From draft to comfort: the story of Henk and Grietje
Henk and Grietje Hofstra have been living in a rental house just outside Tijnje since 1998. They enjoy living there. But the house is old and can be quite draughty when the wind blows from the east. "Especially in winter conditions, it could be difficult to keep the house warm."
The couple lives on social security and a small pension. "But that's certainly not a lot of money." Rising energy costs were therefore a major Health. "The gas bills are skyrocketing." In addition to the high costs, the lack of comfort in the house also played a major role. In winter, the stove often had to be turned up high to get the house a little warm. Yet it remained uncomfortable in the house. "It sometimes felt as if the heat was immediately lost outside."
Support from the municipality
Henk and Grietje didn't know that the municipality could help. Until they saw an article in GrootSa! about the assistance available from the municipality. "We saw the article and thought: maybe we are eligible." Shortly afterwards, an energy coach came by. He explained step by step what help was available. Such as installing radiator foil and replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs.
The energy coach walked through the house with them. He pointed out where they could save energy and indicated that energy fixers could help them implement the free measures.
Energy fixers brought back warmth
The energy fixers installed radiator foil and replaced all the light bulbs with LED bulbs. "They did the whole house." Henk and Grietje didn't have to do anything themselves. "We didn't have to do a thing, we just sat on the couch and they got to work. Nothing wrong with that!"
The difference is huge. The heater is now often set to 22 degrees instead of 23 or even 24. "We sometimes sit on the couch in May and it's still cold. Now it's just nice and cozy in the house," they say.
Big difference in your wallet
Consumption is now lower every month. They expect this year's final bill to remain within the advance payment on their energy bill. "That's a relief," they say. "We'll get money back instead of having to pay an extra 300 or 400 euros."
Grateful for the help
Henk and Grietje are happy with the entire process. They found the energy coach and energy fixer to be polite and friendly. The energy fixers were polite and professional. They really took care of everything for us and it didn't cost us a thing. We would recommend it to anyone.
Would you also like help with taking small steps to save energy in your home? Let us know via energie@opsterland.nl. The support of energy coaches and energy fixers is available free of charge to residents of the municipality of Opsterland.
