Retrofitting allows you to transform old and inefficient houses into energy-efficient and cost-friendly buildings without damaging the original structures. Enhancing insulation, changing to efficient heating systems, and replacing windows are all examples of retrofitting.
In this guide, we will discuss various retrofits for old houses for energy efficiency, their benefits, and how you can get a reliable retrofitting service in the UK.
What Is Retrofitting?
Extending or modifying an old building to improve its market value, comfort, and efficiency is known as retrofitting. Instead of altering the original architecture, building retrofitting uses modern innovations to make it future-proof.
Whether it is from upgrading your boiler, improving insulation, or installing non-fossil solutions, retrofitting turns a house into a valuable, efficient, and more comfortable living space. The government of the UK has also introduced a grant facility to help people affordably upgrade their old houses.
How does retrofitting turn your old home into a modern, energy-efficient space?
Retrofitting houses for energy efficiency includes a variety of home improvement practices, like:
Home insulation
Home insulation is the process of reducing heat loss in order to lower heating and cooling costs. A recent study discovered that around 55% of the UK homes follow the insulation standards of Historic England Energy Efficiency. This makes it evident that significant action must be taken to raise the UK's total energy efficiency.
Home insulation includes:
- roof insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation
- exterior insulating
Replacing gas with electric
Carbon dioxide is released by gas and oil-powered home appliances in large quantities, endangering the atmosphere. You can replace these electrics and contribute to environmental stability by retrofitting. Examples of replacing electric solutions with fossil fuel-based systems include the following:
- Installing an electric heating system or air-source heat pumps for a gas-based water heating system.
- favouring electric stoves
- Houses can use renewable energy sources by adding solar panels and a battery.
Energy conservation
Energy conservation refers to the energy efficiency measures taken to limit energy consumption in your home.
This is primarily to save both money and environmental safety. Using energy-efficient LED bulbs in place of incandescent ones, smart appliances, and effective heating and cooling systems will help you achieve this.
Other important retrofitting forms
- Seismic Retrofitting: making buildings more earthquake-resistant.
- Warehouse Retrofitting: improving storage systems and infrastructures using automated solutions.
- Green Retrofitting: using less carbon-emitting systems.
All of these retrofitting practices make your living space well-insulated, efficient, and energy-saving while respecting the originality of your beloved house.
UK Government Grants for all retrofitting solutions
The government grants are funds given by the UK government to those in need so they can live in more energy-efficient homes. Here's an overview of all grants provided by the UK government to retrofit buildings for energy efficiency.
| Grant Category | Approximate Funds |
|---|---|
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | £7,500 |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant | allocated £1.29 billion |
| Retrofit West | £20,000 |
| ECO4 | £4 billion |
What are the advantages of retrofitting?
Retrofitting is a home improvement solution that gives your old house a new life using advanced technologies. Here's why it is much needed in every old UK home:
Reduced energy bills
By upgrading to improved insulation and efficient heating solutions, the average energy consumption is reduced. This significantly reduces your energy cost and prevents you from paying high energy bills.
Lower carbon emissions
Removing fossil-based systems will reduce carbon emissions, which will make the air less polluted. This is one of the primary benefits of retrofitting, which helps achieve the UK climate goals.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Issues like dampness, mold, condensation, and moisture can easily get fixed by implementing retrofitting. This also makes your space more comfortable and attractive.
Improve EPC (energy performance certificate) rating.
Retrofitting increases the EPC rating by meeting all criteria of efficiency. You will automatically save money on your electricity connection and boost energy efficiency if you have a valid EPC certificate.
Extended building lifespan
Retrofitting brings a new soul to old buildings. Enhancing insulation and reducing heat loss will cut house expenses, resulting in extending the building's life.
Higher resale value
A retrofitted building will have eco heating for old houses, leading to significantly lower heating bills. This will increase the market value of your building for both landlords and tenants.
How can you obtain efficient retrofitting at an affordable price?
UKGBC's (UK Green Building Council) carbon roadmap has shown that houses are responsible for a huge carbon emission. Almost two-thirds of the nation's houses have EPC ratings of D. To improve it, you must retrofit your home if you have an old building. By 2025, it is expected that around 29 million homes will have been retrofitted.
You can get efficient retrofitting with all home solutions through Fixasavvy. We offer expert retrofitting at affordable prices. Not only this, we can also apply for government grants on your behalf to get any new installation at a reasonable cost. Our platform prioritises clients' needs and ensures their satisfaction at all costs.
Transform your old, inefficient, and high-bill-generating residence into a modern, comfortable, efficient building. Schedule a meeting with us to receive expert retrofitting services.
Conclusion
Energy-efficient renovation of older homes is the most ideal way to honor the planet and preserve the ecosystem. This will lower energy expenses by lowering the nation's overall energy usage. As a result, the nation's overall energy usage will decrease, which will reduce energy prices. Retrofitting for energy efficiency can improve your living standards and make your house valuable. Expert retrofitting services are available when you meet professional service providers like FixSavvy. Upgrade your home now to have a cost-effective and environmentally friendly residence.
FAQs
How to improve energy efficiency in a home in the UK?
By implementing solutions like:
- Replacing windows and doors.
- Installing secondary glazing.
- Using energy-efficient lighting.
- insulating your loft or walls.
- Adding draught proofing.
What is the retrofit scheme in the UK?
It is known as the £8 million Warm Homes Skills Programme, which is running until July 2026.
What is the energy efficiency of housing in the UK?
In 2023, the average energy efficiency of English properties was 67.2.
What is the most energy-efficient house in the UK?
New buildings of the houses in Hounslow had an energy efficiency score of 90.
How is most energylost from homes?
Your home's walls, windows, and doors can lose about 38% of their heat due to cracks.