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SAVING ENERGY AT HOME

What is a home retrofit?

 

Make your home more energy efficient

A home retrofit aims to improve the energy efficiency of a home by making it easier to heat up and better at retaining heat. It also considers renewable energy options to heat and power your home, which could mean significant savings on energy bills over the long-term and help you to live more sustainably.

What are the benefits of a home retrofit?

a warmer, energy- efficient home

Home_a warmer_efficient home

Improving insulation and reducing heat loss will not only make it easier to heat your home but could also help to keep it warmer for longer.

Taking steps to reduce or remove cold, damp and mould will help improve air quality in your home and could have a positive impact your health as well.

 

lower energy bills

The heating system of a poorly insulated home will have to work harder and could cost you more to run.

Reducing how much heat your home wastes makes sense for your pocket and the planet.

 

a healthier environment

Home_SolarPanel_electric_car

Residential property is responsible for around 16% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. These emissions come from the energy taken to heat and power our houses.

Making our homes more energy efficient is often one of the most effective ways for individuals to help address climate change.

 

Meeting legal requirements

Owners of Buy to Let properties owner must meet  minimum standards for EPC ratings to allow you to legally rent properties. Currently band E or above, under proposed legislation, this could become more stringent as soon as 2025 rising to band C or above.

  • A warmer, energy-efficient home

    Home_a warmer_efficient home

    Improving insulation and reducing heat loss will not only make it easier to heat your home but could also help to keep it warmer for longer.

    Taking steps to reduce or remove cold, damp and mould will help improve air quality in your home and could have a positive impact your health as well.

     

  • Lower energy bills

    The heating system of a poorly insulated home will have to work harder and could cost you more to run.

    Reducing how much heat your home wastes makes sense for your pocket and the planet.

     

  • A healthier environment

    Home_SolarPanel_electric_car

    Residential property is responsible for around 16% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. These emissions come from the energy taken to heat and power our houses.

    Making our homes more energy efficient is often one of the most effective ways for individuals to help address climate change.

     

  • Meeting legal requirements

    Owners of Buy to Let properties must meet  minimum standards for EPC ratings to allow you to legally rent properties. Currently band E or above, under proposed legislation, this could become more stringent as soon as 2025 rising to band C or above.

     

Source: homebuilding.co.uk, October 2021, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, February 2022.

Retrofitting for different UK property types

We've identified some of the most common types of property in the UK and suggested how you could make them more energy efficient. Even if you don’t find your exact property type, the tips can apply to many different types of homes. You should speak with a qualified expert to understand the changes you could make to your home.

Here at Coutts, we’re currently trialling a new Greener Home Service, working with global sustainability consultancy Anthesis. It provides expert, impartial advice from retrofit assessors, and support to those looking to make their homes more eco-friendly. It’s not yet widely available to clients, but if you have a mortgage with Coutts and would like to get involved in the pilot, speak to your private banker. 

  • Pre-1919 Victorian mid-terrace

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    Typical EPC rating without improvements:  D or E

    For this type of home, the main suggestion will be to start with insulation. Whether in the loft, walls, or floors, older buildings can be draughty so it’s important to keep the warmth in. Windows can also be improved to reduce heat loss with double or secondary glazing and draught-proofing. Upgrading to a modern high-efficiency gas boiler and smart heating controls will reduce the energy needed to heat the home and water. Solar panels and solar heating are a more sustainable way to generate energy. Or if you’re looking for an easier first step then swap to low-energy lightbulbs.

    It's usually possible to move properties like this to an EPC rating of C or B.

    What are the most commonly listed recommendations for this type of property and their potential improvements to energy efficiency?

    • Solar panels: up to 43% per year.
    • Wall insulation: up to 24% per year.
    • Low-energy lighting: up to 4% per year.
    • Floor insulation; up to 13% per year.

    Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.

  • Mid-century detached

    959118656

    Typical EPC rating without improvements: range of B – E

    Advice will tend to rely heavily on the construction type, particularly of when it comes to your walls. If the walls are solid brick or unfilled cavity, then it is important to consider insulation. Also consider insulating the loft and don’t forget about improving the windows.

    More modern houses with double glazing, filled cavity walls and insulated lofts don’t lose as much heat, so focus more on how to bring energy into the house. Upgrading to a modern high-efficiency gas boiler and smart heating controls will reduce the energy needed to heat the home and water. For lower carbon emissions, solar panels and even heat pumps could be suitable for homes like this.

    It's generally possible to move properties like this to an EPC rating of between C to A.

    What are the most commonly listed recommendations for this type of property and their potential improvements to energy efficiency?

    • Solar panels: up to 43% per year.
    • Floor insulation; up to 13% per year.
    • Wall insulation: up to 24% per year.
    • Low-energy lighting: up to 4% per year.

    Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.

     

  • Modern semi-detached

    115947616

    More modern properties, particularly those built since the 1990s tend to have more insulation to keep the heat in.  Typical EPC rating without improvements: would be C or B)

    With a newer building you don’t generally have to worry so much about insulation, glazing, or the boiler, however it is always worth checking what insulation is in place. To reduce your carbon impact and monthly electricity costs you could look to solar panels and solar heating. If the property is well insulated, installing a heat pump may well be an option. If you want to start quickly, look to switch to low-energy lighting. 

