Landlords Latest
Plug-in Solar in the UK: What Is It and When Will It Be Available?
If you’ve searched for plug-in solar in the UK, you might be wondering why something that seems so simple isn’t already available. Across Europe, people are already using small solar panels that plug directly into a socket-helping them cut energy bills without major...
Changing MEES for Private Landlords: What the New Standards Will Mean
If you’re a private landlord, you’ve probably heard that Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are changing. The government has now confirmed the direction of travel for the Private Rented Sector (PRS) as part of reforms to the Decent Homes Standard, and the...
Air Source Heat Pumps: A Complete Guide for Your Home
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump? An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a low-carbon heating system that takes warmth from the outside air and upgrades it to a higher temperature to heat your home and hot water. Even on cold days, there’s still enough ambient heat outdoors...
High Heat Retention (HHR) Storage Heaters: Why They Don’t Always Feel Hot to the Touch
We’ve had a few questions recently about modern High Heat Retention (HHR) storage heaters — especially from people who had the older, traditional models. So here’s a quick myth-buster! “My heater doesn’t feel hot… is it working?” With older storage heaters, the...
Choosing the Right Heat Pump: Understanding the Difference Between Air-to-Air and Air-to-Water Heat Pumps?
As the UK moves toward cleaner energy and low-carbon heating, heat pumps have taken centre stage as a viable alternative to gas boilers. Two of the most common types, wet air source heat pumps and air-to-air systems. In this blog, we’ll explain what each system is,...
Heat Pump Hot Water: 4 Golden Rules for Efficiency
According to Energy Stats UK (a UK-based energy geek), If you’re using a heat pump for your hot water, these four tips can help you save energy and money: Reheat When It’s Warmer OutsideSchedule your hot water reheats during the warmest part of the day. Heat pumps...
Selective Licensing in Lancashire: What Landlords Need to Know
The private rented sector (PRS) is a vital part of Lancashire’s housing market, providing homes for thousands of people. But in areas where poor housing conditions, anti-social behaviour, or low demand exist, councils have the power to step in with Selective Licensing...
How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Do Solar Panels Need Servicing?: A Homeowner’s Guide to Maintenance and Lifespan
Solar panels are a long-term investment in your home, your wallet, and the planet. With the right care, they can provide clean energy for 25 years or more. But like any technology, a solar system goes through a lifecycle and it’s natural to wonder what checks are...
Are You Getting the Best Rate for the Solar Power You Export? – FIT or SEG?
If you’ve already got solar panels on your home, you’re likely saving on your electricity bills – but are you getting paid properly for the electricity you export back to the grid? Whether you installed your system years ago or only recently, you may be missing out on...
Understanding ECO4 and ECO Flex Eligibility: Can You Get Help to Make Your Home Warmer and Greener?
If you’re struggling with high energy bills or living in a draughty, hard-to-heat home, you may be eligible for free or subsidised home upgrades through the government’s ECO4 scheme, including a special route called ECO Flex. But what are these schemes, and who...
What to Do if Your Heating Won’t Turn On: A Quick Checklist Before You Panic
When the temperature drops and your heating won’t come on, it’s easy to worry that something serious has gone wrong. But before you pick up the phone or assume the worst, there are a few simple checks you can make at home. Often, the issue is something small and easy...
How to Set Up SEG Payments for Your Home Solar and Battery System
If you’ve had solar panels (and possibly a battery) installed at home, you could be earning money by selling any extra electricity you generate back to the grid. This is done through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). But the process of signing up can feel confusing,...
Understanding EPCs: What They Tell You (and What They Don’t)
If you’re a landlord in Lancashire, you’ll already know that every rental property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). But many local landlords tell us they aren’t always sure what the certificate really means - or how useful it is when planning...
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES): What Lancashire Landlords Need to Know in 2025
Energy efficiency is no longer just a “bonus” for landlords - it’s a legal requirement that’s tightening over the next few years. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) govern which rental properties can legally be let, and they’re central to improving the...
Spotting Solar & Retrofit Scams in the UK – Stay Safe and Sustainable
Introduction With growing interest in renewable home upgrades like solar panels, insulation, and heat pumps, unscrupulous scammers have seized the opportunity. According to Citizens Advice, over 19 million UK adults were targeted by “green home” scams in just one...
Loft Insulation Explained: Save Energy, Stay Cosy, Cut Costs
If your home feels chilly in winter or your energy bills keep creeping up, your loft might be the culprit. In an uninsulated home, around 25% of the heat escapes through the roof - wasted warmth that you’re paying for. Insulating your loft is one of the most...
Solar Thermal: Everything You Need to Know About Solar Water Heating in Lancashire
Hot water accounts for around 12% of the average household energy bill, so it’s no surprise that residents across Lancashire are looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to heat the water in their homes. One option that’s been quietly delivering results for decades...
How to Lower Your Heating Bills Without Feeling the Chill: Try Adjusting Your Boiler Flow Temperature
If you’re looking for a low-cost way to cut your heating bills without sacrificing comfort, tweaking one setting on your boiler could be the answer. It’s a change many people don’t realise they can make, but it can lead to noticeable energy savings, especially if you...
Thinking of Going Electric? Your Guide to EVs, Home Chargers & Smart Savings
We’ve had a growing number of enquiries and advice calls about electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging recently, so we’ve put together this blog to help answer the most common questions. At Greener Homes in Lancashire, we offer free, impartial support to help you...
RTS Meter Phase Out: What Lancashire Residents Need to Know in 2025
If you heat your home with electricity and are on a tariff like Economy 7 or ComfortPlus, you might have something called a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter. These meters have helped manage heating and water systems since the 1980s, but the technology behind them...
Getting Quotes from Installers: What You Need to Know Before You Say Yes
When planning home improvements - whether it's insulation, a heat pump, solar panels or another retrofit measure - choosing the right contractor or installer is a critical step. But with so many details to consider, it can feel overwhelming. At Greener Homes in...
Getting Paid for Your Solar Power: What’s the Smart Export Guarantee?
What is the Smart Export Guarantee? If you’ve got solar panels or you're thinking about installing them, you might have heard about the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). But what is it, and how can it benefit you? Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how SEG...
How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost in Lancashire?
With energy bills on the rise and more people wanting to do their bit for the planet, many households across Lancashire are exploring low-carbon ways to heat their homes. If you've been looking into alternatives, you might have found yourself wondering about air...
Air to Air Heat Pumps – Your Questions Answered
Air-to-air heat pumps are an efficient way to heat and cool your home while reducing energy bills. If you're considering this technology, here’s everything you need to know. What is an air-to-air heat pump? An air-to-air heat pump transfers heat from the outside air...
Heat Pump FAQs
Here are our top 5 questions, insights and analysis about Heat Pumps.
Solar PV (photovoltaic) FAQs
Here are our top 5 questions, insights and analysis around Solar PV
Electric Vehicle FAQs
Here are our top 5 questions, insights and analysis around Electric Vehicles: