‘Retrofitting of buildings is the targeted control of energy loss in domestic buildings via qualitative or quantitative assessment.’
Did you know that any home built before 1990 is considered an old building and is therefore thermally inefficient?
The construction world has been talking about retrofitting homes for decades, but the subject is becoming more frequently discussed as the issue of climate change becomes more desperate. Much of the housing stock in the UK is losing heat through poor glazing, uninsulated walls and lofts, and draughts in all kinds of places. All of these push your energy bills skywards together with old heating systems. Now not everyone has huge amounts available to pay on a deep retrofit. However, the great thing with a retrofit project is that an energy-saving plan can be designed to guide you on how to update your home most effectively.
Retrofitting of buildings – How and when do you do it?
Retrofitting a building is the renovation or refurbishment of an existing building where the opportunity is taken to improve the energy performance of a structure by incorporating new high performing material. Retrofit looks at modifications to existing buildings that improve energy efficiency and decrease the energy demand.
We always start with a fabric first approach, then the services and lastly consider renewables. This is the correct practical approach and offers the best value to our clients.
Getting retrofit right is a complicated business, but this is when Eco Tiffin can help as we are qualified Retrofit Coordinators and understand the complicated calculations. You'll hear us talking about thermal conductivity, U-values, thermal bridges, space heating, airtightness, and so much more. You could be losing a lot of energy and consequently heat, but first, establish where this is occurring. Before a retrofit commences, we advise clients to carry out an energy assessment (qualitative or quantitative) as this gives greater insight and provides more accurate data. With this information, we can demonstrate how to make possible energy demand savings in the future in real cost.
However, some clients don't like to go into so much detail and are happy to look at the more obvious practical steps such as insulation and draught-proofing, controlled ventilation and a modern heating system (qualitative). This method is also acceptable as every home is different, and each depends on individual requirements, so we must listen to our clients and provide the correct solutions for the age of the property, it’s occupancy and usage to maximum benefit and added value.
Retrofitting can be undertaken at any time, but often it works out more cost-effective to do it when carrying out other refurbishments or extension works or repair and maintenance works, so we will always recommend this.
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