A jargon-busting whistle-stop tour of all the Retrofit essentials, with key information you might need to get started on your home energy efficiency refurb projects. Read on to explore many of the retrofit options available to you, their benefits, and things you might need to consider for each of them.
An air source heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air (even when the weather is cold) to heat your home and water.
They use electricity to run, but the heat output can be around four times the electricity input.
A ground source heat pump absorbs heat from the ground (even when the ground feels cold) to heat your home and water.
It uses electricity to run, but the heat output can be around four times the electricity input.
External wall insulation (EWI) can be used on the outside of homes with solid walls.
It means you lose less heat through your walls.
Internal wall insulation (IWI) can be used in homes with solid walls.
It means you lose less heat through your walls.
Cavity wall insulation (CWI) can be used in homes with cavity walls (the external walls of the house have a gap between two leaves of brickwork).
It means you lose less heat through your walls.
Insulation that can be rolled out in your loft (between and above ceiling joists) to reduce the amount of heat lost through the ceiling.
Insulation that can be fitted under suspended timber or solid floors to reduce the amount of heat lost through the floor.
Replacing single glazing or old double glazing with new double or triple glazed windows and doors can reduce heat loss and draughts.
We generate a lot of moisture in the home through cooking, washing and breathing.
This moisture often escapes through gaps and cracks around the home (draughts).