The CLEAR-HP project aims to help consumers to switch to heating their homes with renewable energy via heat pumps. 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 in the CLEAR-HP project, 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.

In order to ensure consumer access to qualified installers, Testachats relies on a list of installers with official certification for renewable energy system installation, and offers to review quotations where requested – 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. They have also developed an online platform to help consumers assess their own priorities for energy retrofits.

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”.