The CLEAR-X project has aimed to help consumers to switch to renewable devices such as heat pumps and PV panels. However, along with switching the heating system, energy efficiency renovations to the home are a crucial way to reduce consumers’ energy demand (and bills).
Belgian consumer organisation Testachats, which is a partner on CLEAR-X’s new sister project CLEAR-HP, has recently been involved with consumers in the home renovation process.
In order to guide consumers through a cluttered information landscape, the first step for Testachats was to set out a comprehensive project covering several technical aspects: insulation and the building envelope, ventilation and the heating system itself.
To ensure consumer access to qualified installers, Testachats then created a list of recommended installers to whom consumers could send their shopping list, in order to receive a variety of quotations – this ensures both a trustworthy installation and a reasonable price.
Testachats offers this service through two types of renovation: PV panel installation, or building renovation with heating system replacement.
Speaking about the project, BEUC’s buildings expert Guillaume Joly commented, “This is one of the best examples we have seen among consumer organisations in Europe on how to guide consumers through what can be a confusing and time-consuming process”.
For more information on the PV project, click here, and for more information on the heating and renovation project, click here.