm Wales
The drive towards net zero is transforming the way we heat and power our homes. Across Wales and the UK, significant investment is being made in low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels and energy efficiency measures, all designed to reduce emissions, lower energy consumption and create healthier, more sustainable homes. Yet while these technologies are a vital part of addressing climate change, their success depends on more than successful installation. For many households, particularly those facing vulnerability or disadvantage, understanding how to use and benefit from new systems can be just as important as the technology itself. Supporting people through this transition is therefore essential if we are to achieve lasting environmental, social and economic benefits.
The transition to low-carbon heating and energy technologies is one of the most important changes taking place across our homes and communities. Technologies such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and improved insulation have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and help households manage their energy costs more effectively.
But there is a crucial lesson that we must not overlook: installing the technology is only part of the journey.
At Warm Wales, we regularly support people who have received energy efficiency improvements but are still struggling to stay warm, manage their energy costs or feel confident using the systems installed in their homes. This is particularly true for vulnerable residents, including older people, those living with disabilities, long-term health conditions or households facing financial hardship.
Many low-carbon technologies operate very differently from traditional heating systems. Air source heat pumps, for example, are designed to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature over a longer period, rather than delivering short bursts of intense heat like a conventional boiler. Without clear guidance and ongoing support, it is understandable that some householders may be unsure whether the system is working correctly or worry that it is costing them more to run.
Recently, one of our advisors supported a vulnerable householder with a number of complex health and accessibility needs. Their home had benefited from energy efficiency improvements, including an air source heat pump, solar panels and insulation, yet they remained concerned about the warmth of the home and the effectiveness of the heating system.
Through patient, tailored support, we helped them understand how the heat pump was designed to operate and how to use it more effectively. Importantly, we also listened to their concerns. When questions remained about the performance of the system, we supported them to arrange an independent survey, which identified issues with some of the installed measures and led to remedial work being arranged.
The outcome was not simply a warmer home. It was increased confidence, reassurance and a better understanding of how the technology could work for him.
This experience reflects a wider challenge facing the energy sector. The success of low-carbon technologies should not be judged solely by the number of installations completed. It should
also be measured by whether householders feel able to use them confidently and whether they are experiencing the benefits that were intended.
When people struggle to understand a new system, they can become anxious about their energy use, rely on alternative and often more expensive forms of heating, or lose trust in the measures designed to help them. In some cases, this can undermine the positive impact of significant investment in home energy improvements.
That is why advice and support services are such a vital part of the net-zero transition. Skilled advisors can bridge the gap between installation and outcomes, providing practical guidance, identifying issues early and helping households navigate any challenges they encounter.
At Warm Wales, we know that every home and every householder is different. A successful low-carbon transition cannot be achieved through technology alone. It requires investment in people, ensuring that residents have access to the information, support and advocacy they need to make the most of the changes taking place in their homes.
As we work towards a greener future, we must ensure that no one is left behind. Low-carbon technologies have enormous potential to improve lives, reduce emissions and tackle fuel poverty, but only if people are supported to use them effectively.
Because ultimately, the transition to net zero is not just about installing new technology. It is about empowering people to benefit from it.
