Date published: 03 June 2025
When Peter and Margaret Badley were informed that their bungalow was one of a number to have retrofit work carried out, they embraced the project wholeheartedly to ensure they got the best from the opportunity – as well as helping their neighbours do the same.
Peter and Margaret live at Loddon Way in Wiltshire, their bungalow being one of 25 in an over-50s community owned by social housing provider, Stonewater. In the summer of 2024, Stonewater reached out to the couple about new air source heat pump and retrofit works being offered for their home.
Despite the community being, in their own words, “not the youngest”, Peter and Margaret have embraced the new technology in their home and supported neighbours having similar works carried out. The result has seen the couple’s winter bills more than halved in the process.
Their new air source heat pump, replacing inefficient night storage heaters, has reduced the couple’s bills from over £750 in the winter of 2023-24 (December to February) to just £350 for the same months this past winter.
Additionally, the bungalow now has new windows and doors, loft insulation, and a moisture-sensitive fan to bring the home up to modern standards. These extra works were carried out in February 2025, so will bring even further comfort and cost savings next winter and beyond.
“As soon as Stonewater told us about the work, we decided to find out as much as we could and to get involved in the process. After all, this is our home,” says Margaret. She continues: “When we got the letter, we called Jerrad, Stonewater’s project manager, and he arranged to come out with the contractor.”
The couple spent valuable time discussing the work that was planned and how they could benefit from it, as well as running through the details of what it would entail.
Margaret says this meeting made the difference for them, and ultimately the community, as it enabled them to take control of what was going to happen in their home.
Despite Peter saying that the new system has been a steep learning curve, he has made it his mission to master it and has since dedicated hours of his time to encouraging and supporting his neighbours to have the works carried out, creating a reassuring presence in the community.
Peter has become a source of real support for other Stonewater customers at Loddon Way, helping his neighbours get to grips with the technology and systems, ensuring they can get the best from the retrofit works.
“Some people aren’t technologically inclined and were worried about change and not being able to control the new systems properly. It’s completely understandable, especially in an older community where we’ve got used to things being a certain way; it’s daunting for many people,” shares Peter.
Peter and Margaret even created a video diary for Stonewater that can be accessed by other customers, showing footage from the installation works and sharing advice on getting the best from the air source heat pumps and other works that each home was offered.
Adam Masters, Stonewater’s Assistant Director Environment and Sustainability, said: “I’m delighted Peter and Margaret have thrown themselves into the retrofit process and worked so closely with the team at Loddon Way. They have consistently engaged with us and acted as a strong voice for their community and other customers who may have initially been reluctant to embrace the new systems.
“They have shown a genuine interest in the technology and have welcomed the heat pump installation with enthusiasm, sharing their positive experience with neighbours, helping to ease any concerns others may have had. It’s truly been a pleasure working with such involved and proactive customers.”
In terms of advice for others, Margaret says: “Be proactive and take an interest right from the start; ask to talk to people. That way, you can ensure things are done the way you want them and have the reassurance that your wishes will be taken into consideration.
“We had a say in everything, from where the pipes went to the size and placement of the pump and new radiators. You’ve got to keep on top of things, but the benefits far outweigh any disruption. We know it hasn’t been all plain sailing and some neighbours have had some initial issues, but thanks to the work, we’re saving money and have never been more comfortable.”