Why improve the energy efficiency of your home?
What are energy efficiency improvements?
Energy efficiency improvements are when an existing property is upgraded to help it use less energy, such as installing renewables and insulation. This helps to cut down on the amount of energy used to heat, cool or power the building, reducing bills and improving comfort.
Adding energy efficiency measures to your home while you carry out other home improvements, like redoing a kitchen or bathroom, is a great way to minimise the cost and disruption of upgrading your home.
Why improve your homes energy efficiency?
Making your home more energy efficient can help to lower your energy bills, make your home warmer and more comfortable, make your home healthier through improved indoor air quality and reduce your carbon footprint.
Britain’s 28 million existing homes are responsible for around 15% of the UK’s carbon emissions, according to the Committee for Climate Change. This is a major obstacle to hitting the government’s net zero climate goals. To reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, energy-efficient retrofits will need to be undertaken on the UK’s existing buildings at scale.
What are some typical energy efficiency measures?
Measures can range from small activities such as fitting energy-efficient light bulbs to installing state of the art heating systems. Energy efficiency measures include:
- Loft insulation
- Wall insulation (external / internal / cavity)
- Under floor insulation
- Double or triple glazed window and doors
- Improved ventilation design
- Reducing draughts, primarily around windows and doors
- More efficient heating and hot water systems
- Installing heat pumps or solar panels
Does my home need improving?
Most homes have room for improvement! If your property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), this can be a good place to start to see where improvements can be made. EPCs will give you an idea of how your home is performing and suggest relevant upgrade measures. Find your energy certificate – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What are the benefits?
Improving your home’s energy efficiency can radically improve your comfort, energy use and subsequent carbon footprint, improve your health and reduce your bills.
Individual homes or building owners can contact their local Community Energy Group for advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient, healthier and more comfortable.
See some examples of people who have carried out retrofit projects in their homes
Is financial assistance available to me?
The cost of installing energy efficiency measures will vary depending on the size, age and existing thermal properties of your house. Ultimately, what you pay as part of a retrofit should be recouped in long-term energy savings.
You can find out more about various funding options by visiting: Grant Funding
See how other people have improved the energy efficiency of their homes
