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Retrofitting is one of the most important ways we can make all homes energy-efficient, and will soon become an extremely crucial part of the sustainable construction industry. Energy-efficiency is incredibly important when it comes to making the world more green, especially as we transition to using renewable energy. This won’t happen overnight, so we need to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used as much as we possibly can. If you want to make your home more energy-efficient, retrofitting is one of the best things you can invest in. But what is retrofit, and what does it involve?
What is retrofitting?
Retrofitting often involves adding new technology to older systems, or in terms of housing, to older homes. When a lot of older homes were built, the technology that is used to make modern homes energy-efficient was not available - which means that these homes are not efficient by modern standards. Making your home energy efficient not only helps the planet, but also helps your wallet, as you could save hundreds on your energy bills.
Retrofitting often involves methods such as many different forms of insulation installation, such as cavity wall, internal and external wall insulation, and under floor insulation. Insulation will help keep heat inside your home and stop it from escaping, meaning that it will take less energy to heat your home. Retrofitting can also include double-glazing or triple-glazing doors and windows, adding modern heating and water systems, and installing solar panels. All of these renovation methods help your home to become more energy-efficient, and reduce the amount of energy your home needs to stay warm - which is essential now that we’re fast approaching winter!
How does retrofitting work?
Many people choose to have retrofit work done while they’re renovating a room, such as the kitchen or living room. However, if you want to make your home more energy-efficient, you can choose to have your home specifically retrofitted. The main form of retrofit is through insulation, as that is one of the most effective ways to ensure that heat doesn’t leave your home. Investing in under floor insulation, cavity wall insulation, and loft insulation are cost-effective ways to retrofit your home, and make your home more energy-efficient. Unless your home was built in the last 5 years, there is always room for improvement when it comes to making a house energy-efficient.
The main goal of retrofit is to make your home and appliances more energy-efficient, by making sure either less energy is used (insulation, triple-glazing) or incorporating renewable energy to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels (solar panels, heat pumps.) Large-scale retrofit is essential if we want to make all homes energy-efficient to be able to protect the planet in the future. A lot of modern homes are already built with this technology, but old homes will need retrofit work in order to keep them up to standards. Retrofitting can transform how much money that you spend on your energy bills, and also helps your household contribute to a net zero future.
Is retrofitting worth it?
Retrofitting can be well-worth it, depending on the type of your home and how much you normally spend on your energy bills. If you have a more modern home, a full-scale retrofit may not be needed just yet, as many modern homes are built with double glazing and insulation. However, solar panelling and heat pumps may be something to consider if you want to cut your energy bills down and make your home a lot greener!
However, if you have an older home, retrofitting your house could be very lucrative and beneficial to your finances! American homes that have retrofit work done can save $2000 on average each year - which is a fantastic return on investment when it comes to your home. Saving this amount of money on your energy bills could transform your finances and quality of life! On average, retrofit projects pay off in-between 6-7 years.
Retrofitting work could also make your home have more value on the property market - recently, a study in the UK found that on average, retrofitting adds £24,766 to your home’s value! This means that you could very easily get your money back if you decide to make your home energy-efficient, meaning that there are both financial and ecological positives to retrofit!However, there is one final benefit that is sometimes not mentioned when it comes to retrofitting - the health benefits. Houses that do not have insulation, triple-glazing and other retrofit work are more prone to developing damp, which can significantly reduce your indoor air quality. Installing retrofit work that protects your home’s structural integrity and prevents damp and mould could significantly improve the air inside your home - and your lungs will thank you for it.
How crucial will retrofitting be in the future?
Retrofitting is set to increase in popularity over the next couple of years, especially in countries that are a part of the Paris Climate Agreement. The Paris Climate Agreement has set out guidelines that each country needs to follow in order to get the world to significantly reduce its carbon emissions by 2050. In order to slash these emissions, making homes and public buildings energy-efficient will be essential in order to reach these targets. Retrofitting will become an essential part of making the world sustainable - as well as saving you money, and improving your health.
Should I invest in retrofitting my home?
If you’re thinking of investing in retrofit for your home, make sure that you do all the necessary preparation and research to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Firstly, you should be making sure that a retrofit assessor comes to your home and suggests the best forms of retrofit for your home, that will actually make your home energy-efficient. After all, there is no use getting retrofit work done if it won’t actually make your home more efficient with its energy use! Furthermore, ensure that the provider you choose has all the necessary retrofit qualifications, such as being PAS 2035 accredited. This means that you will be choosing the best retrofit work you can, and will ensure that your home remains energy efficient.
There are many benefits when it comes to retrofitting your home - anyone who cares about saving the planet from climate change should definitely consider getting retrofit work done to their house. It could also save your wallet and your health!