We are carrying out improvements to the community heating service we provide to tenants. We have already refurbished the boiler houses and the next two stages of work involve:

• Phase 2 - Installing control equipment in each home (currently underway)
• Phase 3 - Installing heat meters (this is a proposal, subject to trials and consultation)

We have pulled together some Frequently Asked Questions about the above two pieces of work to keep tenants fully informed as the project progresses.


What does Phase 2 work involve?
Why is Phase 2 work necessary?
How long does the work take?
How disruptive is the work?
How will I know when this work is to be carried out?
What if I am unavailable when access is needed to my home?
Who do I contact about the community heating installation work?
How do I check if the engineer who is visiting my home is a genuine caller?
What is a heat meter?
Will Sheffield Homes install the heat meters?
When will the heat meter pilot scheme begin?
Will my heating cost more during the heat meter pilot scheme?

What does Phase 2 work involve?

• Replacing the stored hot water cylinder from the airing cupboard with a modern instantaneous type water heater.
• Installing a wall mounted room thermostat/controller in the hallway or other appropriate location.
• Replacing the hall radiator valve or fitting a new hall radiator.

Why is Phase 2 work necessary?

It will allow you to better control the air temperature in your home, and is also an opportunity to replace the hot water cylinder with a modern, efficient alternative.

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How long does the work take?

It should take no longer than one working day (8 hours) to complete the installation.

How disruptive is the work?

The majority of the replacement work is contained within the airing cupboard.
Typically, engineers will mainly need access to the hallway, airing cupboard, and - when commissioning the system - all radiators.
If individual radiators are leaking, the contractor will renew them; this may result in some damage to decoration for which a small grant is available when authorised by a Sheffield Homes site representative.

How will I know when this work is to be carried out?

The community heating improvement programme is a large, citywide project that will take up to two years to complete.
We will provide a detailed programme of works for individual estates. Not all community heating properties will be included in this project as some homes already have modern systems. Of the 6,000 community heating homes, 3,600 will receive improvements.

Sheffield Homes will send a letter to each tenant giving general information about the community heating improvement project. Nearer to the work starting, each tenant will receive exact details from the contractor about when they are due “on site” to carry out work.

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What if I am unavailable when access is needed to my home?

If you are not available when the contactor calls, a card will be left confirming the visit and telling you how to arrange a new appointment.

Who do I contact about the community heating installation work?

Contact the Sheffield Homes Commercial Heating Section on 2735737.

How do I check if the engineer who is visiting my home is a genuine caller?

All contractor engineers and Sheffield Homes staff will carry identification cards that can be produced on request. Please report any suspicious callers to us on 2735737.

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What is a heat meter?

A heat meter allows tenants to monitor and control heating costs. It measures the amount of heat used within an individual home. The principle is similar to an electricity or gas meter, with you being charged only for the heat you actually use.

Will Sheffield Homes install the heat meters?

We are currently assessing the benefits of installing heat meters in all community heating homes by running two pilot schemes on the Greenland and Pedly estates. Tenants involved in this will receive information as the proposal develops.

When will the heat meter pilot scheme begin?

We plan to begin this scheme in Summer 2012, although this will depend on the successful appointment of a suitable contractor. The trial will last for one year after which you will be invited to give your feedback.

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Will my heating cost more during the heat meter pilot scheme?

Although there will be changes to the current charging system, Sheffield Homes has given a commitment that tenants will not pay more during the one year pilot scheme than they are currently paying. However, tenants reduce their heat consumption and in doing so will reduce their bills and see a cash benefit.