Hard to treat homes

What is a 'hard to treat' (HTT) home?
We define 'hard to treat' properties as those that can't accommodate the usual energy efficiency measures offered under schemes such as Warm Front in England.

They may include homes with:

• solid walls;
• no loft space;
• no connection to low cost fuel such as oil or gas.

Because of high heating bills associated with HTT homes, families who would otherwise cope relatively well in a more energy efficient home could find themselves in fuel poverty.

What are the consequences of HTT homes?

• damp conditions, made worse by inadequate heating, result in mould growth on cold surfaces and increased risk of dry rot and attack from wood boring insects - leading to high long-term maintenance costs;
• furnishings and possessions can suffer damage from mould or insect attack - requiring more frequent replacement and increasing financial pressures for those in fuel poverty;
• cold, damp living conditions have an adverse effect on health, including chest, joint, and mental health problems (anxiety and depression) and eczema.

Dealing with HTT dwellings
When deciding a course of action for fuel poor households the over-riding consideration must be minimising fuel bills. Improvements to insulation levels and heating systems will yield environmental benefits in terms of lower carbon emissions. But other benefits should not be overlooked:

Benefits to the occupant	Benefits to the landlord
Lower fuel bills and more comfortable living conditions	Increased value of housing stock
Better indoor air quality leading to fewer health problems	Lower maintenance costs
Less damage to possessions from damp and mould	Happier tenants leading to fewer voids and defaults on rental payments

This information will help you to prioritise the range of refurbishment options available and develop an effective plan.

The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes,  a network of over 400 organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors has a Hard to Treat Homes Sector working group.  Visit the website for further information including reports and publications.

Also see energy efficiency the guide, the Energy Saving Trust online resource for housing professionals, which includes a chapter on hard to treat homes and measures to tackle them.