What is Retrofit?

Q: What is retrofit?

 

A: Retrofit refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiency.

 

Retrofitted homes can be easier to heat and able to retain that heat for longer. They require less energy and with the right installations, they can generate their own energy too. This means they’re better protected against energy price increases.

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Improvements might include fitting solid wall or loft insulation; installing new windows or doors; installing a low carbon heating system; draught-proofing or putting in new ventilation or solar panels. There’s loads of options available that suit your budget or needs.

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Some people retrofit their homes in stages, others in one go. We recommend taking a ‘whole-house approach’, whether you’re doing it all in one go or step-by-step.

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This means making changes in a joined-up way, considering the junctions between measures and thinking about the potential impact of works on each other and the whole home. Taking this approach can help you to avoid unintended consequences and the need for re-work.

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Q: Why retrofit your home?

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A: We’re facing two big problems, rising energy prices and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions if we’re to reach net-zero by 2050.

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Many people want to reduce the amount of energy they use in their homes to save money and take action in the fight against climate change. Retrofit is the best solution to both these issues.

In the UK, we have the leakiest homes in Europe. The In fact, our 29m homes are responsible for around 14% of greenhouse gas emissions.

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Heat is constantly leaking out through windows, doors, and uninsulated walls, making our heating systems work harder for more money and less warmth. We’re paying for wasted energy.

While any home can benefit from retrofitting, older homes usually have more problems.

Common issues include damp, condensation, draughts and lack of insulation that makes them harder to heat.

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If we retrofitted the majority of homes across the UK, it would make a huge difference in reducing our collective carbon footprint.

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Taking steps to ensure your home is easy to heat, stays warm and costs less will make it a healthier place for you and your family. Cold homes are known to worsen existing health problems, and possibly cause new ones.

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Making homes more self-sufficient, through energy-efficiency measures like insulation and renewable energy, helps to protect against rising energy costs.