Welcome to Yorkshire
News • September 10th, 2026
|Residents of Honeysuckle House in Dringhouses are experiencing a positive change in their living conditions and energy bills after new heating systems were installed in their flats. The 27 apartments now feature air source heat pumps, which have helped reduce electricity use by an impressive 32%. This upgrade not only improves comfort but also lowers energy costs for the residents.
New Heating Systems
The air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air, even in cold weather, and transferring that heat into the home. This technology is much more efficient than traditional storage heaters, which often leave homes feeling chilly and uncomfortable. George and Di Harris, who live in a one-bedroom flat, have shared their positive experiences with the new system.
George explained, “Having angina, I feel the heat and the cold. With this system, it’s easier to keep the flat at a constant temperature using the new thermostat.” He also mentioned that after a full winter using the new heating, he prefers it over the old storage heaters. “Once we learned how to use them, the heaters are much easier to control – and they look better too,” he added.
Impact on Residents
Di, who has health issues and previously ran a guest house, echoed George's sentiments. She stated, “The new system keeps me comfortable. It gives us hotter water more quickly. I prefer this air source heat pump system to the old one. I think it’s fantastic, and would recommend it.”
The couple has also noticed a significant drop in their electricity bills since the installation of the new heating system and a smart meter. “We used to use about £100 of electricity a month with the old system,” George explained. “Last winter we used about £65 a month. That’s a good saving.”
Funding for Upgrades
The improvements at Honeysuckle House and similar upgrades at Alex Lyon House in Tang Hall were made possible by a substantial grant of £1,894,399 from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Net Zero Fund, which comes from the UK Government. This funding aims to support low-carbon heating solutions across the region, benefiting both residents and the environment.
Community Benefits
In addition to the heating upgrades, solar panels have been installed on the roofs of the buildings. These panels generate electricity that helps power communal areas and the residents' laundry room, further contributing to energy savings and sustainability.
Cllr Dave Merrett, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, remarked:
“This upgrade has made a huge difference to the tenants of the 62 homes to have benefited. Achieving average energy savings of around one third of what they previously used is fantastic for tenants and great for the environment too.”
Positive Feedback
Residents were consulted before the work began in 2025, ensuring that their needs and concerns were taken into account. Dr Kate Morland, a Research Fellow at Leeds Beckett University, noted the positive feedback from residents. “It has been encouraging to hear residents talk so positively about the changes. Many told us their homes are more comfortable and easier to keep warm, and our monitoring showed clear reductions in electricity use,” she said. “This demonstrates how low-carbon heating upgrades can make a meaningful difference to people's daily lives.”
Looking Ahead
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, expressed his commitment to ensuring that residents can enjoy warm and comfortable homes without worrying about high bills:
“That’s why we’ve invested to retrofit more homes and reduce those costs.”
He mentioned that the upcoming Retrofit Strategy aims to focus on improving communities like Honeysuckle House.
The new heating systems at Honeysuckle House not only enhance the comfort of the residents but also contribute to a greener environment by reducing carbon emissions. With ongoing support and investment in low-carbon technologies, the future looks bright for energy efficiency in York.
