Mind The Gap: Cotality’s analysis reveals retrofit awareness is high, but action is low. Ecofurb is here to change that.
We’ve all heard the message – retrofitting your home can cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and make your house more comfortable year-round. And even better, most UK homeowners seem to be on board with the idea.
But here’s the catch – while awareness is high, actual retrofit activity is still surprisingly low.
That’s the key takeaway from a recent Cotality article, which analysed data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)’s Public Attitudes Tracker (PAT) alongside our own Home Retrofit Trends Index (HRTI) to uncover what’s driving – and delaying – home energy upgrades across the UK.
And we offer a prime example of how Ecofurb is helping to bridge this retrofit awareness-action gap for homeowners.
🔍 What the Data Shows
Cotality’s analysis highlights a consistent pattern across both surveys:
Awareness of retrofit is strong
- 86% of UK adults are aware that home heating needs to change to meet Net Zero goals (DESNZ PAT)
- 87% are aware of low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps and solar panels (DESNZ PAT)
- 74% of homebuyers say a property’s EPC rating is important when choosing a home (Ecofurb HRTI)
Knowledge about retrofit options is moderate
- Only 33% of respondents say they know “a fair amount” or more about low-carbon heating (DESNZ PAT)
Intent to take action remains low
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- 6.3% of homeowners plan to install insulation in the next 12 months (Ecofurb HRTI)
- Just 4.4% are considering a heat pump (Ecofurb HRTI).
- 6.6% are thinking about solar panels (Ecofurb HRTI)
So while the public understands the importance of home energy efficiency, many aren’t yet ready – or don’t feel able – to act.
What’s Holding Homeowners Back?
Cotality’s breakdown of the barriers reflects many of the reasons Ecofurb was started in the first place, which are often cited by our customers as to why they seek out our help:
💷 1. Cost
Upfront costs are a major concern. Even when people understand the long-term savings, the initial investment can feel like a hurdle. Grants and incentives help, but they’re not always easy to access or navigate.
🧠 2. Complexity
The retrofit process can be confusing. With so many options, technical terms, and conflicting advice, it’s no surprise that many homeowners feel overwhelmed.
🛠️ 3. Difficulty finding trusted professionals
Even when people are ready to act, they often struggle to find qualified, reliable installers who they can trust – especially outside of major cities.
💁 How Ecofurb Helps Homeowners Move Forward
At Ecofurb, we’re working to close the gap between awareness and action by making retrofit simpler, clearer, and more accessible.
Here’s how we support homeowners:
- Free online retrofit planning tools: Use our free Ecofurb Options tool to quickly create a personalised plan for improving your home’s energy efficiency.
- In-depth home retrofit surveys: Get a clear, step-by-step Ecofurb Plan tailored to your home, your priorities, and your budget. We break the work into manageable phases so you can tackle it at your own pace.
- Trusted tradespeople: We’ll connect you with our trusted installers, and our PAS2035-qualified retrofit coordinators check that the work meets the right standards.
- Help with funding: Not sure what grants or loans you might be eligible for? We’ll guide you through what’s available and how to apply.
🏡 How Ecofurb helped Roger close the Awareness-Action gap.
Cotality’s analysis highlights three common reasons why homeowners hesitate to retrofit: cost, complexity, and difficulty finding trusted professionals.
These are exactly the kinds of challenges that led Roger – who has lived in his 1920s solid-wall home for over 40 years – to seek out Ecofurb’s help:
💷 Cost: “It cost more than I expected… but the house is comfortable”
Like many homeowners, Roger was concerned about the price tag. Retrofitting his home with insulation and new double-glazed windows and doors was a significant investment.
“It was expensive, more expensive than I thought to start with… But it’s a guaranteed return. I won’t lose. And the house is now warm and comfortable. That’s the main thing.”
While he admits it may not deliver the biggest financial return, the comfort and peace of mind made it worthwhile.
🧠 Complexity: “It provided the expertise that I don’t have”
Roger knew his home needed work, but wasn’t sure where to begin. Ecofurb helped him make sense of the process with a clear, tailored plan.
“They did a survey initially, which was very useful. From that they produced a plan… that really laid out the options and the order of work which was most sensible to do.”
“It did exactly what I was hoping – it provided the expertise that I don’t have.”
This structured approach helped Roger feel confident in his decisions and ensured the work was done in the right order.
🛠️ Finding Trusted Professionals: “They really seemed to know their stuff”
One of Roger’s biggest concerns was avoiding unreliable tradespeople. Ecofurb connected him with vetted contractors and checked the work at every stage.
“The contractors really seemed to know their stuff. They were excellent.”
“If I had work done through Ecofurb, the contractors were more likely to be reputable people and less likely to be cowboys!”
Roger’s story is a great example of how the right support can turn retrofit from a daunting idea into a successful, rewarding project. His once-cold front room is now the warmest in the house – and even the sun-trap extension feels cooler in summer.
🤔 Quick FAQs:
Q: I know my home could be more energy efficient, but where do I start?
Start with a plan. Our free online tool gives you a personalised roadmap based on your home, your goals, and your budget.
Q: Is retrofit only worth it for older homes?
Not at all. While older homes often benefit most, even newer properties can improve comfort and cut energy bills with the right upgrades. Have a go with our Ecofurb Options tool and see what impact our library of retrofit measures could have on your home.
Q: Do I need to do everything at once?
No. Many homeowners take a phased approach, starting with the most urgent or cost-effective improvements and building from there. In our Ecofurb Plans, we break down suggested works into clear, actionable phases.
Q: How do I know the work will be done properly?
We only work with vetted professionals, and our qualified coordinators check their work to make sure it meets the right standards.
🧭 Key Takeaways
- Awareness is strong, but many homeowners still feel unsure about what to do next.
- Cost, complexity, and trust are the biggest barriers to taking action.
- Ecofurb helps bridge the gap with clear plans, expert advice, and access to trusted professionals.
- Real-life stories like Roger’s show that retrofit is achievable – and the comfort gains can be life-changing.
👉 Use the Ecofurb Options tool to explore what’s possible for your home
👉 Or find out more about getting an Ecofurb Plan & home energy survey
Sources
- Cotality UK – Homeowners and retrofit: the gap between attitudes and action
- Ecofurb Home Retrofit Trends Index – Summer 2025
- DESNZ Public Attitudes Tracker – Spring 2025