The average internal temperature before improvements is the main guide to the level of takeback after work has been carried out. Low-income households are more likely to have resided in colder homes, creating a risk of higher takeback after improvements and thus lower energy savings. This may lead to energy efficiency programmes being targeted at more affluent households, which will provide higher measurable energy savings.

As the average temperature in low-income households before improvements is 16.5°C, the authors estimate that 30% of energy savings will be lost to takeback. For properties recording 19°C and above, the corresponding value is 20%. At the current rates of increase in household temperatures, it is calculated that it will take 15 years before efficiency programmes reach maximum savings of energy and carbon emissions.

Measures that increase radiant temperatures (e.g. double glazing) reduce the amount of takeback, as residents are more likely to feel comfortable at lower air temperatures.

Very little in-depth monitoring of improvement programmes has occurred, which means that there is a paucity of data from which to draw real-world conclusions. Energy modelling is increasingly used to estimate benefits, but this is likely to overvalue savings.