    It's possible to move properties like this to an EPC rating of between C to A.

    What are the most commonly listed recommendations for this type of property and their potential improvements to energy efficiency?

    • Solar panels: up to 43% per year.
    • Solar heating: up to 22% per year.
    • Low energy lighting: up to 4% per year.

    Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.

     

  • Converted flat (1920–1945)

    Typical EPC rating without improvements: range of C - E

    Make sure to keep the heat inside your flat with wall insulation and draught-proofing measures around windows and doors. Perhaps consider double or secondary glazing. Swap to low-energy lighting for some extra savings that won't cost much up front. Investing in heating controls such as a thermostatic radiator valves could lower your energy usage further. Replace your boiler if it is old and inefficient.

    It's usually possible to move properties like this to an EPC rating of C.

    What are the most commonly listed recommendations for this type of property and their potential improvements to energy efficiency?

    • Wall insulation: up to 24% per year.
    • Low energy lighting: up to 4% per year.
    • Replacing single glazed windows with double glazing: up to 13%.

    Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.

  • Mid-terrace (1945–1954)

    1398288886

    Typical EPC rating without improvements: D or E.

    Insulation should be first option to consider; loft insulation is an easy and cost-effective measure which can be fitted with minimal effort. Effective glazing - whether double or secondary – and draught exclusion can reduce heating loss and make your house feel toastier for longer.

    If your boiler is old there will be more efficient replacements available. Smart heating controls could help save additional energy. Investing in solar heating and solar panels could save you money in the long run and is better for the environment. And for an extra energy savings boost you could switch to sustainable lightbulbs.

    It's generally possible to move properties like this to an EPC rating of C or B.

    If you are renting to tenants, you must ensure your property meets minimum standards for EPC ratings to allow you to legally rent properties. Currently band E or above, under proposed legislation, this could be rising to band C or above in a few years’ time.

    What are the most commonly listed recommendations for this type of property and how much energy could these improvements save?

    • Solar panels: up to 43% per year.
    • Solar heating: up to 22% per year.
    • Low energy lighting: up to 4% per year.
    • Solid Floor Insulation; up to 12% per year.

    Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.

  • Historic buildings and those in conservation areas

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    If your home is a historic or listed building, or located in a conservation area of special architectural or historical interest, it is likely you will need planning permission for retrofit measures and may be limited in terms of what measures can be taken to improve the energy efficiency of your property.

    While lighter touch interventions such as installing low-energy lighting, loft insulation, secondary glazing, or draught-proofing are unlikely to require permissions, more disruptive changes will need to ensure these don’t detract from what is unique about the property and wider conservation area. There are still multiple options which can be considered. For older, listed buildings, the Historic England guidance How to Improve Energy Efficiency sets out a ‘whole building approach’ which details the various aspects which need to be considered.

    If your home is listed building or in a conservation area, a great next step may be to schedule a property energy survey by a qualified Retrofit Energy Assessor. Undertaking a survey that is more detailed than an EPC is a great next step to help you decide which energy efficiency improvements to make to your home and get practical advice on the challenges.

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You can also learn more about what options may be appropriate for your property at the government sponsored website gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency, which covers a few simple steps you could take and lets you see your home’s EPC rating based on previous surveys.

Top questions about home retrofits answered

  • What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

    An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, is a measure of the energy efficiency of a building. They were brought into force by the UK government in 2007 and any residential or commercial properties that go on sale, or are let out, must produce a certificate when marketed (there are a few exemptions).  Certificates are valid for 10 years from when they are issued.

    Properties are rated from A-G with A being the most energy efficient rating and G being the least efficient. An EPC will show both the current rating, and a potential rating – as well as an indication of the steps which can be completed by the property owner to reach the potential rating.

    For England & Wales over 19 million domestic EPCs are available for public view on the Government's Landmark database. Scottish EPCs can be accessed on the Scottish Register. 

  • How much does a home retrofit cost?

    The cost will be determined by the type of improvements you make. Preventing draughts can be fairly cheap, and perhaps something you could tackle yourself.  Whereas a heat pump is a bigger investment and will need a professional installer. 

  • How long does it take to retrofit a house?

    The time really depends on the size of the job. Single items, like loft insulation, could be done in a day. When you start to add other measures, or more complex ones, it adds to the overall time. Professional fitters should be able to give you a clear answer based on what you want them to do.

  • Will a retrofit increase the value of my home?

    Having an energy efficient home is certainly desirable, especially when energy bills are high. And potential buyers may be on the lookout for homes with a high Energy Performance Certificate rating.

  • In what order should I make changes to my home?

    The Centre for Sustainable Energy (2022) recommends a three step process for a home retrofit:

    (1) Reduce the energy your home uses

    (2) Improve its energy efficiency and then

    (3) Look at renewable alternatives to heat and power your home.

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